Are you thinking of quitting your job?
Are you wondering how to resign professionally?
Leaving your job and deciding what to do is never easy. But if it feels like it’s time to resign and move on from your current job, then make sure you do it the right way. Resigning without preparing for it can leave a bad impression or damage your reputation, and you certainly don’t want to leave on a bad note.
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Are you having second thoughts?
If you’re reconsidering your future career or dream job – don’t worry; it’s a common feeling that most individuals experience. It’s more simple than you think to resign, and it can be hassle-free when done correctly. If you feel like the time is right, then let me help you prepare for the resignation process.
I’ll be outlining How To Resign From Your Job in the most professional way and without burning any bridges.
How Do You Quit Your Job?
The best way to resign from your job is by telling your boss in person and writing a formal letter. You should always consider your work notice period before leaving. This refers to the amount of time you must spend working before leaving your job.
In your resignation letter, you must state the date of your intended resignation and the reason why you’re leaving.
How To Write A Resignation Letter?
Ensure you use appropriate language throughout the letter and try not to don’t get personal or emotional. Writing the wrong thing could impact your reputation and make it more difficult to find new work.
You can find many templates or resignation letter builders on the internet to help you write a professional letter. Also, it’s well worth visiting this website to create your resignation letter.
Why Resign From Your Job?
There are numerous reasons why people may want to resign from a job. Here are some of the most common:
- Changing your career or job.
- Wanting better benefits, working conditions, or a higher paid salary.
- Having to move location and therefore have found new work.
- No longer enjoying working your job or having difficult work relationships.
- Having extenuating circumstances and are therefore unable to work. (For example, becoming ill or having other urgent responsibilities)
A Step By Step Guide On How To Resign
Here’s a simple outline that will help you prepare for your resignation…
- Start searching, applying, and securing a new job first.
- Verbally inform your boss that you want to resign.
- Give two-weeks notice.
- Write a formal letter of resignation.
- Arrange final work plans with your team and boss.
- Assist with tasks before you leave.
- Be prepared for an exit interview.
- Ask for references and feedback before you leave.
Secure a Job First
Before resigning, it’s important to find new work. Otherwise, the task can be problematic if you have no job at all.
Inform Your Boss
Once you’ve decided to resign, verbally approach your boss and communicate your desire to resign in person. If possible, arrange a meeting and ask to speak with them in private. You’ll then be directed to write a letter and make some preparations. Better yet, have the letter ready to hand to your boss if they ask for it.
Give Two Weeks’ Notice
If you had not mentioned this during your meeting or in conversation with your boss, you can write in the letter of resignation that you are officially giving two weeks’ notice. It’s a legal duty to put this in writing, so make sure you mention it.
Write a Formal Letter
This is the most important part, and if you haven’t handed a letter to your boss already, then be prepared and start writing one. You’ll have to include the intended date that you want to leave, and you may be required to explain why you’re resigning. Though, some companies do not require you to express a reason.
Arrange Final Work Plans
Preferably, you should finalize all work arrangements before you resign. This will ensure you finish anything that you need to do for your boss or team.
This could be assisting with filing, minimizing your workload, or making any necessary calls or emails to clients. Depending on the nature of your job, you may be required to hand over your caseload, client files, or allocate work to other colleagues. Check what you need to do before resigning with your boss or team supervisor.
Assist with Tasks
Your boss may request that you help out with general office tasks and assist other team members. Again, depending on the nature of your job, your workload may stop immediately, and instead, you could be responsible for other tasks within the company.
If you find yourself completing less work toward the end of your employment, do not take this as a leisurely opportunity to relax. Your work performance is still evaluated and managed by your boss until the last date of your employment.
Be Prepared For an Exit Interview
It could be required that you partake in an exit interview with your boss or with a Human Resources team member. It’s best to treat this interview as you would any other job interview. Look and act professionally, prepare any questions and ask any questions.
However, some companies do not make exit interviews an obligation to attend. You can also ask your boss for any feedback about your performance.
Ask For a Reference
Before leaving, make sure you ask your manager if you can use them as a reference on your resume. This can boost your chances greatly when finding further employment opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have more questions about the resignation process? Are you wondering what else there is to know about resigning from your job? Well, I have it covered. Listed below are some frequently asked questions about resigning from your job.
Who Do You Inform When You Are Resigning?
You must inform your boss or the team leader or supervisor of your department that you plan on resigning. If you haven’t written a letter already, then the Human Resources department will also be notified, and you’ll be required to write a letter of resignation.
How Much Notice Should You Give When Resigning?
It’s recommended that you give a minimum of two weeks’ notice before resigning from your job. However, depending on the company that you work for, every notice period will be different. Check your contract to make sure, because you are legally responsible to follow your contract agreement before resigning.
How Do You Give Two Weeks’ Notice?
It’s recommended that you write a letter of resignation to give your two weeks’ notice. You should physically hand this to your boss in the office. If, however, you are working remotely or cannot commute to work, then you should write an email.
How Do You Quit A Job Without Notice?
You should always quit a job with notice and inform your boss before you intend to do so. If for whatever reason you can’t give notice, then you should preferably call the head office immediately and explain your situation. Leaving a job without any notice or explanation is unprofessional, and you will get a bad reference for this.
Should You Resign If You Don’t Have a New Job?
It’s not recommended to resign and be unemployed without any income. Therefore, you should try and get a new job before giving notice. Most people cannot afford to be unemployed and have no income, so think about this carefully. If you’re the odd exception, however- and have savings, then you needn’t worry. If you require further advice about unemployment, you can visit this website.
How Long Does It Take To Find a New Job?
It varies, and there is no way of knowing how long it could take. Though be prepared to wait a few weeks or even months to find a new role.
If you have financial responsibilities, it can be challenging to find a secure job once you’ve resigned. Depending on the competition of the job market, your employability, skills, and experience could take shorter than other candidates to find a role. To search for jobs online, you can visit USAJobs to find the latest vacancies.
Should You Find a Job Before Resigning?
Yes, this is highly recommended. Before resigning from your current role, make sure you have a backup plan before you quit. The best thing to do is search and apply for new roles beforehand; better yet, have a job lined up. Employers prefer hiring candidates that already have a job too.
When You Know Its Time To Leave!
There are certainly numerous handbooks on this matter, and we’re going to start with The Art Of Resigning: How To Quit A Job And Pursue Your Dream Career, and how to Quit Your Job and Follow Your Dreams, as well as the I Hate My Job: How to Quit Your Job and How to Quit Your Job Gracefully to help make the transition as smooth as possible.
Like we said, there are many further options such as How to Quit Your Day Job and Live Out Your Dreams, and the edgy Quit Your F**king Job: Escape the Great American Hoax and Live Free, or how about the world-renown Rich Dad’s Before You Quit Your Job book, and even the QUIT YOUR JOB OR DIE: Discover the Importance of Self-Employment, all available online in 2023.
Of course, our website boasts relatable articles such as my Good Excuses To Miss Work On Short Notice, and my What Do You Like Least About Your Job, perhaps you might need to know What To Do When You Get Laid Off, and lastly, What Are You Looking For In Your Next Position for further guidance.
Final Thoughts
Stand by your decision to resign if it feels like the right step to take. All things must come to an end, and this applies to a job that you may have once desired.
Sometimes moving on is the right thing to do, and if resigning from your job enables you to move forward with your career, then it’s encouraged. And always ensure you follow the instructions and suggestions in this guide to help you professionally resign from your job.
Good luck with your resignation and your future career!