You’ve just been offered an amazing job, with a great salary, benefits, and cool co-workers. There’s just one problem: you already have a job.
Although it might be tempting to check out at your old job, not give sufficient notice, or tell your boss off, there are numerous reasons why it’s better to take the high road and end on a positive note. After all, you’ve put in the time; don’t ruin a future job reference from your former boss and colleagues.
Always remember this golden rule, you’re a professional, so act like one. Here are some strategies for how to quit your job, without burning any bridges.
Tell Your Boss First
Sometimes, the boss is the last to know. Which is unfortunate since they’ll be affected the most. Remember that they gave you a chance in the first place. Give them the courtesy of knowing about your resignation first, before your co-workers and colleagues. They’ll respect you much more than if they had to learn about it through the grapevine.
Be Direct, But Diplomatic
Usually your reasons for leaving one job for another are obvious. Better title, greater pay, better hours, opportunity for growth, etc. If this is the case, then you should have little trouble explaining your motivations for leaving. But if the primary reason you’re leaving is because you’re unhappy, you may need to be a little more diplomatic in your explanation.
It’s okay to be direct and honest, but try to refrain from criticizing. Remember that it’s ultimately about you and not them. Keep the focus on what your objectives were for finding a new job. Stay positive and move on.
Another thing to consider is how you’ll respond if your boss makes a counter-offer. Would you stay under the right conditions? If so, now’s the time that you have real leverage. Thoroughly consider what it would take to keep you there and be prepared to name it.
Give Plenty of Notice
One of the worst things you could do to your boss and your colleagues is leave without proper notice. Remember that even though you’re leaving, the projects you’re working on still need to be completed, whether you’re there or not.
While two weeks notice is fine, less than that can leave everyone scrambling to fill in the gaps. In most cases, your new employer will expect that you’ll need to give notice and will even admire you for acting responsibly. After all, they’d want no less for themselves.
Cover Your Bases
Before you quit, review your contract to make sure you aren’t violating any agreements you may have signed when you were hired. For instance, did you sign a non-compete clause (in which you’ve agreed not to enter into or start a similar profession or trade in competition against the employer)?
Don’t email yourself documents that contain trade secrets or anything else that might be at odds with the company’s confidentiality policies.
Make sure that you’re compensated for any bonuses or unpaid time you may have accrued. And don’t forget to return any company property, including laptops, tablets, phones and, yes, cars.
Leave as Hero, Not a Zero
How you exit is as much a reflection of your performance and integrity as any prior accomplishments on the job. Now’s not the time to slack off. Your boss and co-workers are relying on you to tie up as many loose ends as you can before leaving. If you make their lives easier, you’ll be remembered in glowing, sepia-colored tones. But if not, be prepared for some pretty bland endorsements in the future.
