How to Resign Professionally

There may be millions of reasons why it’s time for you to leave your current position.

One suggestion for you is to do it professionally! You may ask why? Don’t allow your emotional response, good or bad situation to take over your exit.

The US standard for employment in most professions is giving a 2-week written notice even if you have spoken to your manager or HR by video, phone or in person. The 2-week notice is notice is not legal required, it’s a guideline.

When you were hired you were hired for your professionalism, skills and expertise. Your exit is a career move. Your exit can leave a bad impression about you regardless of your professionalism, skills and expertise. Regardless of what industry or company you go to, someone may know about you through a connection! Word of mouth does spread about how good or bad you are. It’s rare that word of mouth doesn’t spread about you in places you never thought you would hear about your conduct. Don’t burn bridges, you may need them!

How to resign professionally Do’s

Think about what you want to say and put your thoughts in writing. Review your writing, think over what you want to say more than once. Try to be positive!
The reason for leaving is personal. You don’t have to share why you’re leaving with your manager or HR.
Make an appointment with your manager or HR regarding “an important matter” your resignation.
Don’t talk to your co-workers or clients regarding your resignation before your talk with your manager or HR.
When you do talk soon to be former co-workers be consistent with your exit story
If you’re working remotely or a contact employee, make an appointment with your manager or HR regarding your resignation. Writing a letter of resignation is important.
Timing is important. If possible, don’t schedule leaving near an important deadline, project or event.

Be positive and considerate.
Don’t rant or be negative (even if you’re justified) stay professional.
You want to have an orderly and positive transition. You should maintain your relationship with former co-workers as well
Thank your manager or employer for the opportunity and support you were given.
Leave a positive impression. It goes further than you know!
Don’t burn bridges, you may need them!

The Resign Don’ts’s

If you’re not leaving for an emergency or in physical danger, you shouldn’t just walk out of the job.
If you’re giving less than 2 weeks’ notice, you don’t look professional.
Don’t talk with co-workers or clients regarding your resignation before speaking with your manager or HR.
Talking to co-workers or managers about going to a competitive company before your departure date. You don’t want your departure to be gossip going to your manager or HR!
When talking with your manager/HR regarding your resignation be consistent with your details.
When talking to co-workers regarding your resignation be consistent with your details.
Don’t take your resignation as an opportunity to be negative or tear apart others in the company.
Ranting, being negative about the manager, employer or others may speed up your exit. You may be escorted out, computer and phones turned off even on the day of your agreed on departure time.
An exit interview is not the time to vent. You are not guaranteed anonymity.
Your negative feedback is not going to change the company. You’re just part of the company’s recordkeeping process.
Don’t burn bridges, you may need them!