You Have a New Job Lined Up. Now How Do You Quit Your Current One?

Getting a new job is an exciting time. However, walking away from your existing one is less than thrilling. It’s a sensitive situation, one you want to handle with care in a way that is professional and tactful.  
 
Even if you don’t get along with your boss or feel you were treated unfairly, avoid burning bridges. This might require some patience and even biting your tongue. But, in the long run, it will keep your relationships intact, which can help you in your future career endeavors. 
 
With that in mind, how do you handle this tricky conversation and give two weeks’ notice the right way? Here are some tips: 
 
Check your employee handbook. 
 
There might be specific formal steps you have to take, like writing a resignation letter for HR, before you can leave. So, make sure you know what to expect first and can prepare yourself, including packing up your personal belongings.  
 
Why? If you don’t have a contract – and you’re an “at-will” employee, your boss might ask you to leave immediately – even if you planned on giving two weeks’ notice. This is especially true if you have a role where you’re dealing with sensitive information, or you’ve accepted a job with your employer’s competitors. Don’t take it personally. It is simply company policy.  
 
Tell your boss first. 
 
Before you tell anyone and rumors begin to spread, give your boss a heads up, in person. You don’t have to hand him or her a formal resignation letter yet. However, do schedule a few minutes to talk privately.  
 
Don’t post it on social media or tell all your work friends first and risk the news circulating back to your boss. Also, don’t share news like this with your boss over a text or email. If you’re both working in different locations and an in-person meeting isn’t feasible, schedule a phone or online call. 
 
Keep your comments short. 
 
You don’t have to get into a long-winded explanation about why you’re leaving. Simply be clear and to the point when you’re letting your boss or HR know. Thank them for the opportunity you’ve been given there and simply announce that another role has come your way and you feel it’s time to move on. They might have questions or counter-offer, so be ready to answer them and decide whether you are open to a counter-offer. 
 
Offer to help out. 
 
Once you’ve shared your news, offer to help with the transition as much as possible. This includes giving them a specific end date, which might wind up being a little more than two weeks, depending on when your new job begins. Also, offer to train your replacement or to help organize your projects, so it’s easier for the next person to jump in and take over.  
 
When it’s time to resign from a job, your goal should be to leave it with your relationships and your reputation intact. When you handle it professionally and give your boss some time to adjust, the transition will be as smooth as possible. This is important since you never know when you might cross paths again. 
 
Ready to transition out of your current job into a new one? 
 
Gill Staffing can help. As one of West Michigan’s top job agencies, we can give you access to a range of rewarding and well-paying opportunities that are a fit for you. Advance your career with help from our team! Search our jobs now.