How to Inform Your Boss of Resignation

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Summary

Resigning from your job is more than just a formality; it’s an opportunity to leave a positive impression and maintain professional relationships for your future. Here's how to inform your boss about your resignation while showing respect and professionalism.

  • Start with a conversation: Privately inform your boss of your decision to resign before telling others, and clearly communicate your intended last working day.
  • Express gratitude: Thank your employer and colleagues sincerely for the opportunities, support, and experiences gained during your time with the company.
  • Offer a smooth transition: Create a transition plan by wrapping up your responsibilities, training your replacement, and ensuring your departure doesn’t disrupt the team.
Summarized by AI based on LinkedIn member posts
  • View profile for Banda Khalifa MD, MPH, MBA

    WHO Advisor | Physician-Scientist | PhD Candidate (Epidemiology), Johns Hopkins | Global Health & Pharma Strategist | RWE, Market Access & Health Innovation | Translating Science into Impact

    161,894 followers

    I’𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗺𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗿𝘂𝗹𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀: 𝗡𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘀. 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘀 Each career shift taught me the importance of leaving on positive terms. Your next big opportunity often comes from past connections! ① 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗱𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 ↳ Clearly communicate your departure well in advance to minimize disruption. ↳ First, speak privately with your immediate supervisor or team leader before approaching HR or senior executives; respect the chain of command. ② 𝗕𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 (𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗮𝗻) ↳ Honestly share your reason for leaving. ➤ Whether it’s further education, a career pivot, or simply a role better suited to your goals. ➤ Authenticity builds respect. ③ 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 ↳ Personally thank your employer and colleagues for the opportunities, support, and growth provided during your tenure. ④ 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 ↳ Keep performing at your best. → Ensure your transition doesn’t negatively impact the team. → Volunteer to train your next successor…leave behind a positive legacy. ⑤ 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵 ↳ Periodically reach out to your former bosses, supervisors, and colleagues. ➤ Genuinely check in, congratulate milestones, and maintain those valuable relationships. ⑥ 𝗕𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘀 ↳ Always speak respectfully about past workplaces. ➤ Integrity is memorable and appreciated. ——————- 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿: The professional world is smaller than you think. ➤ keeping bridges intact can open doors in ways you can’t yet imagine. 💬 Has staying connected with a former boss or colleague ever benefited your career? ♻️ Repost to help someone manage their next career transition gracefully! #CareerAdvice #Networking #CareerGrowth

  • View profile for Lauren Crane

    Head of Talent and Client Success

    7,246 followers

    Dreading "the talk" with your boss after landing a new job? You’re not alone. One of my clients just landed her dream role and was on cloud nine but felt paralyzed by how to give notice without burning bridges. Here are 4 quick steps she took to navigate that conversation with grace and confidence: 1️⃣ Reflect before you speak Before handing in your resignation, take a moment to pause and reflect. → What have you learned both professionally and personally? → What growth can you acknowledge, even in the toughest moments? Find gratitude in those lessons - they’re part of your story. 2️⃣ Craft a transition plan A well-crafted transition plan shows you care about the team’s success after your transition. → Document key responsibilities → Prioritize essential projects → Offer to train your successor 3️⃣ Choose the right timing Fridays are ideal - it gives your boss the weekend to process without the immediate pressure of the workweek. And remember... don’t give notice until your new offer is signed and sealed. 4️⃣ Nail the conversation Keep it simple, clear, and firm. Here’s a quick script: “Thank you for the opportunities over the past [X] years. After careful consideration, I’ve decided to pursue a new role. I’ve prepared a transition plan to ensure a smooth handover and am committed to supporting the team during this time.” As Seneca said, "Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." The way you close one door sets the stage for the next. What’s been the most helpful for you when giving notice? I'd love to hear your perspective!

  • View profile for Kasey Nixon, SHRM-CP

    📣 Cheerleader and Voice for Students Navigating Their Early Career Journeys | Owner / Founder @EIC (Early In Career) Texas | University Recruiter for First Financial Bank Texas @EIC Texas

    3,229 followers

    How to Quit Your Job the Right Way (Because They Don’t Teach You This in College!) When I had to resign from my first job, I really had no clue what to do. I knew nothing of the unwritten rules of resignation. Quitting a job isn’t something they teach you in college, but it’s an important skill to master early in your career. Whether you’re moving to a new opportunity or simply need a change, it’s crucial to exit with professionalism and respect. Quitting your job can feel like a big decision, but how you exit is just as important as how you entered. It’s common courtesy to give at least two weeks’ notice, but more if possible, especially for senior roles. This gives your employer time to adjust and find a replacement. Don’t just stop showing up or quit without warning—it’ll burn bridges. . . . Here are some unwritten rules to follow when resigning to make sure you leave on good terms: 1. Give Notice Don’t just leave on the spot. Standard practice is to give at least two weeks’ notice, unless otherwise stated in your contract. 2. Write a Formal Resignation Letter Keep it short, polite, and professional. Thank them for the opportunity, briefly mention your reason for leaving (you don’t need to get into specifics), and express gratitude for the experience. Avoid negativity—it’s not the time or place. 3. Have a Face-to-Face Conversation (or Virtual if Remote) Even if you’re working remotely, have a direct conversation with your boss. This shows respect and allows for a more personal exchange. 4. Finish Strong Your last two weeks should be spent wrapping up projects and offering to help train your replacement. 5. Maintain Professionalism Throughout No matter how you feel about the job or the company, stay professional. This is your reputation we’re talking about. 6. Offer to Help with the Transition Offer to help train your replacement or wrap up any outstanding projects. 7. Don’t Share Before You Resign Don’t announce your resignation to coworkers before telling your boss. It’s a professional courtesy and prevents the rumor mill from spreading prematurely. 8. Don’t Check Out Too Early Your last few weeks are just as important as the first. Don’t mentally or physically check out before your official end date. 9. Keep It Professional Don’t vent frustrations in your resignation conversation, email or on social media!! Stay professional. Keep your tone respectful. 10. Avoid Burning Bridges You never know when you might need a reference or cross paths with your current employer. Leave gracefully. . . . Pro Tip: You’ll likely need references down the road, and the world is smaller than you think. Always leave on a positive note—it’s a small world, and you never know when you might need to cross paths again. #CareerAdvice #JobResignation #Professionalism #JobHunt #CollegeStudents #CareerGrowth #LeaveOnGoodTerms #JobSearch #CareerTips #FutureSuccess

  • People always ask me: “When do I tell my boss I’ve accepted a new position?” My answer: Right away. As soon as you have an offer letter and commit to it. People forget what you say They remember how you make them feel. Earn goodwill on your way out: - Give them ample time - Train your replacement - Support recruiting for the opening (you’ll grow your network in the process) Ask, “How can I make this the best transition you’ve ever had?” The end of a job isn’t the end of your relationships at the company. Down the road you may • Want a recommendation • Need a referral • Hire them Your managers, co workers, and team will remember • Your work ethic • The value you brought • And how you left the position Maintaining your network is harder than building it. Move on with grace to keep it in tact.

  • View profile for Joe Carbone

    While everyone is automating, we’re busy putting the “human” back into “human capital”.

    10,443 followers

    To give or not to give notice, that is the question.   I came across a post yesterday that suggested if you work for a recruitment agency and decide to move on, you should not give notice to your employer, especially if you are joining a competing firm or starting your own. The post argued that this is a common practice in the industry and is often seen as a strategic move.   Suffice to say, I had an adverse reaction to that post, and frankly believe that if you follow the advice given, you'll do more harm to your reputation than good.   Regardless of what the company might want from you; immediate leave, two weeks, 30 days, etc. that is not in your control. What is in your control is making sure that you are not leaving your colleagues hanging with your open projects, abandoning your clients and candidates that are relying on you for what might be the biggest career decision to date and equally important, the guy or gal that has been paying you; salary, benefits, L&D, incentive trips, dinners, travel, PTO, 401(k) ++ and more. Why would you take the time inside an organization to build goodwill, a great reputation, both internally and externally to then ruin it by leaving your team in the lurch?   At Eastward, we’ve had a few resignations, and those who left did so gracefully. They didn't just walk out the door; they stayed on to ensure a smooth transition, bid a proper farewell to their colleagues, and maintain their reputation. This approach not only respected their colleagues and clients but also gave them peace of mind that they were leaving on good terms.   This advice is not limited to the recruitment industry. If you're considering resigning from your position, it's always a good idea to have a discussion with your employer about the departure timeline. This ensures that the transition is smooth for all parties involved, regardless of the industry.   #WeAreEastward #TheAccessibleCEO 

  • Giving notice! Many people dread this part of the job search. Thinking about The Thing is usually worse than The Thing itself, though. Some tips: It's sufficient to say “I have accepted a position with another firm." You can share the firm name if you want.  Thank the firm for the opportunities they've provided- always good to leave on a gracious note. The key is to go in prepared to inform them of your decision rather than discuss the decision. That’s why having a formal written letter is helpful, and so is using the language of “I have accepted a position” rather than “I’ve been offered an opportunity.” You want to be honest and forthcoming but remember that you don’t need to give ALL of the details. No need to answer questions that aren’t asked or get too detailed because you feel uncomfortable. Resigning is a lot like ripping off a Band-Aid .. be decisive and do it quickly and it’ll hurt less than you anticipated. It’s also helpful to state that you’ll work to make the transition as smooth as possible by working to finish anything you’re working on and memo-ing anything that won’t wrap up by your last day. I always provide my candidates these and other tips for giving notice, and I'm happy to report it's never been as bad as they feared!

  • View profile for Kelly Hansen

    Partnering with PEs, VCs, CEOs, and CFOs to build their teams 🎯

    16,783 followers

    I prep candidates for their resignation. Not because I don't think they are capable, but I believe TLG works with some pretty stellar candidates that companies will use all sorts of tactics during the resignation. Luckily, more often than not, companies are supportive, but here are some ways to leave on good terms and embark on your next great career adventure: ✅ You are an all star candidate, you've done your due diligence on the new job and team you are joining, so go into this conversation confident so they know this isn't a debate, it's a fact 🤝 Offering 2 weeks is standard, if you were able to negotiate a further out start date, it can be viewed positively to offer a bit of extra transition time 🧠 Think ahead - go into the conversation knowing what you need to document and some ideas around where the highest priorities of your role can be distributed 😁 Give thanks - certainly there are things at every company and every role that people would change, but giving gratitude for what you've learned, the people you've worked alongside, etc. goes a long way And hopefully the managers will support your next step and growth, and if not, perhaps that's the reason you were looking anyway 🤸♀️ Are you part of the lattice? #startuphiring #leadershiphiring #privateequity #nextchapter

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