How to Resign with Style

Resign the right way. Without burning bridges, leaving silently or on a wrong note. I've trawled the internet to find the best tips on how to leave your employer. 

Resignations can be all consuming. The conversation with your employer may play again and again in your mind with all the possible outcomes. 

Whilst I'm hesitant to add to speculation of Australia's Great Resignation, odds are you're thinking about leaving your job at this time of year.

How you resign matters, for yourself and your team. So here's what I've found.

THANK YOU GOES A LONG WAY

There is an overwhelming emphasis on resigning with gratitude and professionalism. From the time your resign to the time you actually finish working for the organisation, you want to make a good last impression. Take the time to thank your employer and coworkers, even celebrate what you've accomplished together. According to Harvard Business Review, this helps maintain professional networks for the future and gives you credibility if and when you need a reference. 

STAY TRUE TO YOUR COMMITMENTS

This is a transition for you and you coworkers. Further your credibility and trustworthiness by creating a transition plan, complete projects you've commited to and ask your team what they need before you leave. Tamara Erickson, author of What's Next, Gen X?, suggests this behaviour will put you in good stead down the track if a new role doesn't pan out or you encounter coworkers again. 

RESIGN FACE TO FACE

You're probably wondering how to actually resign? SEEK advices best option is to schedule a meeting with your manager face to face. If this is not possible because of WFH or location, a video or phone call is a good substitute.

According to Melanie Kan, organisational behaviour expert at Deakin University, it's best to chat in person with your employer to set a positive tone and afterward provide a formal resignation letter. This way the end date is in writing to avoid future misunderstanding.

STAY POSITIVE

Take a positive outlook on your resignation meeting. If you're committed to leaving, it's probably best to let go of the negatives considering coworkers will be curious why or where you're leaving. Anticipate quetions and bring a positive outlook to your answers.

EVERY ACTION CAUSES A REACTION

Your employers reaction may be a major source of stress and anxiety. Even if you are positive, helpful and grateful, a person's reaction out of your control. Try to remain calm, composed and collected in any outcome. 

If all goes south even after resigning with professionalism and respect, remember the words of Leslie Higgins from beloved hit TV show Ted Lasso, "a good mentor hopes you will move on and a great mentor knows you will move on."

This article was inspired by the Undercover Recruiter.