How to Properly Resign From a Position

How to Properly Resign From a Position Photo: Pexels Timing is important When people think of the go-to method for resigning from a position, they often think of a two weeks notice. Meaning, the standard for resignations if submitting a resignation at least two weeks in advance your resignation is effective two weeks after submission. However, this is not always the appropriate amount of time. Be sure to check any possible employment contract or paperwork to see if there is a specified amount for notice. What you do not want to do is become a no-show or a ghost in the workplace. Dont be that person that just disappears on everyone, not bothering to even give mention of resignation. It is not fair to your coworkers, who will have to scramble to pick up the slack. It is also not fair on yourself you may be avoiding the confrontation of resignation, but you are effectively cutting yourself off from future opportunities. This doesnt mean not being able to return to the company you are quitting, but also losing out on the networking or references you may have built from your time in the position. No one will want to recommend or vouch for someone that left them in the dark, especially in the middle of an important task or project. Dont take your resignation as a time to vent If your time in a job position was less than pleasant, you do not want to necessarily let that show in your resignation, especially if its something like your resignation letter that will likely be paired with your employee record. You dont want to be remembered as the person who spent an entire page declaring your hatred for a coworker, your boss, or your job position. Do not brag about the job position or company you are moving onto, no matter how much you may want to. Try to focus on the positives of your time with the company. Instead of focusing on what you didnt get to do, or things you didnt like about the company, try to focus on the opposite. Incorporate some aspect of gratitude in your resignation letter, write about what you are thankful for: things you have learned, opportunities you were given, and so on. If you do think you need to bring attention to the reasons you are quitting, like harassment in the workplace or unsafe working conditions, go about reporting it properly. If you truly want action to happen, pursue it, just dont complain about it just because you can now that you are quitting. Go through with an exit interview, and do it properly When you submit your resignation, you may be asked to conduct an exit interview. An exit interview can be seen as something similar to a job assessment or evaluation. It is a meeting that takes place between a companys human resources department and yourself. Rather than evaluating your performance, they are looking for your input on evaluating the company and improve future company relations. The company is looking for your honest feedback during an exit interview, whether it be an online survey or in-person interview. You dont have to lie and pretend your time at the company was all sunshine and roses, because it likely wasnt Remember to be respectful even when criticizing. Your exit interview will be attached to your employee record at the company, and possibly help build your future recommendations, whether it be positive or negative. Prepare yourself Even if you have your resignation planned down to the sentence, your boss may not react the way you want them to. They may even terminate your employment immediately after you submit your resignation. Make sure to prepare yourself for immediate termination back up any files you do not want to lose on your work computer. Resigning from a job position is not easy, whether you really like your company or dont like it at all. Either way, make sure you are leaving your position as gracefully as possible, starting with a proper resignation. Dont let an improper resignation get in the way of your future opportunities, whether it be with your current company or another.