Resign With Style

RESIGN WITH STYLE

You’ve been highly professional during the interview process and have landed the job. Now it’s time to be just as professional in resigning from your current employer. Make an appointment with your manager immediately after the offer letter is signed and the background and drug test are complete. Postponing it is like postponing a dentist appointment; you only succeed in letting things get worse while suffering the pain a bit longer. The objective of giving notice is informational. This is not an exit interview and not the time for emotion. Just the facts, you are leaving! Give notice in person and bring your letter of resignation along with you.

Do not resign by email. Over the phone is okay if you can’t meet face-to-face. Be clear immediately and let them know you are resigning within the first 30 seconds of speaking with them. Let your boss know up front that you are not at liberty to discuss what company you are going to, what you will be doing there or how much they are paying you. My new employer would prefer everything to stay confidential until the start date for internal reasons. Also tell a few close colleagues, employees or customers about your new position and let your boss know you did. It creates momentum and keeps you optimistic and strong.

DO NOT give more than two weeks notice. More than two weeks sends the message to your new boss that you live in the past, not the future. Two weeks is professional and sufficient.

Submit the letter on your way out. Your resignation letter needs to be short and to the point. When a member of the Presidents Cabinet resigns their resignation letter is sometimes only two sentences.