How to resign professionally

Are you considering changing roles? Perhaps you are dissatisfied with your current position, have found an alternative job or would just like a change of careers. Resigning can be quite stressful either way.

It might seem like a simple task but managing the process effectively is important to maintain a good reputation within your industry.

Here are some top tips on how to successfully resign without ruining working relationships.

Re-read your contract

Before resigning, you should re-read your contract to find out the company’s policies on resigning. You will need to check the required notice period. A notice period is there to help the business through the transition period of you leaving and the on-boarding of someone new. You may be required to do a detailed handover to your team so that they can take on any work you might have outstanding, or you may be asked to train up your replacement to integrate them fully into the business before you leave.

Face-to-face value

Giving your manager your notice in person and following up with a letter is the most professional way of going about handing your notice in. This shows that you have a good working relationship and that you respect the company and your manager.

Gratitude

When discussing your resignation with your manager, make sure you thank them for the experience and opportunities you have had in your role. Without this role you may not have been successful with obtaining your new role.

End on a positive note

Avoid speaking negatively about your role to your current employers, your future employer or on social media. Even though you are leaving, you wouldn’t want this information getting back to your line manager or the company you worked for.

If you are asked why you are leaving, the best way to answer is to say that “you are looking for a better opportunity.”

Do not become slack in your day-to-day duties

Once you have given in your notice, it is important to stick to ‘business-as-usual.’ Remember that your future employer will require a reference from your current employer so it's important to maintain your work ethic up until the very end. If necessary, ensure you provide your colleagues with a full hand-over of any outstanding work to prepare your team during the transitional period between you leaving and someone else starting.

When discussing your resignation with your manager, make sure you thank them for the experience and opportunities you have had in your role. Without this role you may not have been successful with obtaining your new role.

Ensuring you will receive a glowing reference

Your current employer will request recommendations from your previous workplaces. Before you leave, ask your manager if they will be happy to be asked for a reference. This will show that you have valued your time in your role.

Resigning is an inevitable event within full-time employment. It is therefore key to know how to deal with handing in your resignation in the best way.

Contact us to find out more about resigning professionally from your role.