Making a career move and want to keep your reputation and relationships in tact? Talent Management and Recruitment expert Christine Khor outlines how to leave gracefully and keep everyone happy – including you.

1.  Observe good etiquette

The etiquette of resignations has not changed with new technology. Though it may be obviously inappropriate to most people, there have been infamous cases where people have resigned via text message or social media.  Even email is often considered inappropriate.  To err on the safe side, the traditional approach is recommended.  Schedule a meeting with your manager and attend with a prepared formal letter of resignation.  Try to pick a time when your manager is in the right frame of mind to listen to you so you will be heard.

2 . Tell them why – nicely

Be clear about the reasons you are leaving and present it in a positive way. If you are moving on to a new opportunity, outline the benefits of the new role to your professional development. If you are taking some time off between roles, let them know why so they understand it’s the right move for you – and nothing personal.

Be prepared. Your manager will want to know what the next steps are so they can resource accordingly. Let them know how long you are willing to serve in your notice period.

3.  Control the message

Though it may be tempting to tell the colleagues you are closest to about your resignation before you actually resign, there is a rightful and respectful order of who should know first.  Show your manager the courtesy of telling them first as they will be most affected by your departure.  This will allow them the opportunity to create and implement a plan for communicating your resignation to the rest of the business and prepare for any handover that needs to happen.

4.  Give constructive feedback

If you are going to critique the role or outline the reasons for leaving, make sure you do it in a constructive way. The resignation meeting is not the right place to give feedback.  Instead, there should be a formal exit interview where criticisms can be aired. It’s also important to remember that feedback is not an opportunity to ‘dump’ on everyone and everything you don’t like. Ensure your comments during an exit interview are constructive.

5.  Show integrity

You may not be leaving on the best terms – this happens.  However even if you resent your job, manager or colleagues, throwing a tantrum or leaving them high and dry only reflects poorly on you.  Unless the company is doing something illegal or unethical, you should resign with maturity.  Don’t air your grievances on social media in any form as negative messages can come back to haunt you later in your career.
Leave as you would enter

It’s common to lose enthusiasm for your role after you resign, but resist the urge to slack off. Remember, people are more likely to remember your last two weeks – not the last five years you were in the role. Act in your notice period as you would in your first week. Don’t take long lunches or undermine your boss or colleagues. Serve your full notice time, prepare a thorough handover and leave gracefully. Remember, your current employer is likely to be called upon to act as a reference in future.

For career advice, visit www.chorusexecutive.com.au

[author image=”http://www.woman.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Christine-Khor-Chorus-Executive_1.jpeg” ]Christine Khor is the Managing Director of Chorus Executive, specialists in talent management and recruitment services for sales, marketing and communications

For jobs and career advice, visit www.chorusexecutive.com.au.[/author]

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