We all know the feeling; that nauseating sensation in the pit of your stomach telling you it’s time to move on. Resigning comes with a whole range of emotions, from anxiety and sadness to happiness and relief. But before you hand in your notice, there are a few things you should do to ensure a smooth transition.
1. Give notice in accordance with your contract
Check your contract to see how much notice you’re required to give. In most cases, it’s two weeks, but it could be more or less. Once you’ve given notice, you’re legally obligated to work out your notice period, so make sure you’re prepared for that.
Moreover, don’t forget to hand in your notice in writing. An email is fine, but it’s always best to have a physical copy as well.
2. Talk to your boss
Once you’ve decided to resign, the next step is to talk to your boss. This can be a difficult conversation, but it’s important to be respectful and professional.
Start by thanking them for the opportunity to work at the company. Then, explain your reasons for leaving in a calm and rational way. Finally, offer to help with the transition period in any way you can.
This will help to soften the blow and shows that you’re still committed to the company, even though you’re leaving.
3. Write a resignation letter
A resignation letter is not required, but it’s a nice gesture. This is your chance to thank your employer for the opportunity to work at the company.
Again, be sure to remain professional and respectful. There’s no need to go into detail about your reasons for leaving; simply state that you’re resigning and thank them for their time.
If you do not know how to write a resignation letter, you can get a resignation letter template online. The resignation letter template will help you format your letter correctly.
4. Clean out your desk
On your last day of work, take some time to clean out your desk. This includes everything from personal items to company property.
Personal items can be packed up and taken home with you. As for company property, such as a laptop or company phone, you’ll need to return this to your employer.
5. Return all keys
If you have any keys to the office, such as a key card or desk key, be sure to return these to your employer. The last thing you want is to be responsible for lost or stolen property. Have a clearance form ready so you can get these back as soon as possible.
6. Say goodbye to your co-workers
Saying goodbye to your co-workers can be just as hard as saying goodbye to your boss. These are the people you’ve spent the last however many months or years with, so it’s only natural to feel some type of way.
But, it’s important to remain professional. Simply thank them for their help and wish them the best in the future.
Conclusion
Resigning from your job can be a difficult process, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these simple tips, you can ensure a smooth transition for both you and your employer.
