Let’s get real. Most of us have fantasised about walking into our boss’s office, saying “I QUIT!”, marching out the door, never to return. And, yes, I’m sure it would feel darn good. But, no matter how ready you are to leave, it’s crucial to stay professional and gracious. While you may never work for the company again, the world can be very small when it wants to be.

So, if you’re ready to move on to bigger and better experiences, here are our top tips to help you close one door and open another with style.

1. Be 100% sure

If you’ve accepted a new job offer (congratulations!) make sure you’ve signed the new contracts or at least had a letter of offer before you quit your job. And, don’t just ‘take their word for it’. Make sure you have all the agreements in writing.

If you’re simply quitting because it’s time for a fresh start, make sure your professional resume writing services is professionally updated and reflects your latest achievements and experience. Also, update your LinkedIn profile so it’s polished and tailored to the industry you want to work in. Not sure how? We can help.

2. Tell your boss first 

Show courtesy and respect by telling your boss first. Request a meeting and do professionally, just as you did when you interviewed for the role. Before the meeting, prepare what you want to say. Think about what you’re grateful for, what you’ve learned and why you’ve chosen to move on to the next chapter in your life. It’s also important to put yourself in your bosses shoes and understand they will be thinking forward to the potential impact your departure has on the business. Ease these concerns by confirming you’ll do everything you can to ensure a smooth transition to minimise any disruption.

3. Don’t gossip

No matter how close you are with your team, respect your boss by not telling your colleagues and clients until it’s formally announced. This may take time, so bite your tongue and be patient. It’s their news to tell, not yours.

4. Stick to your contract

If the resignation period is two or four weeks, make sure you see it out in a professional manner i.e. not calling in sick. While your new employer may be pushing you to start ASAP (as many of them do), make it clear that you respect your current employee contract and will start with them when you can. And don’t worry about your new employer changing their mind, this demonstrates you are both loyal and professional and a good employer will respect this.

5. The letter

Keep your letter short and professional. Avoid giving lots of explanations for why you’re leaving or where you’re going. And don’t use it as a chance to tell your boss what you really think, either. Be gracious and thankful. Article Source

Here’s a guide to get you started:

• Dear [name]
• I’m writing to formally resign from [insert role] at [insert company’s name]. 
• I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and would particularly like to thank you for…[insert career building opportunities, projects you loved etc.] 
• I will do everything I can to complete current projects and assist where possible in ensuring a smooth handover. 
• According to the terms of my contract, my last day will be [insert date].
• I have greatly enjoyed working with/for you and hope our paths will cross again in the future (optional). 
• Kind regards / Yours sincerely 
• [Your name]

6. Give yourself a ‘breather’ 

If you know you’ll be flat out finishing up your current job, give your new employer a start date that’s one week after you finish up in your job. Changing jobs is a big strain on our bodies and on our life. We’re usually working late, trying to please everyone, and constantly thinking about the ‘next phase’. Having a week to recoup allows time to relax, reflect and get ready for the new job, mentally and physically. You also don’t know when your next holiday will be, so don’t feel guilty and enjoy the time off.

7. Rise above the naysayers 

We’ve all love our colleagues to be supportive of our new job, but sometimes this just isn’t the case. If you’re dealing with a line manager or direct reports who are making your life difficult, rise above them. It’s not productive to waste your energy trying to change their minds.