Keep Resignation Short, Simple and Positive
Leave your employer on a positive note. Your moving on does not have to be a time for long faces. After all, you have just won an opportunity to advance, an opportunity for which you owe your employer sincere thanks. Thank you colleagues, too, for their help in preparing you to move onward and upward.
If you have given your best to the job, you will be missed-especially by those inconvenienced by your leaving! Let them know that you intend to assist them in whatever ways you can. By showing your boss and firm due respect, you encourage future support you may someday need.
When you resign, keep your conversations, simple and concise. The more you say, the more questions you may have to answer. Avoid lengthy discussions about your new opportunity with your old employer. Typically, your resignation creates extra work for others.
Chances are, your boss will be caught off-guard by your resignation, and will not be able to listen to your explanations due to the concerns about the sudden challenge your leaving presents. Because your boss is losing a valued employee, he or she may express negative opinions about your new firm or position. This will only confuse you. You may find yourself having to justify your personal goals and decisions or absorb the personal frustrations of others. If you’re dealing with volatile or vindictive personalities, it may be best to avoid revealing where you will be going.
If you feel you may face a hostile atmosphere, resign at the end of your workday so that you are no longer on company time and are in control of your schedule. Try to schedule any discussions for the following morning when everyone can face your departure after time to absorb and reflect on the news. If you have to defend yourself at this first meeting, or if things begin to get out of control, ask to re-schedule the meeting for a more appropriate time.