What is the best way to tell an employer (nicely) you are quitting your job?

Answer 1

ARTICLES > How to Quit Your Job
This week's job searching tip focuses on how to quit your current job. Of course it's best to have a new job lined up before quitting. One way to get in front of employers and recruiters so you'll be considered for job openings is by posting your resume on the various job sites. To get your resume posted on over 90 job sites at once, including sites like Monster, HotJobs, CareerBuilder, etc., visit this web address:
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When someone wants to change jobs, they usually focus on getting a new job and don't spend much time thinking about how to quit their current one. However, it's important to recognize that quitting your job the right way can be very helpful for future career growth. You may need to use your current employer for references and maybe even for networking opportunities, so leaving on the best possible terms is a good idea.

When to Give Notice

The custom is to provide at least two weeks' notice of your intention to resign from a job. This helps to minimize the negative impact on your employer's business operations. Of course you will want to have secured a new position for yourself before quitting your current job. If you suspect your current employer may need you for more than two weeks because of a complex project you're working on or because of a lack of available talent in your profession, you may want to try to negotiate with your new employer to start more than two weeks in the future. This will show your new employer that you are a person of integrity and can help maximize the value of the relationship you spent so much time building with your current employer.

Telling Your Boss

It may be one of the most uncomfortable things you'll have to do, but it is best to tell your boss in person. Not only is this the more polite way to deliver the news, but it will also give you an opportunity to address their concerns about your departure right away. You can offer to help interview and/or train your replacement if that would be feasible. One of the goals of your meeting with your boss should be to elicit their feedback about your decision and any concerns they have.

Writing the Resignation Letter

After telling your boss in person about your decision, the next step is to write a formal resignation letter. This letter should express your regret about leaving and reiterate the date your resignation will be effective. It is important to keep this letter as positive as possible as your boss will likely refer to it if he/she is asked for a reference about you in the future. If you have a specific complaint about someone at the company or a practice the company has, it is better to air those concerns in person. You may even inquire about whether your company offers "exit interviews" - a formal method for someone at the company to get your feedback about the organization before you leave.

To see a sample resignation letter, visit this web address:
http://www.jobsearchinfo.com/resign.htm

Getting References

As mentioned previously, one of your first goals when announcing your decision to leave a company is to address any concerns your employer may have about your leaving. Even if you do satisfactorily address those concerns by helping them get a replacement up to speed, your boss may still have negative feelings toward you for the first few days after your announcing your decision. Rather than using this time to "slack off" at work, it would be wise to use it to show that you are a dedicated and committed person who is still interested in your employer's success. Your goal should be to leave your employer with a very positive impression of who you are. In the last few days before leaving, you may want to ask your employer for a written reference letter.

See this article for specific tips about how to do that:
http://www.jobsearchinfo.com/refs.htm


This article was provided by JobSearchInfo.com. For additional career resources, please visit http://www.jobsearchinfo.com.


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Answer 2

Two weeks notice is usually considered polite. There are some establishments that need a months notice.

No matter how bad the job was, thank your employer for the opportunity to work there and ask if he/she would write a good recommendation for you, regardless if you already have a position lined up.

It is a good practice to keep a file folder of good recommendations all set to go when you need them. Then if you had a jerk boss, you don't have to worry about locating bosses from your past — you already have their well-wishing on paper. Present a copy included with your resume.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Well, if you want to get a good reference from your previous employer for future employment, you should always give two weeks notice whether it be in person or by letter of resignation. As far as why you are quiting...that depends on the circumstances. I really don't feel that you need to explain, but I would try to keep it as congenial and friendly as possible. Remember, actions always speak louder than words!

Answer 4

Don't burn bridges. Write them a nice letter telling them that you enjoyed your time there, learned alot and are leaving to pursue a promising job opportunity.

Past jobs come in handy. When I left a job that I thought was better, my previous employer took me back in a heartbeat - And they paid me more money.

Always provide at least 2 weeks notice. More notice if you have a very specialized job.

Answer 5

Tell your employer face to face in private, that you enjoyed working for the company and name a few reasons why to sound sincere. Then tell them that you are leaving for an opportunity that you feel suits your needs more. Be specific - if it's money, a career advancement move, location, etc...

Discuss your departure date and tell them that you will put your resignation in writing and clarify when your quitting will be announced to the other employees.

Answer 6

Unlike being bad like you fired your boss.
YOU need to keep the boss as a friend if things do not work out on your new job. Always leave on good terms. Go and say look (say boss's name) I found a new position and if I can I will give you 2weeks notice and if not I would not mind being a help to my replacement to show them how to do my job as if they were me before I go. We had some great times together and I will miss working for your company. Then take time to talk about your new job and how what you learned with him may help shape your future.
Assure that you are not going to give any trade secrets away from your clear leaving and the way you leave will reflect walking away with nothing more than you came to start employment for and the idea he/she helped you grow physically, mentally and to be a good asset to your new company you would like a reference if possible.
Be sincere not crass or rude...YOU MAY HAVE TO COME BACK SO DOWN and you want to make friends on your way down. So you will be very welcome on the return.

Answer 7

Be nice and supportive. Always give 2 weeks notice so your employer can secure and train someone to take your place. During your last few days be as helpful as you can.
Do this and you will earn a 5 star reference.

Answer 8

Tell the employer that you appreciate the experience that you gotten on the job but you are seeking to look in a different career path.

Answer 9

I would say;

I really enjoyed working for you, this has been one of the jobs that I would definitely refer to my friends or colleagues, however my passion is leading me else where..
I sincerely wish the best for you and the company, thank you for allowing me the chance to show off my talents(providing you were great at your job) but I must move forward with my dreams and goals...
again thank you,I won't leave until a replacement has been found.

Answer 10

how about a personnel reason for long time absent so that you shouldn't keep the boss waiting? it seems to work for me pretty well.. something like you are going to this place for about 2 or 3 months and you need a break from working.. after that then you'll decide for a career switch or to find a job.. so you find that it's inappropriate for the employer to wait for you..

Answer 11

Give them at least 2 wks notice and explain to them that you are leaving (for whatever reason) and that your new job will be more beneficial for you( and your family?) Obviously, you were well respected and treated by them is why you want to know a good, polite way to do it. So for whatever reason you're leaving, tell them. So whether it be for more money, convenience, or a promotion,tell them. The real question is "what will you do if they offer more money,convenience, and /or a promotion for staying " ever think of that?