Got A New Opportunity? Here's How To Tell Your Boss That You Are Resigning

All things come to an end. This is true both in life and at work. In this case, we zero in on one of the hardest goodbyes to do. It is not just about the emotional aspect, but about sharing it with your supervisor. Although it varies between bosses, it usually takes a lot of work to drop this kind of bomb on them, no matter how early or late. Today, we teach you how to ease this departure – here is how to tell your boss that you are resigning. 

Take note that this is no regular wave of the hand and exit. It is a process that has its set of rules, of pure etiquette, to avoid tension and drama as much as possible.  Here are the dos to go about it – and the do nots to avoid:

How do you professionally say that you are leaving a job?

As we mentioned earlier, there is no right way to say goodbye. But there is a way to handle this professionally and cleanly. It requires a bit of preparation, like writing down your reasons for doing so. Additionally, it helps to draw up a resignation letter in advance and hand it over during your conversation. 

But on the other spectrum, there are ways to go about it right and wrong. We share both sides of the coin, so you know to look before taking that big leap. 

1. Make sure your boss knows first. 

If you had a not-so-good experience at work, chances are you will burst at the seams wanting to tell everyone you are ready to move on. In the same vein, securing a good opportunity and saying goodbye to a happy experience at work will rile you up too. 

But before you go about tooting your horn and telling the village, hold your words in first. Make sure that aside from yourself, you allow your boss to be the first one to know. Moreover, you let them be the one to tell your colleagues of your departure. It is an act of respect, after all. 

Do not:  It would be best to have your boss know the news from you rather than from someone else. So do not allow your resignation to spread like wildfire, lest your colleagues start incessantly asking about the reasons for your departure. The next thing you know, this type of gossip spreads and could reach your boss in more ways than one.

2. List all the reasons for leaving

When you come into your boss’s office to talk (with a blocked off appointment beforehand and everything), you have to come prepared. Sometimes, your boss could be armed with a counteroffer you never saw coming so you have to stand your ground at all times. Be firm with your decision and be honest with your boss about why you have to go.

Do not: Share all the details of your new job. You do not owe your company any data about your new company’s offer package. Talks like salary and benefits should not be divulged. 

3. Have a transition plan in place.

Part of the preparedness you need for the conversation with your boss is a plan. Have a list of to-dos such as the turnover and training for the new person who is to take your place, if possible; not to mention your filing system, which includes  the documents or the applications you usually use. Go into great detail about how you will assure a smooth transition from beginning to end. 

Do not: Withhold information from your boss. If anything, your boss will answer for you on your behalf while they are in search of your replacement. During this time, they will be working double jobs to make sure your absence will not be felt. Do not give them a hard time. They will surely appreciate you for this. 

4. Keep your goodbyes civil. 

Unless you experienced abusive behavior from your boss, end on a good note with them. You may cross paths again and that boss you said goodbye to could bid you hello with another opportunity in the future. 

So always make it a point to maintain good relationships with past and present employers. 

Do not: Turn your goodbyes into a full blown rant. Save the feedback for your exit interview. Utilize this time to tie up loose ends and to thank them for the experience you had with them. After all, every experience is a learning experience you can take to your next career move. 

5. Give ample time to send in your notice.

Resignation periods vary per company, so it is best to give your contract a quick look-see before you plan it out. But usually, most employers require a one-month notice, which can also expand in time frame depending on the kind of position you are in. Senior positions usually require a two-month to three-month notice. 

If you are in talks with your new company, make sure that you mention your notice period to them. In the same vein, tell your boss within the required period notice time so that they can begin the search for your replacement right away. 

Do not: Spring a resignation with immediate effect. Losing an employee is difficult enough, but having them rush through the process is not proper at all. First of all, you would have to really comply with the assigned notice period. Second of all, a notice period requires so many things in between: from looking for a replacement to handing things over to training periods. These types of things simply cannot be rushed. 

What if my boss takes my resignation badly?

There could be instances where your boss could take the news badly. Whether the reasons are because of lack of team members, unclear reasons for resignation, or just general demeanor, such attitudes can be inevitable. What you can do to resolve this is to show gratitude for the things you have learned and to offer help whenever possible. 

If they still do not budge and insist on acting this way, at least you did your part. What you can do is just to follow through with the transition period and get out of your boss’s hair as much as possible. Once you have resigned, finish strong and make sure to leave little to no unfinished projects behind. 

Resignations can be a tough thing to stomach on your employer’s side. But know that if you are seeking an opportunity outside, that is what matters. Just make sure that you get to do the right thing and keep your boss abreast of all that is happening from the moment you leave. Again, this is one of the toughest goodbyes, but again there is still no right way to do it anyway. 

We wish you all the best!

Update your profile then #SEEKBerrer jobs on our website or download the JobStreet app on the App Store or Google Play. Check out Explore Careers on how you can brush up further on your skills!

Visit our Career Resources Hub for more expert advice on developing a rewarding career.