How to break the news of your resignation? What to say?
When it’s time to resign from your existing job, how do you plan to go about informing those concerned — be it your manager or your team members? Do you plan to complain about your job, give them a half-baked story, blame it on the stars, or just leave with saying a word? Incidentally, there’s a right way to go about the process, and you’ll learn about it in no time.
This video focuses on all that you need to do to ensure that your departure from your existing role and organization is as smooth as possible.
Bidding your professional good byes in the right manner is important because the world, after all, is a small place. How would you feel then, if your existing manager is the one interviewing you for a very important role 10 years down the line?
You’re Not the First
Having to deal with leaving an organization can be a daunting task. However, you need to realize that many have walked this path before you, and many will even in the future. If you’re worried about your manager’s adverse reaction, understand that this is a fairly routine aspect of professional life. Besides, there’s a possibility that your manager already has some inkling about your plans.
How Do You Feel About Your Existing Job?
If you like your existing role and the organization, informing your boss about your decision to resign can seem challenging, but it needs to be done. If you don’t like, or even hate, your existing job, the task might seem a tad simpler. However, you stand to gain near nothing by being negative in your approach, other than a bad reference letter. Besides, alienating a former employer is never a good idea, and you ought to leave as gracefully as possible.
Request to Meet In-Person
Professional etiquette suggests that you request your manager for a one-to-one meeting where you may discuss your resignation. This makes room for dialogue that can touch upon your reasons for leaving as well as what you might need to do for a smooth transition. You should ideally schedule this meeting in a way that gives your employer adequate time to prepare for your departure.
What to Say
No matter what circumstances surround your resignation, try to maintain a positive approach. While you might feel uncomfortable about answering some questions, you simply need to prod forward. Try to cover as many of these aspects when discussing your resignation with your boss.
Express gratitude. Be thankful about all the opportunities and learning that have come your way because of your current role.
Mention the reason. There’s a good chance your manager will ask you why you wish to leave, so it’s best to address this aspect on your own. Reasons can vary from getting a better opportunity, relocating to a new place, going back to school, or even improving your work-life balance. For all you know, the solution you seek might be closer than you’ve imagined. If you don’t wish to mention the name of your new employer, say you’re not at liberty to do so at the moment.
Offer to help with the transition. Offer to help with the transition if you feel it might be required. This can come in the form of completing all your existing projects, identifying suitable candidates, and training someone else to take on your role.
Notice and date of leaving. Typically, a two-week notice period is sufficient, unless your agreement requires otherwise. Provide an anticipated date of leaving as well.
Dealing With the Aftermath
You cannot predict what will happen after you inform your manager about your desire to resign.
Your manager doesn’t want you to leave. If you’re unsure about wanting to leave after talking with your manager, ask for some time to rethink. If you decide to stay back, prepare to commit staying back for a predetermined time period.
Your manager wants you to stay for longer. There is a possibility that your manager might ask you to stay back for longer to help with the transition. You need to think about this in all earnest, especially if you already have a joining date.
You are asked to leave immediately. Yes, this happens too. In case your manager is very disgruntled by your decision, he or she might ask you to pack your belongings straightaway. In this case, you might lose all forms of electronic access with immediate effect too.
Telling Your Team
Common knowledge suggests that you should steer clear of telling team members about your decision to resign until you have informed your superiors. Even in case you have friends in your team, bear in mind that your main professional relationship is with your employer. Once you’ve told your manager, sharing the news with your team members can follow. Just how many details you wish to divulge is your prerogative.
Remember that you need to remain strong when discussing your resignation with your manager. If required, don’t shy away from giving generic answers. Steer clear from negativity at all costs. Display gratitude. At the end of the day, you also need to be prepared to move on. However, bear in mind that this might not be the end of your professional relationship, and that your paths might cross again.
