How to quit your job

You decided to move on from your current position, applied for a new job, nailed your job interview, accepted the job offer and signed on the dotted line. Congratulations! But before you start to worry about preparing for your new job, it’s time to quit your current job.

Gulp.

So what exactly does quitting your job involve and how do you go about it? We’ve put together the main steps of our recommended “quit-strategy” below!

1. Talk to your Boss

Even if some of your work friends already know about your job hunt, the first person you should tell that you are actually leaving is your manager. You don’t want your boss to hear about your departure through the grape-vine. Arrange an in-person, private meeting by sending an email asking for 10 minutes to discuss a sensitive issue. Follow this up by talking to them in person in order ensure they read your email. Make sure you consider these two things before walking in:

Counter Offer: Decide whether you would entertain a counter offer. Keep in mind that 4 out of 5 people who accept counter offers leave within 12 months.

Your last day: Double check your notice period and work out when your last day will be.

Reason for leaving: Decide on a reason to give for leaving – whether this be career progression, a higher salary, a shorter commute, relocation, etc. – and ensure you stick to the same story when speaking to others in the company.

In the meeting, keep the tone professional, simple, and complimentary. By being friendly and saying thanks to your boss at the end of the meeting. You never know when you may work with this person again in the future. It’s also worth discussing with your boss how best to give the news to the rest of your colleagues.

2. Write an official Resignation Letter

Officially handing in your notice in form of your resignation letter is an important step in the process of moving jobs. Fortunately, writing such a resignation letter is fairly straight forward. Keep it short, simple and to the point. State what position you are resigning from, include your company’s name, and give the date of your last day. It’s also a good idea to include a brief thank you towards the end of your letter. The Muse provides a great template resignation letter.

3. Organise your Handover

The remaining time spent at your job should be used to tie up any loose end. Attempt to make the transition of your departure as smooth as possible by laying out your responsibilities. You can even make suggestions about who could take on those tasks when you’re gone. This will give you time to train others where necessary and leaves a good impression. If appropriate, you can also offer help with writing a job description for your current position and even with finding your replacement. It’s also worth offering your availability for any questions via email once you leave in case there are any urgent questions as this will reassure your team.

4. Be Positive

You may be happy to be leaving but it’s important to remember that everyone else is staying. Don’t speak negatively about your company and aim to contain your excitement for your new role in order to maintain good relationships with your colleagues. You may need references in the future so you want to ensure you don’t burn any bridges. Also consider buying modest farewell gifts and/or writing thank you cards to key colleagues in the business that have helped your career throughout your time at the company.

5. Exit interview

Not every company has an exit interview. If you do, this is potentially an opportunity to influence change, whether this is internally or externally. You have a chance to give [constructive!] feedback about the company and explain any areas you would seek to improve. While these interviews are confidential, remain positive and professional. Simply venting all the issues you’ve had over the years won’t benefit anyone involved.

Ready to move on from your current role but not yet started the process? Take a look at our current job vacancies!

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