Resigning from work is certainly a grave decision, and it really is one of those that one should consider with due care and some strategic advance planning. Whether you are leaving for another opportunity, enrolling back into school, or taking some time off, there are important steps that are vital to your moving forward with grace, leaving on good terms, and with a strong professional reputation intact. Here are ten things you should do before resigning, plus tips on writing a termination letter that will help ensure you leave on a positive note.
1. Consider Your Reason for Leaving
Before making that final decision to quit, take time out to think through your reason for considering leaving. Do you want a new challenge, more pay, or perhaps a different environment? Knowing why you’re leaving will help you to judge if quitting is the best thing to do or whether, for example, going in and talking about a promotion or flexible working with your current employer might be another solution. You will find having a clear view of what’s driving you makes facing your next step rather effortless.
2. Line Up Your Next Opportunity
If you’re leaving due to another job, ensure that you have secured the job before you resign from your current one. In the UK job market, competition can be rife and finding the right job may take a little longer than anticipated. If you have a secured position waiting, you can be assured that you are not harming your financial status and therefore minimise the stress levels. Also, if you intend to have some time off work, consider your savings and know how long you can afford to be without the comfort of regular income.
3. Check Your Contract and Notice Period
That means rereading your contract of employment again, particularly the notice period and resignation clauses. Notice periods often start from a month and go up to three months, depending on your position in the company and your level within it. Knowing your notice period and any non-compete clauses will enable you to plan the timing of your resignation to avoid legal complications.
4. Plan Your Finances
Even at times when you might have secured another job, a gap usually occurs between the last month’s pay at your old job and the first month’s salary at your new one. Plan ahead, particularly if you see a transitional period in front of you. Ensure you have set aside enough money to pay for any costs over that time. In addition, if your current job covers private health insurance or a pension plan, cover these areas during any interim period.
5. Organise and Document Your Work
Before resigning, make sure all your projects are in order and your work is documented. This not only means cleaning up and organising your files, but also updating shared documents and making sure any ongoing projects have clear guidelines about who will take over. Documentation of your work is a professional courtesy to be afforded your team for a smooth transition and reflects positively on your reputation. It proves to your employer that you are committed to leaving on good terms.
6. Inform Key Colleagues First
Once you have decided to resign, it is considerate that you tell close colleagues or mentors in advance before this goes public. This may include immediate teammates, close mentors, and managers you have been dealing with for the longest time. Normally, a quiet word over coffee or a casual lunch is often an easy way to break the news. You show regard by letting them know first, because they supported you through thick and thin, and that way they will hear the news directly from you.
7. Develop a Handover Strategy
In your resignation process, you’ll need to develop a plan regarding a strategy for the handover to take place and ensure a smooth transition of your responsibilities. Emphasise major projects, forthcoming deadlines, and important contacts so that your successor will know what to do. Where possible, try to spend some time with the individual who’ll replace you. A well-prepared handover plan shows that you’re considerate of your colleagues’ workload and committed to helping the team maintain productivity during the transition.
8. Prepare for an Exit Interview
Most companies in the UK organise exit interviews with their outgoing employees. To help you prepare for this meeting, take some time over your experiences and what you would like to give as feedback. Be positive and professional in these responses; this is not an opportunity to air grievances or vent. Focus on what could have been done differently by the company, but also mention some things that you enjoyed. Remember, this is an opportunity to be remembered by the company, so your letter needs to show respect and foresight.
9. Collect References and Recommendations
With good professional relationships with the company you serve, now is the time to ask for references or recommendations. Approach colleagues, managers, or mentors who can vouch for your skills and contributions. A recommendation or reference letter written on LinkedIn is worth its weight in gold for any future job search. Most professionals are willing to help if you have shown dedication and a positive attitude.
10. Considerate Termination Letter
Your letter of termination, or letter of resignation, is a formal document indicating your desire to leave the company. Keep it professional, concise, and positive. Following are some of the key components to include:
Address your letter to your supervisor or to the HR department.
If you’re not sure whom to send it to, refer to your company’s policy or call and ask HR directly.
State your intention to leave the company and provide your last working day, including your notice period. This is very important, since it will give a chance for the employer to plan for your replacement.
Show appreciation for the opportunity and experiences one had while working with the company. Even though you faced some difficulties, try to emphasise the good part of your job and what you have learned from it.
Offer your assistance during the transition period. This is professional and courteous because you are making sure your affairs are handed over with ease.
Sample of a Termination Letter:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, Postcode]
[Email Address]
[Date]
[Manager’s Name]
[Company’s Name]
[Company’s Address]
[City, Postcode]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to formally declare my resignation from the position of [Your Job Title] at [Company Name], commencing [Last Working Day, based on notice period].
I would like to seize this opportunity and express my deep sense of gratitude for the privileges and experiences attained in working with [Company Name]. It has really been an enriching experience working with the team, and I feel grateful for all the support and mentorship that have come my way during this period.
During my period of notice, I am committed to ensuring a seamless transition and am pleased to assist in the handover process. If there is anything in particular you would like me to focus on during the remainder of my time here, please let me know.
Thank you again for the opportunity, and I look forward to staying in touch.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Closing Thoughts on Leaving a Job Professionally
Quitting a job is serious business, and one has to carry it out with thoughtfulness and professionalism. As a matter of fact, by following these steps and preparing well, you put yourself at an advantage to quit well, preserve your reputation, and retain good relations which will probably be useful to you sometime later in life.
Writing a courtesy termination letter, gathering references, and preparing an exit interview-voilà. All these make for a smooth resignation. How to write a termination letter Going to such an extent of consideration in action shows respect to the present employer and allows you to go in grace and integrity. A graceful exit, much like a great first impression, can be equally as crucial as one embarks on one’s next career step.
