Why your employment resignation should be done properly.

5 reasons to keep it positive

Regardless of your reasons for leaving, your resignation should not involve anything negative or critical of the company, your boss or colleagues.

It is essential that you avoid bad mouthing previous employers.

This is why:

• You may need to use the employer as reference later in your career



• It is in your best interests to leave a positive impression behind. All businesses network and interact, information is passed around quickly



• The resignation letter will remain on your employment file and could be shared with potential future employers. View sample resignation letters for your use.



• You don't want to have to avoid ever running into your boss or colleagues again because you left on bad terms



• Keeping your resignation positive and polite means you avoid any risk of libel or defamation liability

Top tips on how to quit your job

• Avoid bragging to colleagues about your wonderful new opportunity. Rather focus on what you have gained from the company and what you will miss when moving on. This way you leave on good terms



• Follow company guidelines when resigning. Particularly follow your contractual obligations with regard to notice period. Traditionally this is two weeks but you will need to check your employment contract



• Organize any outstanding benefits pay or any compensation due to you



• You can volunteer to work with the new recruit to train them in your job



• Be productive until the day you leave. Avoid taking the approach that it doesn't matter what you do during your notice period. This just creates animosity towards you



• Do your best to complete assignments and tasks before you go and leave easily accessible information for your replacement



• If you resign verbally it should be confirmed in writing

• Make sure you know who to address your letter of resignation to and who should receive copies. Check with HR if you are unsure. Keep a copy for your own records



• Don't use the company letterhead for your resignation letter. Using company stationery to write your resignation letter is considered inappropriate

• Write a formal and polite letter of resignation which at the very least includes the date your resignation is effective, the position you are resigning from and the date of your last working day



• You should also include some note of appreciation to the company for the time spent there. If nothing else refer to what the position has taught you and the skills you have gained while at the company



• You do not need to provide any details on why you are leaving the company



• Deliver the resignation letter by hand to the person responsible if possible. You don't want it to be left lying unopened in an in-tray. This can lead to disputes about whether and when you resigned and whether you have served the required notice period. Try to make sure that the date on the letter and the date it is received are one and the same to avoid any confusion over effective date of resignation



• Keep it clear and simple. This is not the place to tell the employer all the things you would change about the company, leave that for the exit interview

Know how to quit your job properly. Use either the basic resignation letterif you want to keep it brief and simple or the longer, more meaningful version if you want to make your resignation letter more heartfelt.

If you are leaving for a new opportunity this Resignation Letter Examplecan be used.