If you’re thinking of or about to put in your two weeks notice at your current position, you’re not alone. The Great Resignation has been one of the biggest stories in the tech industry over the past year, with the United States IT industry’s turnover rate at an all-time high of 13.5%, according to Motion's 2022 Tech Salary Guide. While many stories have been shared about the reasons why so many people are changing jobs, what's been less discussed is what to do once you’ve decided to leave your position. Here’s are the five steps you need to take to resign on the best of terms from your current job.
1. Prepare for Your Departure, Quietly
It’s imperative to keep your decision confidential with your current employer until they are ready to share the news with the whole team. Notifying your supervisor before making your final decision public knowledge leaves a courteous impression. Allowing your boss to hear and process your parting news before all others gives them the opportunity to strategically position your exit with the rest of your team and dedicate time to finding your replacement.
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2. Timing is Everything
Giving adequate notice is crucial. The standard notice is traditionally two weeks but refers to your employee handbook to confirm what your current employer expects from you and follow suit. Offer to stay for the time required, but also be prepared to leave immediately.
3. Meet with Your Manager "Face-to-Face"
Just like any important meeting, holding your resignation discussion face-to-face, whether over video or in person, is the best way to both show respect and avoid miscommunication, as written messages or even a phone call could be misconstrued. Write out a list of points you would like to emphasize during the conversation, and schedule the meeting for enough time to talk through the details. A professional conversation deserves a professional approach; dress accordingly, know how you will present the information and be prepared to answer questions. At most employers, a resignation letter is merely a formality, though you should hand a short one in as a courtesy.
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4. Stay Positive and Stick with the Facts
Professional growth is normal and should be celebrated. That in and of itself is a reason to stay positive in your final weeks. This will only benefit you in the long run. Change can also bring up emotions, so keep the resignation factual to eliminate any emotional pivots in the conversation.
5. Be Productive till Your Last Day
Putting in your notice can create a gap within a workflow or even your entire team. Maintaining your responsibilities as an active contributor and collaborator for your team during your last weeks is highly recommended to leave on good terms. Make it easy for a new hire to pick up where you left off with incomplete projects, and be clear about the next steps and action items. Check in with your HR department to confirm your off-board has been successful and you have capitalized on all you are eligible to collect. Finally, offer an assisting hand with your replacement if you have the bandwidth during your time left at the company.
Leaving on good terms is an oft-forgotten part of building your career. Having a growing number of contacts that have positive things to say that you can use as a reference with be a great resource going forward. By following these steps, you can ensure a successful transition from one job to the next while keeping a positive reputation throughout your tech community.
For more on how to walk away from a company with class, download our Resigning with Class series:
View More on How to Resign With Class Here.
If you’re looking to make a move into a new opportunity, contact your local Motion Recruitment office today. Working in the mid-to-senior level IT job industry for over 30 years, Motion has set itself apart in the technology space by having our recruiters each specialize in a specific department of the tech industry, allowing them to become experts in a particular section of the IT workforce. With offices in 16 cities across the United States and Canada, Motion can help companies and candidates take the next step in the tech market. Contact us now.
