Resignation Do's & Dont's

No matter the reason for resigning, whether you can't stand your colleagues or just ready to move on, resigning the wrong way can really effect your future career and can result in a poor reference. 

We have complied a list of do's and don't's for you to follow in order to keep that strong and professional connection with your employer.

Do Clean Up Your Computer. Even if you give notice, your employer may decide that you should be done right now and they may show you out the door. Before you turn in your resignation, clean up your computer. Delete personal files and email messages. Make sure you have the contact information for everyone you need to keep in touch with after you're gone.

Don't Put it in Writing. Regardless of how much you hate your job, hate your boss, or hate the company, don't say it. Even if quitting is the best career move you've made, to date, keep it to yourself. Your resignation letter will be placed in your employment file and it can come back to haunt you—even years after you have resigned. It honestly isn't worth venting.

Do Give Notice When Possible. Unless the situation is untenable, giving two - four weeks notice is standard practice when resigning. If you want to leave sooner, it's appropriate to ask if you can leave sooner.

Do Write a Resignation Letter. It's a good idea to write a formal resignation letter for your employment file even if it's best to resign in person. You don't need to say much more than you're leaving and when your last day of work will be. 

Get the Details. When you tell your boss or Human Resources Department that you're leaving be sure to get the details on the employee benefits and salary you are entitled to when you leave.

Don't Be Negative. When you're talking about your resignation with co-workers, try to emphasize the positive and talk about how the company has benefited you, even though it's time to move on. There's no point in being negative—you're leaving and you want to leave on good terms.

Don't Brag About Your New Job. Even if you just got the best job in the world, don't brag about it. Is there really any point in making your soon to be ex-colleagues feel badly that you're leaving— both because they'll miss you and because you've got a great job to go to?

Do Offer to Help. If it's feasible, offer to help during the transition and afterwards. The offer may not be accepted, but it will be appreciated.

Do Ask for a Reference. Ask your boss and colleagues if they would be willing to give you a reference. If they agree, ask them to write you a LinkedIn recommendation as well as being available via email or phone.

You'll have the reference as part of your LinkedIn profile, which is great for your future job search endeavors.

Don't Forget to Say Goodbye. Before you leave, take the time to send a farewell message to co-workers and to let them know that you are moving on to a new position, starting a job search, retiring or doing something else with your life. It's appropriate to send an email farewell message. You can include contact information so you can stay in touch.