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So you want to know how to quit a job. It is an essential question asked by many employees. All jobs have a beginning and an end. Most people decide to leave their current positions after considering all their options. Hopefully if you are considering leaving your current job then you have thought through your options as well.
Whatever your reason for leaving a job, quitting professionally requires you to focus on the mental and practical tasks of letting go. In today’s post, I will provide practical steps to show you how to quit your job.
How to quit a job?
Although there are many reasons to quit a job, some of the most factors are lack of recognition, unreliable corporate culture, and lack of clear direction. Research shows that when a manager fails to develop genuine relationships with employees, it can reduce employee retention rates, decrease productivity, and lower return on investment (ROIs). But the key question is: how do you quit your job? Here are a few practical tips:
1. Provide Appropriate Notification with an official Resignation Letter
It is crucial to provide your employer with appropriate notification before you leave the company. Make sure the notice is according to the standards in your industry. Consider reviewing human resource (HR) policies and allow your organization to have enough time to fill your role.
The corporate standard in most roles is to provide a 2 week notice to your employer so keep that in mind when drafting notice to send to your employer. When you do submit your resignation letter make sure it includes the date, name, position, departure date, a concise reason for leaving, other applicable details, and your signature.
If you don’t know how to write a resignation letter or if you do and just need a bit of motivation to quit your current job make sure you take a look at my resignation templates centered around providing 2 weeks notices. You can find those right here.
2. Participate in an Exit Interview
Although a resignation letter is an essential requirement for leaving your company, you must also prepare yourself for the exit interview. Not all companies perform exit interviews but many still do. If you are goin to participate in an exit interview do your research and homework. That way, you can respond to questions adequately. Here are a few common questions I typically see asked during the exit interview:
- Why are you leaving the company?
- Why did you begin looking for a new job?
- How would you describe our company’s culture?
- Do you have recommendations to improve things?
If you choose to answer these questions, make sure you are polite, friendly, tactful, and succinct. Because this is your organization’s last impression of you, I recommend you refrain from saying unconstructive things. Burning a bridge on your way out of the door only hurts one person: YOU!
Keep in mind, some companies announce resignations and some do not. Some companies only announce departures of key roles or heavily known people who have made a tremendous impact. Regardless, your colleagues will likely reach out to you once they know you are leaving the company. When they do, treat each conversation as a “mini exit interview” and be constructive in any reasoning you offer.
3. Complete Current Priorities Prior to Your Resignation
Experts recommend maintaining a higher performance level during the transition phase. For instance, do not begin showing symptoms of “short timer syndrome” so you must not slack off or disappear before quitting your job. Focus on the most important things and deliver your tasks or projects on time.
Besides, you may also need to finalize and organize project data, complete paperwork, and analyze reports. And if if you have the chance I recommend you completing all performance evaluations even if it is in the middle of a review cycle.
4. Assist Your Successor
Assisting your successor will leave a great impression on your current employer. Document specific information about the work in progress and include short-term and long-term operational matters.
Make sure the files you prepare are easy to locate and understand. Pass on “insider” tips (often referred to as tribal knowledge) about completing the work effectively and quickly. Likewise, you must navigate organizational procedures. Introduce key contacts to your successor to ensure there are no problems after you leave the company. The more you focus on relationship development during your transition, the better.
5. Manage Your Mental State
Be aware of and manage your mood, emotions, and behavior by becoming aware of what you are experiencing during the transition phase. For instance, you can think about your previous endings and how you move through them. Besides, develop curiosity and be excited about the future and focus on your overall physical and mental health.
I know this may sound odd but make sure you get enough sleep, maintain a balanced diet, and perform regular exercise. Establish connections with your social support systems. When your body is healthy, it can be easier to be mentally healthy.
6. Renew Your Spirit for A New Beginning
The first 5 tips were practical for quitting a job but there is another conceptual action to take: Once you leave the company, take time to rest and rejuvenate your soul. For instance, you can take a vacation between your jobs if you are able to make the timing work. That way, you can arrive at your new job with a refreshed mind and it allows you to make a clean break from your previous employer.
Making this type of separation between your previous and new employer can actually lead to improved productivity at the new workplace. And allow learning new systems and meeting new people to renew your spirit.
7. FREE TIP
Don’t forget to update information on your LinkedIn profile and other related sites!
Conclusion
Lastly, stay optimistic, realistic, and sincere. That way, you can prepare for the next job. Keep in mind most employees do not know how to quit a job smoothly without any problems. Quitting your job requires you to make an informed decision to make sure you are informed! And if you feel like you are not informed, KEEP YOUR CURRENT JOB UNTIL YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE.
Remember, the first step to start the transition is a clear and concise resignation letter. Write your own letter or use one of my templates. Follow the tips and tricks given above to streamline the entire process. Until Next Time!
Apply this knowledge:
Do you want to quit your current job but do not have your next job lined up yet? If so grab my resume template bundle as well as my e-book on how to ace your resume and you will be ready to craft your resume so that you can get noticed and get hired.
