10 Must-read Tips For A Smooth Resignation
Quitting your job brings up all the feels. One second, you’re feeling liberated, empowered and incredibly optimistic and the next you’re doubting your decision, worrying about the potential backlash and guilt-ridden over letting people down. As job postings continue to grow in the recreation, tourism and hospitality industries we will likely begin to see even more movement within our networks. So how can you resign smoothly and on good terms?
When faced with my most recent resignation, I pondered this question in detail. As an achievement-oriented personality type, I wanted to know if there was a best way to do it that could minimize friction. In my search for answers, I read blogs and articles on the topic and spoke with women in my network to come up with a game plan. This extra level of detailed planning worked and sure enough, this recent resignation was seamless and stress-free. I wanted to share some of these takeaways both as a former manager and employee, to help aid you in your next departure.
Ask for LinkedIn recommendations before you wrap up. This way your manager and colleagues will be less likely to ignore or ghost you after you leave. It also shows prospective employers at a glance on LinkedIn that you left on good terms. Of course, returning the favour always helps for motivation as well.
Give more than enough notice (if possible). Originally, I planned to give two weeks as required but a wise woman encouraged me to give three weeks. The reason? You have an extra week to get everything in order and let your nervous system start to reset, rather than stressing about cramming wrapping up into two weeks. This goes a long way with leaving a positive impression.
Stay engaged until the end and don’t check out. We’ve all had those colleagues that are mentally checked out long before they officially resign or suddenly seem to stop caring once their notice is in. I’ve seen this all too often as a manager and it can really taint a reference check or even a friendship if an employee leaves you hanging.
Connect with anyone you want to keep in touch with before you leave. This is especially important if you’re working in an industry where your network of contacts is important, such as sales. Make sure you’re adding clients to LinkedIn and ensuring you have contact details of old colleagues you may want to keep in touch with.
Do a warm handoff of any clients. The industry is small and you want to stay on good terms and show you’re leaving with your head held high and providing a high level of service to the end. You never know which past clients or peers may consider you for a future job opportunity.
Prepare an offboarding doc. This should outline everything you were responsible for as there are often lots your manager may not realize. Make sure you include recommendations for the position itself or even ideas you had to improve the company. This leaves a “wow” factor and really solidifies your value.
Stay strong in your decision. They may suggest you instead consider a leave or try to offer you more to keep you, but ask yourself would it really change anything? You’ve had enough certainty of your decision to enter into this conversation and often a slight change of responsibilities or increase in pay merely delays the inevitable.
Keep your reason for leaving open-ended. While you may be unhappy, try to focus on the positive. Hopefully by this point, your employer is aware of your concerns and not surprised. While it’s important, to be honest on why you’re leaving, that feedback is best shared in an exit interview or survey to avoid tension in your final weeks.
Work on documenting your accomplishments. This should ideally be done before you leave and all throughout your career, as it’s easy to forget all you’ve done. While something as simple as a note in your phone works, there are more formal solutions for this like HypeDocs.
Remember that evidence matters. Have you had some excellent performance reviews, positive customer survey scores or even email feedback? Send them to yourself so you can remind both yourself and future employers of your value. Any non-confidential work samples should be downloaded as well.
Walking away from something that doesn’t work for you will always be scary, but it is also empowering. You’ll find by considering your own needs as well as your employers, clients and colleagues, you’ll be better set up to maintain positive relationships down the road. If you’re not sure whether quitting is the right decision, don’t rush it. Read through my article on Is it Worth it to Stay or Go? to support you in making your decision.