Even though it may not be a legal requirement for most employers, a good resignation letter still accomplishes several things. First, it provides an official record of notice and removes any potential roadblock to receiving your last paycheck and other accrued benefits over the years. Above all else, it ensures that you resign with class and integrity because nothing ruins a professional reputation faster than burning bridges with current and former employers. So, whether you’re looking for a new challenge or perhaps feel undervalued, here is how to leave your job on a good note.
Create a Formal Resignation Letter
A formal resignation letter should always have a polite and formal opening. Next, clearly state your intention to resign and extend an offer of support. Ensure your current employer that you intend to complete current projects that you are still responsible for and close by thanking them for the opportunities that they’ve provided you with along the way. An effective resignation letter includes these essential elements:
- The date that it was created.
- A short opening paragraph stating that you are resigning.
- The last day that you will be working.
- An expression of thanks.
- Forwarding contact information.
Then, there are a few things that should also be avoided when writing a resignation letter. First, there is no need to explain why you are leaving and it’s not appropriate to list grievances. Further, you don’t want to boast about where you are going next.
Schedule a Meeting
Since leaving a job on a good note can also be the key to maintaining a positive future relationship with industry leaders, it’s essential to schedule a meeting with your boss before informing any colleagues. Just like you prepare for a job interview, you have to be ready for some potentially challenging questions during a resignation meeting. For instance, what are you going to do if you receive a counteroffer? Although it might be a tempting offer with a higher salary, accepting a counteroffer after resigning, or attempting to quit, is considered a major career mistake by recruiters. A better alternative is to remain confident in your decision to leave and offer to help train your replacement for a smooth transition.
A farewell email to those coworkers and clients you wish to keep in your network is appropriate only after informing your managers. You don’t want to leave a job on bad terms, especially in such a competitive industry. Software sales recruiters also understand that some workplace situations do end in conflict. If it does occur, then you have to be prepared to answer some difficult questions during your next interview. Instead of saying that you were fired, you can say that you were dismissed because you were not a good fit for the position, or there was an unexpected change in management, etc.
At Sales Search International, we are in the business of knowing our clients’ needs, their sales cultures, where they are in the market—and where they want to be. Through expert software sales recruiting, we provide access to the passionate software salespeople who are a vehicle for business development.