Career Resources: Articles and Advice from the Recruiter

RESIGN WITH STYLE

The resignation process can be the most stressful part of changing jobs, but you can take steps to make the transition smooth and painless. Here are several tips that will help:

• Prepare to leave before you resign.
  Take personal property home so that there is no question of what belongs to you. Also remove personal items from your PC. This is a good time to update your portfolio with information that won’t be available to you in the future. Never take anything that belongs to the company.
• Give two weeks notice and do it in writing.
  Let them know that your decision is final. Conduct business and leave things in the order that you would want them. Offer to start training your replacement.
• Avoid exit interviews.
  They may say that they want your advice to improve their operation, but this is often a ploy to get information they will use to try to convince you to stay.
• Never consider counter offers.
  Top executives agree that experience at several good companies is considered an asset. In today’s market, changing jobs is a necessity if you expect to advance.

Leaving on a firm but positive note is the best way to insure that you don’t burn bridges as you move forward in your career.