How to Quit a Job Without Burning Bridges

Read moreBookkeeping For Small Business Hidden Secrets Medium Matt Oliver

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Just as first impressions are so important during an interview, quitting a job with a good relationship can often be overlooked but is just as important as your professional reputation and career. You never know what life will give you, and you may eventually return or need to take advantage of networking at your previous workplace.

Whatever the reason for your departure, consider these tips if you’re wondering how to quit your job with classes.

Practice discretion during your job search.

You may find it tempting to look for job vacancies online at work or even arrange an interview during company time. This is not recommended. The last thing you want is for your current employer to know. This is not professional.

Also avoid using company resources for your job search. In other words, don’t use a company laptop when looking for your next big career move. Recruiters know discretion can be part of the hiring process, so be transparent about your situation, and they need to be able to accommodate your schedule.

Job search sites like ZipRecruiter also have a feature that lets you turn off account settings that allow employers to find you if you don’t apply — reducing the chances that your current employer will discover that you’re looking for a new position.

Prepare a resignation letter and specify the last day.

Once you have confirmed offers from other companies that you plan to accept, you will need to prepare a resignation letter notifying your organization that you are leaving. Your resignation letter is a formal document that you can use to thank them for your time there while leaving the door open to future opportunities.

In the letter, make sure you note when your last day was. Two weeks notice is a general rule in most business cases. Be sure to communicate with your new employer that you will need two weeks to complete your term in your current role.

Tell your boss first.

After you have drafted your resignation letter, your immediate supervisor should be the first person to inform you of your departure. This can be a tough conversation, but you’ll have fun doing it. From there, they will determine the best course of action and how to proceed with the work.

Your company will likely connect with human resources and let you know when it’s a good time to communicate the news to other employees and clients. You can also use this meeting to discuss how to best use your remaining time at the company.

Worked until the last day.

Staying professional through your last day of work is critical to assessing how to quit your job. You’ll want to ensure a smooth transition from your job to replenishment or planning until your old employer finds your long-term replacement. Update your company’s voicemail and email to ensure the right people are contacted in your absence.

Prepare for an exit interview.

The exit interview is your opportunity to provide feedback. These meetings may feel intimidating, but they can be productive conversations for you and your former employer.

Come to the meeting prepared with the following answers:

• Why did you leave your current role?
• What did you like about your former company?
• How is your relationship with your manager?
• Are you considering returning to this company?

You will feel a lot of complicated emotions while you’re aside, but knowing how effectively quit your job is a crucial step in strengthening associations for the future. Always remember that this next step is the best for the career, and just your own professional relationship using the company ended does not mean you won’t come back or end up attempting to take advantage of referrals.