How to Quit Your Job (FREE Resignation Letter Samples)

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How to Quit Your Job (FREE Resignation Letter Samples)

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How to Quit Your Job the Right Way


Knowing
how to quit your job gracefully can make all the difference in your future professional endeavours. Quitting your job is never easy. Whether you love or hate your job, handing in your resignation can be daunting. Below is a full guide on how to quit your job to preserve professional integrity in your career.

How to Quit Your Job FREE Resignation Letter Samples

Why the Way You Quit Your Job is Important

Telling your manager everything you dislike about the company when quitting can be tempting. This, however, is not going to get you good references, neither does it benefit your professional image. Quitting your job in a professional and graceful way is important.

Here are 5 Reasons Why

#1. Maintaining good relationships with your peers and supervisor will reinforce positive perceptions about your professional behavior. This will contribute to favorable references.

#2. Quitting in an unprofessional and disruptive manner can damage relationships and affect your post-employment pay-outs.

#3. A well-planned and favorable departure from your job leaves the door open should you ever want to return. 

#4. You may end up reconnecting with former co-workers in the future, especially if you continue working in the same industry. Leaving on good terms can boost industry connections and networking opportunities.

#5. Leaving your job in a professional manner will assist in a smooth transition. Not only will it be less of an emotional burden, but you will be able to start your new job with confidence and a positive attitude.

How to Quit Your Job Without Burning Bridges

Leaving your job on good terms will take some planning. When considering how to quit your job keep the following steps in mind. This will help you maintain healthy work relationships, even after your departure.

how to quit your job advice

#1. Write a professional resignation letter

An official resignation usually includes a written letter as well as telling your employer in person. In some circumstances, you may need to quit over the phone, or via email. Regardless of the situation, make sure you submit a written resignation notice at least two weeks in advance. Keep the notice professional and respectful.

#2. Talk to your supervisor

Resigning is best done in person, or over the telephone. Show your supervisor that you respect them and your job enough to take the time to communicate properly. Provide a brief reason for your departure, emphasize the positive, and show gratitude for the time you had with the company. As mentioned above, you will need to provide a letter of resignation to make your decision official.

#3. Give enough notice

Give your employer adequate notice as stated in your work contract. Traditionally, employers request two weeks, but this can vary based on the company and your specific contract. If no notice period has been specified, discuss a suitable time with your employer that will work for both of you.

#4. Make the transition as easy as possible for your employer

Even if all you want to do is get out of your current job, it is advisable to offer your help in filling the gap created by your departure. This may include training someone else to take over your duties, compiling procedure manuals, and finishing urgent tasks before you leave. Acting in a professional manner during this time will count in your favor when future reference checks are made.

#5. Ask for a recommendation

Before leaving your workplace for good, ask your supervisor for a letter of recommendation. This will confirm your credentials and count in your favor when applying for a job in the future. It is best to request a letter of recommendation before you leave the company.

#6. Return business property

Return company property, including keys, stationery, business documents, phones, and computers. Not doing this can count against you in references, pay-outs, and future employment opportunities.

how to quit your job professionally

When you quit your job, DO:

Stay calm

Your colleagues may react differently to the news of you leaving. Don’t take negative comments personally. Keep a positive attitude.

Be honest in the exit interview

Your exit interview is not the time to vent about your negative work experiences. Instead, use this opportunity to provide constructive criticism without displaying a resentful attitude. When considering how to quit your job, be mindful that this will influence the recommendation you receive.

Finalize employee benefit details

Find out about the employee benefits you are entitled to, including your salary, unused vacation leave, and pension plans.

Stay connected

Stay connected with colleagues who are open to keeping in touch. You are bound to come across each other’s paths again in the future, so keep your interactions positive.

Clean up your computer files

Before handing in your resignation letter, make sure you have cleaned out your computer. Remove any personal files and email messages that are not work-related. Do not clean out any company files as you will be held responsible.

how to quit your job strategies

When you quit your job, DO NOT:

Be negative

Being negative will hinder your efforts to leave on good terms and maintain positive relationships.

Boast about your new job

You don’t have to hide it. Just be sensitive to those staying behind who have supported you in your career.

Forget to say bye

Take time to let your colleagues and clients know you are leaving either in person or via email.

Put personal grievances in writing

Your resignation letter is going to be filed, so keep it clean. Do not use it as an opportunity to vent regarding personal or work-related issues.

Provide too much information

Don’t feel that you need to provide every single detail about why you are leaving or where you are going. Sometimes it is best to provide only the information that is absolutely necessary.

Things to Consider Before Quitting Your Job

Physical illness, strained relationships, and reduced productivity may indicate that it is time to consider different employment options. Before making the final decision on how to quit your job and regretting it, consider the following questions:

  • Are you wanting to leave because of one bad week or situation? Is it possible to fix the situation in a way other than resigning?
  • Are you quitting for the right reasons?
  • Do you have another job offer?
  • Weigh out the pros and cons of your current job and the new position.
  • Will your new job provide better working conditions?
  • Consider the job advancement opportunities, salary, and new workload.
  • Can you financially afford to resign in your current situation?

Quitting your job can be challenging. The way you go about it can have a huge impact on future employment opportunities. Make sure you consider how to quit your job in a professional manner by:

  1. Communicating professionally in person and in writing
  2. Giving enough notice
  3. Remaining positive and committed during your notice period
  4. Maintaining good relationships with coworkers as much as possible
  5. Asking for a letter of recommendation
  6. Returning business property
  7. Clarifying due benefits

The most important factors when considering how to quit your job are to keep your resignation professional and stay positive. Keep negativity and personal grievances at bay!

Other Resources:

CustomersFirst Academy offers comprehensive customer service training designed to help you grow your skills and advance your career.

To keep learning and developing your knowledge of customer service, we highly recommend the additional resources below:

How Do You Write a Short Resignation Letter? A Step by Step Guide
Service Marketing 101: How It Works
How to Succeed in a Customer Facing Role
Customer Focus: How to Put Your Customers First

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