Now that we’re clear on when to hand in your resignation, how the heck do you do it?
As was true of the when question, the truth is that it depends. If your office is small enough that you interact with your bosses frequently, you will want to get on your supervisor’s calendar and have the discussion in person. Write out what you want to say so you feel comfortable with it. Have either a printed version or an email ready to go after the conversation so that everything is nice and official. Practice saying what you need to say, and be sure to remind yourself not to overshare. Your resignation isn’t a good time to vent your frustrations or concerns. All you need to say is that you’re resining as of whatever date.
If you’re in a giant workplace and you’ve met your supervisor just a couple of times, you can email your resignation without the in-person step. Just be clear who the person is that you need to send the notice to, and anyone who should be copied on the email.
Either way, don’t feel like you need to provide too much information on why you’re leaving. If it’s been a great situation and you want everyone to know where you’re going next, you’re welcome to let them know, of course. That allows people to get excited about your next adventure, and to stay in touch. Some places may even opt to have a little party for you when you leave.
However, if you’re not happy in the role, or people at the org have been untrustworthy in the past, you don’t need to tell them anything beyond when your last date will be. Be very clear about that last date or they may try to extend it or call you with questions.
It may be the case that you are genuinely happy to help train your replacement or answer questions, but you will want to be clear about that, as well. You don’t want to be answering questions 15 months from now! So be sure to outline any relevant dates in the resignation.
If you suspect that they might give you a counter-offer or ask what it would take to make you stay, think through what you will say. Be clear about what the new job has to offer you or why you have been unhappy with the current one. Have numbers in the front of your brain if your reasons are primarily financial. And if what they offer you is tempting, ask for time to consider so you don’t regret your decision.
Remember, the decision is yours to make!
