Let’s face it, resigning is awkward, and no one likes doing it. There’s no single way to resign that’s perfect for everyone. However, several guidelines will make the process smooth without jeopardising business relationships.

If you need to quit your job and move on to another opportunity but aren’t sure how to go about it, keep reading! We’ll show you how to resign while preserving the business relationships you’ve developed confidently.

I Quit! Your Guide on How to Resign the Right Way

Planning how to resign from a job might initially seem a little intimidating. After all, you’ve put a lot of time and effort into your current position, and if it’s not working out, it can be scary to know exactly what to do.

But it doesn’t have to be. We’ve outlined the steps that’ll take you from confused to confident. Let’s get started!

1. Think it Through: Is the Timing Right?

First, think through your decision to quit your job thoroughly before making a final call. Regret is an awful place to live. You’ll want clarity that leads to absolute certainty.

Here are a few questions that’ll get your thinking process started down the right path:

What’s the reason you’re making this decision?
Is resigning the best answer? Is there another option to alleviate your issue?
Will leaving this job help my professional career goals in the long run?
Will leaving make me happy or more stressed?
Will quitting your job cause a loss of income? If so, can you afford that?

2. Formulate Your Reasoning

Next, formulate a response describing why you’re leaving your current job. A thorough understanding of why you want to go will prepare you for what to say during the resignation meeting with your employer. You’ll feel more confident and comfortable when you have the actual discussion.

If helpful, write it down and refer to it before your meeting.

3. Don’t Jump the Gun: Sign Before You Resign

Never give your resignation notice nor speak of your intentions before you have a signed contract for your new position. After all, things could fall through. A signed contract ensures job security, providing peace of mind during the transition.

This is especially true for positions that entail a lengthy interview process. You may think you have a job lined up, but hold off resigning until you secure your next job. Unless you have savings to rely on, having no income coming in will make matters worse.

Before moving forward, check for non-compete clauses in your current job contract. These clauses could impact your chances of getting your next job.

4. Give Your Resignation Notice

Now that you’ve done your prep work let’s move on to how to resign, starting with a verbal notice.

The Notice Period: How Long of a Notice Should You Give?

When figuring out how much notice to give, the first thing to do is check your employment contract. Is there a clause stating the notice period requirements? If so, it’ll say how many weeks’ notice to give.

If you are under contract with your current employer, this should be part of it. Most contracts state that you must give at least two weeks’ notice. That said, offer plenty of advanced notice.

A two-week notice period is standard practice, but if you have more time, give it. While there is no federally mandated minimum notice period, many employment contracts, modern Awards, or Enterprise Agreements specify a required notice period. You don’t want your boss left scrambling to find a replacement at the last minute. The more notice, the better.

It is important to check specific employment agreements, modern Awards, or Enterprise Agreements for notice period requirements.

Setup a Face-to-Face Meeting with Your Manager

When resigning, it’s essential to verbally tell your manager that you’re quitting before giving the official resignation letter. Do so in person and with tact. And whatever you do, don’t tell colleagues about your intentions before telling your boss.

When you’re ready, schedule an appointment with your manager to discuss your resignation. Before the meeting, review your notes from step two above so they’re fresh in your mind. You should also prepare your resignation letter before the meeting.

Here are some tips for a successful resignation meeting:

Always Resign in Person

Email or phone resignations can seem cold and unprofessional. If you can’t attend in person, arrange a video call instead.

Stay On-Point and Remain Calm

When we’re nervous, it’s tempting to ramble on or offer too many details. But during your meeting, stay calm while talking clearly and concisely. Keep your resignation future-focused.

For Now, Keep Problems to Yourself

If you have problems or frustrations you’d like to discuss, now is not the time. Wait until your exit interview to discuss your issues with the company or coworkers.

However, if asked, go ahead and give constructive feedback.

End on a Positive Note

When resigning from a job, it is essential to end on a positive note while remaining professional and courteous. Thank your manager for the opportunity to work at the company, and express your appreciation for the other employees you’ve had the chance to work with.

Maintain Positive Relationships

When resigning, it’s important to maintain good working relationships with your former employer and colleagues. You may need a reference or recommendation when looking for another job in the future.

A good relationship with your superior means a better chance of getting a positive reference or recommendation when needed. Likewise, many employers ask for personal references during the application process. A previous coworker makes a great reference!

How to Handle Counteroffers

If you receive a counteroffer during the meeting or anytime afterwards, weigh your options. Before accepting, ensure that it addresses the reasons you want to resign.

Increased pay is tempting. But, given enough time, staying in a problematic work environment won’t compensate for the increase.

Is it worth starting a new job search a year down the road and losing the new position you’ve lined up? If you’re working in a professional field, turning down the new job offer might damage your credibility too.

Write an Official Resignation Letter

The last step is formalising your resignation with a well-written, professional letter. This letter should include the date, your name, and the position you are resigning from. It’s also important to state the reason for your resignation.

You should thank the company for the opportunity to work for them and express optimism for their future. Finally, include your contact information so the company can contact you.

Give it to your manager at the end of your meeting.

5. Understanding Your Employment Contract

When resigning from a job, it’s essential to understand your employment contract and its obligations. This section will guide you through reviewing key clauses, clarifying non-compete and confidentiality agreements, training your replacement, and completing any outstanding tasks.

Reviewing Key Clauses and Obligations

Before submitting your resignation, take the time to thoroughly review your employment contract, paying special attention to notice periods. This document outlines your notice period, job responsibilities, and other obligations you must fulfil. Key areas to focus on include:

Notice Period: Your employment contract will specify how much notice you must give your employer. This is crucial to avoid any breach of contract. Most contracts require a minimum of two weeks’ notice, but some may require more. Understanding this will help you plan your resignation notice accordingly.
Job Responsibilities: Revisit your job description to ensure you complete any outstanding tasks before departure. This will help maintain your professional reputation and ensure a smooth transition.
Confidentiality and Non-Compete Agreements: These clauses can impact your future career moves. Ensure you understand the terms and conditions to avoid potential conflicts or legal issues.

Clarifying Non-Compete and Confidentiality Agreements

Non-compete and confidentiality agreements are common in employment contracts, especially in the life sciences industry. Understanding these agreements is essential to avoid any potential conflicts or legal issues:

Non-Compete Agreements: These clauses restrict you from working for a competitor or starting a similar business within a specified period after leaving your current job. Ensure you understand the duration and scope of these restrictions.
Confidentiality Agreements: These require you to keep company information confidential and not disclose it to anyone outside the organisation. Breaching this agreement can have serious legal consequences, so it’s important to know what information you can and cannot share.

6. After You’ve Given Your Notice

Now that you’ve completed the official resignation steps, here are a few tips for your final weeks.

Maintain a Professional Attitude

Once you’ve officially resigned, keep working as you’ve always done. Don’t slack off, knowing that you’re leaving soon. You’re still an employee and should act accordingly.

After all, as we said before, you must leave a final good impression. Be helpful in other ways, too, including:

Ensure a smooth transition by training your replacement.
Stay positive, and don’t bad-mouth the company. Instead, focus on career growth and the skills you’ve acquired there.
Think of others and how your leaving affects them.

Your Exit Interview

An exit interview is a meeting between an employee leaving a company and their manager or supervisor. It is a final interview in which the employee gives feedback on their time at the company and discusses their future plans.

Employers often collect information about why an employee is leaving, which helps improve the organisation’s retention rates going forward. During the exit interview, it is important to discuss your final pay and ensure that all entitlements are settled.

Employees typically have a notice period of two weeks or more before they leave their job. This gives ample time to schedule the exit interview with their manager. Sometimes, the employer will have the employee complete an exit questionnaire instead of having a one-on-one meeting.

Check-in With Human Resources

As the last step, check in with HR in your final week to tie up loose ends. If the employer agrees, you may be able to take paid leave or cease working early, affecting your final pay and entitlements. Ensure there are no administrative tasks to complete and that your last paycheck is in order. Return any company property and finalise outstanding benefits such as paid annual leave.

Training Your Replacement or Preparing Notes

Consider training your replacement or preparing detailed notes on your job responsibilities and tasks to ensure a smooth transition. This will help your employer find a suitable replacement and minimise disruption to the business:

Training Your Replacement: Offer to train your replacement on your job responsibilities and tasks. This shows your commitment to the company and helps maintain positive professional relationships.
Preparing Notes: If training a replacement isn’t possible, write detailed notes on your job responsibilities, tasks, and other relevant information. This will assist your employer in finding a suitable replacement and ensure a seamless transition.

Completing Any Outstanding Tasks

Before your departure, it’s important to complete any outstanding tasks and ensure that your work is up to date. This will help maintain a positive professional reputation and demonstrate your commitment to your job:

Complete Outstanding Tasks: Before you leave, make sure all tasks are completed and your work is up to date. This shows your dedication and professionalism.
Update Your Records: Ensure all records are accurate and complete. This will help your replacement and colleagues continue your work without any issues.

By understanding your employment contract and completing these tasks, you can ensure a smooth transition and maintain a positive professional reputation. Remember to provide reasonable notice, complete any outstanding tasks, and train your replacement or prepare notes to ensure a seamless transition.

Conclusion

Don’t quit your job without the proper notice period and resignation etiquette. Keep those bridges to your future intact.

Because you’ve resigned correctly, you’re more likely to enjoy your final days at your current job. Adhering to the required notice period ensures a smooth transition and maintains professional relationships. You’ll also have someone willing to give you a good reference.

Leave your employer with a good impression and ensure you are on good terms. Who knows, your coworkers might even throw you a going away party. Good luck!

Recommended Reading: