Just this morning I got an offer from another organization. I think I’ll likely take it.
So, tomorrow morning I’ll need to resign. I’ve never in my adult life had to do this (from college to this job for the last 7 years), and don’t know what is required. Do I need a letter as well as to talk to my boss? How do I phrase the letter?
I feel so bad about leaving, but I think it’s for the best (for me).
When I’ve done this in the past, I asked my manager if we could schedule some time – that we had something we needed to discuss. During the meeting I cut right to the chase: “I’ve found an opportunity that I can’t pass up, so I’m giving my two weeks notice. I just wanted to say thanks for everything.” If you’re required to write a letter, he or she will tell you so. The letter’s usually a formality and is phrased something like, “I, [your name here], hereby resign my from position as a [insert title here].”
Usually, these meetings last 5 minutes, if that.
I’ve always just gone into my boss and explained the situation. At some point it gets mentioned that “HR will need something in writing”. I then write a brief note along the lines of “As I have already advised orally, I will be resigning my position effective xxx. Sincerely, etc.”
No large, although I’m sure that somebody will be coming by to tell you to do things completely differently.
If you are going to use a letter, and I do recommend it, KISS - Keep It Simple (Stupid, not that you are.)
Nary a complaint on it nor even a comment on why you are leaving. If you want to tell people why you are leaving that’s your business but anything you put in writing with your signature should be airtight.
Sounds good. Thanks guys!
I forgot. If you’re a valued employee, you’ll most likely get a counter offer. Personally, I would never accept one. There was a reason I was looking to leave and it usually had nothing to do with money (or other compensation).
Actually, I think I’m going to run into this problem. After much thought, I have to agree that I’m leaving because of the work, not because of the money. Although luckily, the new job pays a bit better then this one.
“Two weeks’ notice” is a tradition, not a legal requirement, but if you don’t offer it, you could acquire an unfortunate professional reputation.
Funny story: When I quit my last job, the HR person told me that because I’d used too much vacation, I wouldn’t be paid for my final week’s work. I replied “Well, then I’d be an idiot if I came in at all next week.” She re-checked her figures. Turned out I was eligible to be paid.
I’ve always resigned to go to a new job, and I write a letter ahead of time. It says in a nice way
-I’m leaving
-My last day will be ________
-I appreciate the opportunities I’ve had here
I take the letter in to the boss and verbally tell them what’s up, and give them the letter for the record.
Good luck with the new gig!
Thanks! I’m actually excited, it’s the complete flip side of what I do now. (Now I work in HSE for an O&G transmission company, next I’ll be working for the government doing compliance inspections on companies like this one)
Get everything off of your computer before you resign…
Just finished doing that now!
Whenever I quit a job, I spend the morning cleaning everything personal (e-mails, etc.) off of my work computer, and then let them know I’m leaving. Some bosses don’t take the news well.
Yeah, I have to clear all my emails as well, thanks for the reminder.
Along with all the great advice you’ve already received, I would stress that ideally you should not burn bridges. I had a receptionist quit with no notice to take another job. She said something like, “I hate this place, I’m outta here”. It turned out she hated her new job even more, and quit there after a few weeks. She approached me about getting her old job back, and I laughed. Had we parted on good terms, my laugh woulda been a smile and a handshake.
Luckily (or maybe unluckily), my boss and I are close and I think he’ll be happy for me. Sad to see me go, but he’ll understand. I fell bad for him though, as he has a LOT on his plate and now he has to replace me as well.
Sounds like you already got some great advice.
If you have professional contacts in your work email then send them to your personal email. You never know when a contact you met while working at A company might be contact needed working for B company.
Email addresses are harder to remember than you might think.
I agree - I think it’s a good idea always to express thanks of some kind, even if it’s completely insincere, - if nothing else, because it weakens any argument that might be made later to the effect you resigned bearing a grudge.
As above, but I always add “and I wish BastardSoulDestroyingCorp every success in the future.”
It sounds like you won’t have this problem, but I always assume that two-weeks’ notice can become an immediate termination if the boss is feeling pissy.
Congrats on the new job!