Resigning from your job can be a tricky affair. How would your bosses react? How do you approach quitting your job especially when you simply want to burn all the bridges behind you?

Here is some advice that you just might find handy.

1. Give ample notice

Take your cue from the terms outlined in your employment contract.

If you’re currently higher up on the corporate ladder, consider giving the company more lead time to find a replacement. Doing this shows your responsibility and that you still value your work.

Also, the best way to tender your resignation is in person.

If this is not possible (your boss is overseas or you’re working remotely), consider having this conversation over the phone or over email if that’s preferred.

2. Look on the bright side

Focus on the positives. Every job comes with the opportunity to learn, so think about what you’ve gained during your employment.

Determine and craft how you want to explain your departure to your boss. At this point, resist the urge to bare all and go on a rant. Instead, pick your battles and think hard about the issues you’d like to highlight.

Don’t list negative reasons in writing. Keep in mind that your resignation letter will be kept in your employment file.

3. This is not an Instagrammable moment

Even if you had an absolutely horrifying time at your company – resist the urge to bad mouth anyone. This means no posts about it on social media. If there’s one thing true professionals can’t afford – it’s being petty.

Going down this route can also hinder your chances of getting hired by potential employers. You can be sure that the hiring manager is going to do a background check on you.

Bonus Tip: Got a sweet new gig lined up? Even if you’ve already signed your new employment offer letter, resist the urge to brag about it at your current office or on social media. Something about counting chickens before they hatch comes to mind.

4. Consider: Asking for an exit interview

If there’s currently no policy in place for an exit interview, think about requesting for one. This is to give yourself the opportunity to thank your employer for the working experience in person.

It also gives you the opportunity to explain the reason behind your leaving in further detail (if you chose to).

During the exit interview, you should be able to gauge if you can approach/count on your boss for a good reference in the future. If you are asked, consider providing some constructive criticism in person. Do not put it in writing.

5. Plan how to transfer responsibilities

To make sure there’s no chaos as a direct result of your resignation, offer to train your replacement. Better still, create a manual. This will help create a smooth transition and leave a good impression.

In the manual, record how you accomplish your job responsibilities, the people you work with and for what purpose and include any necessary login details to corporate accounts.

6. Remain a stellar employee

Once you’ve handed in your resignation letter, do not take a more laid-back approach to your work. It’s important to maintain your professionalism up until the last day.

Tie up any task related loose ends, maintain your professionalism and complete all your work.

If you’re unable to finish certain projects, keep your teammates and your manager up to speed on your progress so they can take the necessary next steps.

You don’t want to cause a bottleneck and have people badmouthing you for an avoidable reason after you leave.

7. Documents to go?

Refrain from taking back or copying any documents you aren’t allowed to. However, prior to quitting, you may want to consider saving a copy of some non-proprietary examples of your work that can come in handy for future jobs.

While it’s never a good idea to take what doesn’t belong to you, this suggestion is made keeping in mind that some companies may freeze your access or escort you out of the building immediately after you resign.

Before you leave, return all company property as well – access cards, confidential documents, computer/laptop.

Bonus Tip: Remove all traces of personal correspondence or files in your company laptop/desktop.

8. Let clients and co-workers know

You can do this over the phone or via email. Thank everyone and extend an invitation to stay connected via LinkedIn.

It may also be helpful to include the email of the new contact person in your emails. Alternatively, set a vacation responder for your email account on your last day with the relevant contact information.

9. Prepare yourself mentally

Prepare yourself for the worst-case scenarios, mentally. Think about the worse reaction your boss could have to news of your resignation.

Then, work out polite response. There’s no need to match your boss’s reaction or to justify your actions, even if your boss goes on the defensive or decides to guilt trip you into divulging more details.

Do keep in mind that your boss doesn’t have to accept the notice period you mention in your letter.

This means, your termination could be effective immediately. Are your finances in order? Do you think you’ll be able to process the situation and react calmly?

This article first appeared in jobstore.com

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