jsync | Java Staffing Specialist

How to NOT Burn A Bridge - The Art of the Resignation

06/16/2005

by Deanna Nemes

Some people cringe when they think of resigning from their job – others can’t wait to hand in their letter and dance on their ex-managers desk in a moment of triumph. Whatever your case may be, here are a few helpful hints to acclimate you to the process.

1. Timing is Everything – Begin thinking about your resignation the moment you decide to pursue other employment. The first thing you should do is take a look at your company’s employee handbook to understand any policies that you may be required to follow. Be sure to find out policies regarding termination of benefits, payment for unused time off and portability of insurances and 401k. This knowledge will put you in a more informed position to negotiate with your new employer as well as get the most out of your current employer.

2. You find your new job, you accept your offer, now what? You first want to make sure you understand the “chain of command” so that you can inform the correct people properly. Don’t tell co-workers, senior management/executives or Sal in the mailroom until you first address your direct manager. If you are not sure who your manager is (you’re snickering if you’ve recently been through a restructuring), then take your best guess.

3. Put it in Writing – No matter how highly you think of your current manager, always prepare a resignation letter to inform him/her of your decision to leave. Make sure you include the date of your resignation along with the date that will be your last official day of employment. A two-week notice is all that is needed to be considered “professional”. Make two copies – one to hand to your manager and one for human resources for the personnel file. The letter doesn’t need to read like a Shakespearean sonnet; in fact we recommend more of a Dragnet approach and report “just the facts”.

“Please accept this letter as official notice of my resignation from COMPANY XYZ in my role as ABC. My last day of employment will be MM/DD/YY.”

4. The Confrontation – It’s time to submit your letter to your manager and inform the company of your decision to leave. No matter what your feelings are around this, it is always best to take the higher road and keep it simple. There is no need to gloat and discuss your new role and responsibilities, pay, or any other details. Simply and firmly discuss that you have decided to leave and the last day you intend to work.

5. What’s this?? Your manager begs you to stay and promises you more money and more responsibility to keep you on??? Don’t fall for it…if what it takes is a breach in your relationship with your employer to appreciate your value, is this a place you want to stay??? Statistics show that 75% of employees that accept counter-offers are on the market again in 6-12 months as the original motivation for leaving will eventually resurface. Accepting a counter-offer will surely sour the “new employer”, successfully tarnishing any potential future relationship.

In some instances, if you are dealing with vital company information, applications or per company policy, you may be escorted to the door with your personal belongings. Do not take this personally! You didn’t just turn into Darth Vader, the company is simply protecting itself against any potential business or security breach.

We all know what a small world the IT industry can be, and today’s manager can be tomorrow’s customer. By walking away with the utmost professionalism and positive regard you are ensuring yourself a good reputation which can come in handy for future references, referrals and encounters!

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