How to Resign Graciously

How to Resign Graciously

Whether you’ve been at your current role for a few months or a number of years, resigning gracefully is essential. You want to leave on the best terms possible, which can be difficult if you’re not sure how to go about it. The key is to remember that being professional and courteous is of utmost importance. Here are some tips on how to resign gracefully.

Tell Your Boss First

It is important to tell your boss before anyone else in the organisation. This will show respect for the relationship you have built and avoid any potential embarrassment that can be caused by someone else finding out about your intention to leave first. Even though it may be difficult, try to remain composed during this conversation, no matter what kind of reaction your boss has.

Express Your Appreciation

No matter why you are moving on from your current role, take time to express appreciation for what the job has taught you and the people you have worked with over the past few months or years. This gesture will go a long way in maintaining a positive relationship with your colleagues after you leave. It also communicates that even though you are leaving, it was not a negative experience overall.

Prepare For A Counter Offer

Be prepared for a counter offer. In most cases, these offers are made out of desperation rather than an attempt to match or exceed the compensation package offered by another company. Before responding, consider if staying at the same company could benefit your career in any way—if not, politely decline their offer and explain why taking this new position is best for you professionally and personally. Click on our advice page on Covering the Counter Offer for further information.

Discuss Notice Period

Typically speaking, Directors will provide up to three months’ notice before leaving their current role; however, it can be as long as 12 months depending on what has been agreed in their contract. Once again, remain professional throughout this discussion and understand that while your current company may need more time than expected from you before transitioning out of the job completely, they must also make arrangements regarding who will replace you during this period so that business operations continue smoothly in your absence.

Transition Period

Finally, make sure there is ample time set aside for transitioning duties over to another team member or colleague, so that everything runs smoothly when it comes time for you to actually leave the job completely — whether it’s two weeks or 6 months after providing notice of resignation. Make sure all paperwork is completed properly and filed away so nothing gets lost in transition either!

Leaving a job can be difficult, no matter the reason. However, there are ways to make your resignation gracious and professional. One option to consider is working with executive recruitment agencies like Mosaic Search & Selection. At Mosaic Search & Selection, we have experts who specialize in executive recruitment and can advise and guide you through every step of the process, from giving notice to your current employer to accepting a new position. We will help you navigate this transition smoothly so that you can focus on what’s next for you. Contact us today to get started.