Resign, but don't burn bridges
Gone are the days when one started one's career with a company and stuck it out there for the next 30 years or more.
By Sreeradha D Basu, TNN |
KOLKATA: Gone are the days when one started one's career with a company and stuck it out there for the next 30 years or more. Today, changing jobs has become more or less par for the course. But even now at a time, when attrition levels are scaling new heights, putting in your resignation is still never easy. But when it comes to the crunch, it's never a good idea to burn your bridges. Especially when you never know if that same obnoxious colleague may end up being your colleague - or even worse, your supervisor - in another company. Here are tips on how to make a graceful exit.
Let your boss be the first one to know
Don't discuss your resignation with other colleagues before telling your boss. Rest assured he'll be insulted if he gets to know of you quitting via the office gossip mill. Preferably, set up a meeting with him and carry your resignation letter along with you.
Don't rush it, be discreet
If you have an employment contract that specifes a notice period, make sure you abide by it. Otherwise, try and give notice of atleast two or three weeks. Putting in your resignation doesn't mean you are absolved of all your responsibilities. Ensure that you finish all your pending assignments and leave all documents and relevant material in place for your boss and co-workers. If you have to train a replacement, do a good job of it.
Be wary of exit interview, ask for reference
Given half a chance, give this a miss. But should it be mandatory, try and emphasise on the company's positives. Trashing the company, its people or its work culture in an exit interview is a strict no-no. It might well come back to haunt you. And while making your exit as gracefully as possible, don't forget to ask for a reference from your boss. You might need it in future.
Return company property
Return any company property - keys, documents, laptop etc - that you may have. Don't make them chase you for them. Also, don't steal any data or information, or delete any important documents. That's one of the stupidest moves.
Keep in touch
Give your boss and your colleagues your new contact information, and do keep in touch. Maintaining these ties might hold you in good stead. Also before leaving, send a thank you note to your boss and colleagues , talking about the positive aspects of your association.
Let your boss be the first one to know
Don't discuss your resignation with other colleagues before telling your boss. Rest assured he'll be insulted if he gets to know of you quitting via the office gossip mill. Preferably, set up a meeting with him and carry your resignation letter along with you.
Don't rush it, be discreet
If you have an employment contract that specifes a notice period, make sure you abide by it. Otherwise, try and give notice of atleast two or three weeks. Putting in your resignation doesn't mean you are absolved of all your responsibilities. Ensure that you finish all your pending assignments and leave all documents and relevant material in place for your boss and co-workers. If you have to train a replacement, do a good job of it.
Be wary of exit interview, ask for reference
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Given half a chance, give this a miss. But should it be mandatory, try and emphasise on the company's positives. Trashing the company, its people or its work culture in an exit interview is a strict no-no. It might well come back to haunt you. And while making your exit as gracefully as possible, don't forget to ask for a reference from your boss. You might need it in future.
Return company property
Return any company property - keys, documents, laptop etc - that you may have. Don't make them chase you for them. Also, don't steal any data or information, or delete any important documents. That's one of the stupidest moves.
Keep in touch
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Give your boss and your colleagues your new contact information, and do keep in touch. Maintaining these ties might hold you in good stead. Also before leaving, send a thank you note to your boss and colleagues , talking about the positive aspects of your association.
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