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Anything from difficult working environments to simply receiving a better offer elsewhere, there are plenty of legitimate reasons to quit a job. But, as frustrated and angry as you might be with your current situation, it’s still important to remember to leave as amicably as possible to avoid burning any bridges. HR managers and recruiters aren’t just searching for candidates with the best skills, experience, etc., they’re also looking for applicants that have solid reputations in the industry. If you’re planning on resigning, here are some of the best practices to keep in mind to ensure that you leave on good terms.

RESIGNATION LETTERS

An effective resignation letter should include some basics elements, like your name and position, a statement that you’re resigning, and the date you’re leaving. Even though it should remain as straightforward as possible, it’s also acceptable to express your appreciation to the organization and well wishes for the future of the company. Don’t get too personal in the letter, and consider sending personal thank-you notes to individual people. Some candidates even offer to train their replacements to make sure that they receive a positive recommendation from their current manager in the future. If you’re working with a recruiter, they can help you with a basic format for a great resignation letter.

MAINTAINING A POSITIVE ATTITUDE

As tempting as it may be to tell your employer off, the short-term satisfaction just isn’t worth losing those potentially valuable references in the future. Once you put in your resignation, it’s important to keep a general positive attitude toward your peers and your supervisors while on the job. It may be tempting to air some of your grievances to your coworkers while still in the position; refrain from making this mistake. It’s a small world and word gets around. You can assure that no negative comments get back to your leadership by remaining as professional as possible. You also never know if they might have a position open in the future that you want to be considered for.

CONSIDER TIMING

While there are some acceptable reasons for employees to leave sooner (such as unsafe working environments, sexual harassment, family crisis, etc), providing employers with a two-week notice is the standard operating procedure for most roles. Let your current company know that your decision is final so that you don’t allow them to talk you into staying longer. It’s possible that your employer will not accept your resignation and terminate you immediately.

It’s also advisable to personally meet with your manager or direct supervisor to announce your intentions. Resigning with class will help you avoid burning any bridges so you have more career opportunities open to you in the future.