top 10 mistakes - #9 resigning your job

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Top 10 Mistakes

Resigning Your Job

By: Bill Hollandwww.mandrake.ca/bill

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Introduction

• Everybody leaves sometime. The timing and circumstances vary of course, but a job is a finite reality. Whether it’s an out and out career change, or a move along your career trajectory or into retirement, you will likely find yourself resigning somewhere, sometime. A skillful resignation will demonstrate your professionalism as well as help you transition to your next position. Don’t threaten to leave, expecting your employer to beg you to stay. When you resign, you may or may not be presented with a counter offer, but know in advance how you will handle this situation. Prepare what you are going to say to your boss, and keep it short and to the point. Most importantly, keep it positive.


#10 – Being Impulsive

• Don’t resign in the heat of the moment. If you’re angry or otherwise emotional, take some time to cool down before making any rash decisions about quitting your job.

• ReadySet Hired! A Practical Guide to Finding a Job.I recently co-authored the book ReadySet Hired! which takes you through all stages of the job search process, from beginning to end. Easily manage your job search through a 10-step process supported by coaching comments, quick tips and dozens of online resources.Available FREE! at www.readysethired.com


#9 – Expecting A Counter Offer

• Don’t resign hoping that your employer will come back to you with a counter offer – you may be disappointed. In fact, you may just be walked out the door.



#8 – Being Unprepared

• If you’re serious about resigning, make sure you’re prepared for the outcome. If you don’t have another job lined up, make sure you have the financial wherewithal to sustain an upcoming job search.



#7 – Not Putting It In Writing

• Write a brief letter stating that you are leaving the company and indicate your effective resignation date. You don’t need to provide details on why you are leaving or where you are going.



#6 – Failing To Honor Your Employment Agreement

• Check your employment agreement for any specific non-compete and non-solicitation obligations. You don’t want to leave yourself open to any legal or ethical predicaments.



#5 – Not Transitioning Your Work Appropriately

• Take the time to organize your work files and pass them along to your replacement or your boss. Provide detailed instructions on how to manage any outstanding projects.



#4 – Not Doing It In Person

• Set aside the time to meet with the appropriate person when you resign. Resigning by telephone, email, or casually by the water cooler is not acceptable.



#3 – Bad Mouthing

• When you resign refrain from speaking negatively about your job, your colleagues or the company. You want to leave on a high note so be gracious and professional.



#2 – Not Resigning To The Right Person

• Find out who you should be speaking to when you resign. Is it your boss? Is it HR? Both? You don’t want news of your resignation to get out before you’ve made an official statement to the right person.



#1 – Not Giving Proper Working Notice

• You are obliged to give your employer adequate notice when you resign so they can take appropriate action, such as hiring and training a replacement. Check your employment agreement for details.


top 10 mistakes - #9 resigning your job

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