Resignation is a significant decision that should be handled professionally and respectfully. Whether you are leaving your job for personal reasons, moving to another location, pursuing a new opportunity, or just seeking a change, it is important to follow the proper resignation etiquette to ensure a peaceful transition and maintain positive relationships. In this article, we will discuss the dos and don’ts of resignation.
Resignation Etiquette to Practice
Do’s:
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Give proper notice: Giving notice is one of the most important aspects of resignation etiquette. You should give your employer at least two weeks’ notice, and in some cases, more time can even be required. This will allow your employer to make arrangements for your departure and conveniently find a suitable replacement for your role.
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Be respectful and professional: Resignation is not the time for you to air grievances or express negative emotions. You should remain respectful and professional throughout the process, and avoid criticizing your employer or colleagues. This will help maintain positive relationships and ensure that you leave on good terms.
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Offer to help with the transition: It is important to offer your assistance with the transition. This can include training your replacement, providing a detailed handover, or completing any outstanding work. This will help ensure that the company can continue to operate smoothly after you leave, and will leave a positive impression.
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Keep it simple and direct: When resigning, it is important to keep your message simple and direct. You should clearly state that you are resigning, give reasons for your resignation (this is an optional thing to do), provide your last day of work, and express your gratitude for the opportunities that the company offered you.
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Follow up in writing: After resigning, it is a good idea to follow up in writing. This can be in the form of an email or a formal resignation letter. This will serve as a written record of your resignation and will help ensure that there is no confusion, misunderstanding or miscommunication.
Don’ts:
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Resign impulsively: Resigning impulsively without giving proper thought and consideration to your decision can have serious consequences. You should carefully consider your reasons for resigning and weigh the pros and cons before making your decision.
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Resign in anger: Resigning in anger or frustration can also have serious consequences. It can damage your relationships with your employer and colleagues, and it can also have a negative impact on your future job prospects. You should try to remain calm and professional throughout the entire process.
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Speaking negatively about your employer or colleagues: Speaking negatively about your employer or colleagues can be seen as unprofessional and disrespectful. It can also harm your future job prospects as you might be unable to use them as references when you need them. You should avoid criticizing anyone and focus on the positive aspects of your experience.
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Burn bridges: Burning bridges with your employer or colleagues can have serious consequences. This is another thing that can harm your future job prospects and make it difficult to secure references or recommendations. You should leave on good terms and maintain good relationships.
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Not tying up loose ends: Neglecting to tie up loose ends can leave a negative impression and cause problems for the company after you leave. It’s important that you make sure that all outstanding work is completed, and provide a detailed handover to your replacement.
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Using an overly positive tone in your letter: When you are not really okay with your current position, the extra use of positive language about the job, the company, or how great it was to work there might most likely come across as sarcasm or even offensive. The best thing to do is to use a neutral tone in a resignation letter.
In conclusion, having good resignation etiquette is an important aspect of leaving a job. If you follow the proper etiquette, you will end up having a smooth transition and maintaining positive relationships. The do’s include giving proper notice, being respectful and professional, keeping it simple and direct, and following up in writing. The don’ts include resigning in anger and speaking negatively about your employer or colleagues. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a professional and respectful resignation that will leave you with a positive impression.