How To Make Resignation Letter | How To Resign Properly
Many will agree that leaving your current job is one of the most difficult things you must do to achieve growth in different ways. However, resigning isn’t exactly an easy task to accomplish, especially for employees who’ve been with their respective companies for a long time.
Various articles prove that there is no one way on how to resign properly, but there are steps you can take to make the transition easier for you and the company you still work for.
Tips On How To Diplomatically Resign From Your Job
KEEP YOUR RESIGNATION PRIVATE
Sharing this type of news to your colleagues can leave you in trouble as others might overhear and deliver the news to your boss directly. The best thing to do is prevent unnecessary gossip circling about your resignation. Despite forming deep bonds with your colleagues, respect your boss or direct manager and deliver the news to them first.
SPEAK TO YOUR BOSS
The first person you should talk to when leaving your work for good is your direct manager or boss. Set up a meeting and let your boss know that you are leaving the company for good.
A face-to-face private conversation is the best way to go. Though many present or email resignation letters, the initial contact should be in person. Something this big should be said face-to-face.
PRESENT OR SEND RESIGNATION LETTER
Telling your boss that you are resigning in person isn’t enough. A formal resignation letter is necessary for documentation. There are two options to write the resignation letter: hand-written or via email. However, the content and format should stay the same — formal and professional.
GIVE A MONTH’S NOTICE
The Philippine’s standard notice before officially leaving your job post is 30 days or 4 full weeks’ work. This is standard practice in the country. Employers highly appreciate employees who can give a month’s notice before leaving their duties behind.
The notice is a sign of respect for your company. It shows that you care and have given them enough time to find a replacement who can take over your responsibilities.
HELP MAKE TRANSITION EASIER
The thirty days notice is not just for the company but for you as well. It’s important to finish strong, maintain your productivity, and aim to finish your projects under your responsibility.
This leaves a good lasting impression with your colleagues and bosses. People remember the first and last impression which is why it’s important to leave a lasting impression. When your colleagues remember you, they’ll remember a dedicated worker who started and finished strong during his time in the company.
TRAIN YOUR REPLACEMENT
Lend your expertise and time in your final days at the company. Train your replacement and help the new hiree learn the ropes of your work when given the chance. The training will help your replacement pick up faster where you left off.
However, note that there is a high chance you won’t have the opportunity to train your replacement. In addition to that, it’s not necessarily expected of you but the effort is highly appreciated by your boss.
SAY GOODBYE TO YOUR COLLEAGUES
Many companies don’t disclose information regarding resigning employees. It’s best to say your goodbyes to your colleagues no matter if you’ve been close or not, especially to those who will be affected by your leave.
Leaving abruptly can create a void in the days of your coworkers. Remember to say your goodbyes by gathering them together or sending your email. Through this, they can reminisce the great memories you created with them and have closure for when you officially leave the company.
TIDY UP YOUR DESK AND COMPUTER
Many employees leave traces of personal belongings after they leave the company for good. Don’t be one of them. Companies, sometimes, find it hard to dispose of such items as they all have personal touches. Before your last days, make sure to tidy up your desk.
In addition to that, clean up the personal computer you’ve been using during your stay in the company. Remove all personal files that have piled up during those months to years and only leave files that are company property.
EXPRESS GRATITUDE TO EVERYONE
Despite the fact that other employees leave for not so good reasons, they can’t deny the fact that they’ve still learnt a lot in their companies. As an employee that has been valued by the company, it’s only proper to express your gratitude towards everyone.
Say your respects towards the people who helped you become the professional you are now. You can express your gratitude by simply talking to your mentors and colleagues or send them a thank you email.
STAY FAITHFUL TO YOUR COMPANY
Badmouthing is never the answer when leaving the company. It says a lot about your character. Even if you’d had a rocky working relationship with the company, unleashing unwanted criticism towards the people and management in your company doesn’t help your professional image.
It’s important to keep things between you and the company and discuss any unfinished business with them. The only time you’ll get closure is when you face the problems with the people you have trouble with.
ASK AHEAD WHEN REQUESTING FOR A REFERENCE
There are certain people you should ask when creating a list of reference for when you apply to other companies. The best people to ask is your mentor, the people you directly worked with, your manager, or boss.
It’s inappropriate to ask colleagues you’ve been close with but hasn’t directly made an impact on your work throughout the time you’ve been in the company. The list must stay professional and beneficial to you and the company. Remind yourself that whoever you put on the list will have a massive impact on your employability.
Resigning from your company requires courage. There are times you feel guilty for leaving the company and the people you’ve worked within it because they’ve become a big part of your daily routine and have contributed a lot to your career. However, remind yourself that sometimes, you leave a company to find growth elsewhere.
Learning how to resign is an art everyone should take seriously because the way you leave will say a lot about you. Prepare an exit strategy and make sure everybody is in agreement with your decision. If there are or will be things left unresolved, try your best to mend it or propose a solution to solve it. Resigning in a professional manner matters and it should be the only way to do it.