Mastering Your Exit: 10 Steps for Resigning from Your Job

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

I’ve been seeing some articles recently about “rage applying”. It’s when a person is so fed up with their current work situation that they just start applying everywhere in the hopes that they’ll find something – anything – better than what they have. 

While rage applying might get you a new job, one of the downsides can be job seeker regret. Especially if someone handles their resignation poorly. Even if the organization is terrible and your manager is a jerk, it’s important to resign the right way. That doesn’t mean you can’t be honest and authentic. Remember – you’re initiating the resignation. So, think through how you want it to happen. Here are ten things to consider:

Think about the reason you’re going to use. There are lots of reasons a person resigns. It could be pay, benefits, the company, your manager, the commute, etc. The company is going to ask you why, so think about the top 1-2 points you would like to communicate. Be selective and strategic in your response.Write a resignation letter. At some point, the company will expect formal documentation that you’re planning to leave. It’s possible to give verbal notice then follow-up with a letter. Resignation letters do not have to be long and they do not have to contain specific details. Give proper notice. Whatever your company says is proper notice (i.e., two weeks, three weeks, a month), give it. Your new employer should not ask you  not to  give proper notice. They would expect you to give them proper notice if you left them, so provide the same courtesy to your current employer. Be prepared to leave. Some organizations will ask people in highly competitive roles to leave the day they give notice (common example: sales representatives). It’s not personal, they ask it of everyone. Chances are you have already witnessed this around the workplace. If you’re in one of those roles, be prepared.Don’t expect a counter-offer. It’s possible (but highly unlikely) that your company will beg you to stay and give you a counteroffer. There is a plethora of reasons why companies shouldn’t give counteroffers and why you shouldn’t accept one. The best strategy is not to expect one. Find out about benefits and final paychecks. While you’re still there, find out about final pay checks and expenses, 401(k) plans, and health insurance (COBRA). Many HR departments have some sort of FAQ that they provide exiting employees with this information.Participate in an exit interview. If the company asks you to do an exit interview, do it. But this is where #1 is important. Know what you’re going to say about your work experience, your manager, and the company. There’s a way to be truthful without creating animosity.Help your replacement. If the company hires your replacement (or designates a couple of co-workers to handle your work), be helpful and show them what needs to be done. They will not be like you and do things like you. But remember, you’re leaving. You’ve done a good job and you should want them to be successful.Return all company property. I know this seems obvious, but I’ve seen exiting employees use this as a way to ‘get back’ at the company. If you have computer or phone equipment, return it in good condition. Make sure that the company gets any keys or badges. If you have concerns about the company claiming you didn’t return something, ask for a receipt.Keep the door open to return. Even if you’re angry with your employer, there could be a great opportunity that you’d be perfect for that doesn’t involve your current manager or co-workers.  

Resigning can be an exciting and stressful time. You’re trying to wrap up things at one job and start another. Resigning the right way allows you to focus on your new opportunity. It also sends the message to your co-workers and the rest of the organization that you wish them well. 

Image captured by Sharlyn Lauby while exploring the streets of Chicago, IL

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