| Quitting your job? Rules to follow to make it a | | | | the positive achievements of your time with the |
| positive experience. | | | | employer. If you have to participate in an exit |
| Resigning from a job is always difficult. It's | | | | interview, no matter what assurances HR tells |
| something we all have to do at one time or | | | | you, find something positive to say or say |
| another. Maybe it's for career advancement, a | | | | nothing. |
| better opportunity or maybe your current job is | | | | Also, be careful later completing a questionnaire |
| just intolerable. | | | | mailed to your home. Recently, an HR department |
| In any case it's always an opportunity, whether | | | | was exposed, although giving written assurances |
| it's a planned departure or resignation, it does not | | | | of anonymity, by coding the exit questionnaire |
| have to be an unpleasant experience. In fact it | | | | which was on the back side of request letter. |
| could be an opportunity to convey a positive | | | | They apparently, just changed the middle initial of |
| message, to strengthen good work relationships | | | | the person signing the letter, and thus knew who |
| and keep you in good standing with your | | | | responded and how they answered the questions |
| ex-employer. | | | | and/or added a narrative to some of the open |
| It's been estimated that most professionals will | | | | ended questions. |
| resign from four to six jobs in their working | | | | 3. Keep it Simple: You're not writing the next "War |
| lifetime. Here are some ideas to make the most | | | | and Peace." Make the resignation letter simple and |
| of your goodbye. | | | | if possible memorable. What did you learn, and |
| 1. Burning Your Bridges is a Bad Idea: Never, | | | | what did you value on your experience at the |
| never, never write about how badly you were | | | | employer? You can never thank or congratulate |
| treated, how screwed up the organization is or | | | | enough people for what you learned or |
| how your boss is a jerk. Burning your bridges, | | | | experienced in your job. When you depart on a |
| may give you a few minutes of satisfaction but | | | | good note, you never know when your career will |
| could lead to greater future regret. | | | | need the assistance of former co-workers or |
| For example, with a change in direction, what was | | | | managers. |
| a bad job may become a good job. Your toxic | | | | 4. Draft you Resignation Letter: Spend some time |
| registration letter, however, will have a long life | | | | putting the resignation letter together. Keep it |
| and people working at your former employer will | | | | short but it should say exactly what you want to |
| have long memories. At the very least they will | | | | say. It can't be emphasized to much-keep it |
| question you judgment. | | | | positive. Don't make it a critique of the company, |
| What if you apply at another employer, but the | | | | your boss or co-workers. |
| hiring official lives next to your old boss. What are | | | | 5. Show Appreciation and Class: If you show |
| the odds they talk about you over the back | | | | respect, and your last action is remembered as a |
| fence? You'll never know why you weren't | | | | class act, you'll have that bridge to cross should |
| considered for the job. So, as your mother | | | | you ever need to revisit that area again. |
| advised, if you can't say something good say | | | | Overall try to make the goodbye, even under |
| nothing. It's always the best policy. | | | | difficult circumstances, a positive experience. This |
| 2. Stay Positive: This idea builds on the first idea. | | | | approach could pay big dividends to your career. |
| Focus on drafting your resignation by discussing | | | | |