Be careful of the method you use to resign from your job. Leaving your job in an incorrect manner could result in undesirable consequences later. Always be sure to follow any guidelines outlined in your employment contract if you signed one.
1. Should I really quit?
Before leaving your job, do ensure that you are not leaving due a one-off instance or a trivial circumstance. Additionally, unless there exists a situation such that you cannot bear to stay in that position any longer, that is understandable, however it is best to ensure that you have another opportunity available before resigning, or at the very least have enough in savings to get by until you find another job.
2. Give two weeks’ notice by writing a resignation letter
It is best to provide a letter of resignation two weeks prior to your last day on the job. Doing so can help your employer have a seamless transition of your remaining projects to your fellow co-workers. Your letter of resignation need not be extravagant but brief.
For more information on how to write a letter of resignation or download a sample template, you can view the article Here.
3. Communicate your intentions for leaving with your manager
Base on the structure of your organization, your manager may the one to hand your letter of resignation to, but in other cases it may be your HR representative. Whichever the case may be, it is still best to communicate your intentions with your manager so they can make the necessary preparations for your departure.
4. If needed, ask for a reference
Ask for a letter of recommendation from your manager or ask if it is possible to use him/her as a reference. This will come in handy if your new job requires it, or if you have not found a new opportunity yet, and will need one when you do. This typically won’t be an issue provided you had given your two weeks’ notice.
5. Finalize and return any company equipment
Before leaving, do help in transitioning your work to fellow co-workers, as well as wrap up any tasks you have that is pending completion. Be sure to return any company equipment that was given to you and find out about any benefits you are entitled to upon departure.