Not everyone leaves a job for negative reasons. Maybe you were given the chance to move to a different city or a new opportunity came that you cannot simply pass up.
But, there are also many negative reasons why people leave their current jobs. You might feel dissatisfaction with your company at the moment or your role no longer challenges you.
Whatever it is, it is very important that you learn how to quit your job without burning bridges. Here are some tips you can follow:
Don’t Look for a New Job While You are Still on the Job
Maybe the first common mistake job seekers make every time they look for a new job is doing it while they are still at the office. Your company has all the right of tracking how you use their technology.
Once they notice that you are visiting inappropriate sites or you are spending your time looking for a new job instead of doing your current responsibilities, they might take some actions against you. The best thing you can do is to do your search after office hours.
Don’t Let Anyone in the Office Know about Your Plans
Rumors are your ultimate enemies when you are searching for a new job even before you are finally ready to call it quits. In fact, even your closest confidante in the office might not be to protect your secret. Be sure to keep everyone in the dark until you have formally submitted your resignation letter to your boss.
Be Familiar with Your Rights and Those of Your Employer
Can you still recall all those papers you signed when you were hired for the first time? You might have a non-compete agreement with the company you are working for right now. There are also states that are “at will” states wherein either employees or employers can have the job terminated at any given time. However, there are some that are not. Prior to making any crucial decisions, check the employment laws in your state and go through the original package you have with the company.
Prepare the Proper Notice
Most of the time, you don’t have the obligation to give your employer notice of your resignation but this is considered as a professional courtesy. A minimum of two weeks will let your employer look for and hire your replacement.
This also gives you the chance of sharing your best practices with your replacement or your team. You can also try giving more than two weeks if possible. Providing notice to your current job is also something that even your new employer will appreciate.
Give Your Employer a Written Notice
Aside from the two-week notice, you also need to personally give your formal resignation letter to your direct supervisor. You can plan your message ahead of time and add positive thoughts about your stay at the company.
This will also force you to face your decision straight on as professionally as possible. Nothing can burn a bridge faster than leaving your letter of resignation on your table or simply walking off your job.
Use these tips and say goodbye to burnt bridges when quitting a job.