3 Keys to Quit Like a Pro!

You’ve had it. You weighed the pros and cons of leaving your current position, and have decided to head for the door. Now it’s a question of how to handle the resignation professionally.

Here are three keys to do it.

1. Stay positive and professional

This can be a difficult rule to follow, as bad work experiences often lead to anger, resentment, etc. It’s not wrong to feel these, but it’s a mistake to act on them. If you’ve been wronged, overlooked, or disagree with the way the company operates, you’re sending all the messages you need to by leaving.

You don’t owe them any explanations. That said if you feel it’s necessary to discuss negatives on your way out the door, do it in a positive, constructive way. Instead of, “The work environment stinks!” you say, “There are issues with the work environment here, and if you can improve them, you’ll be able to keep people better.”

You’re discussing your issues with them, but doing it like a true professional. It’s showing you can rise above emotions and be constructive.

2. Two Weeks’ Notice

Two weeks’ notice has been, and remains, the standard in American business culture. Don’t pressure them to make it any less, and don’t let them make it any longer, unless you already have a different agreement in place.

Employers often make the case it’s not enough time. If they come to you with this, let them know:

• You’re firm in the two weeks.
• You will focus on a transition plan.

No successful organization hinges on the talent of one team member. You both need to move on. Spend your time executing a plan to make it happen in two weeks.

3. No Counteroffers

People leave their jobs for a variety of reasons, and counteroffers almost never solve them. This includes being underpaid.

If you were leaving because of the work environment, lack of advancement, no opportunities to learn, etc., more money changes nothing. It’s a rare company that would reconfigure its entire business to retain one employee. The one time we saw it did not work out in the end.

If you were being underpaid, and the counteroffer gets you to the right salary, you still need to consider:

• You’re burning a bridge with the new company, AKA the people who wanted to pay you what you’re worth.
• You shouldn’t have to quit to get raise. A company that respects your work pays you a fair salary without the threat of resignation.

Accepting a counteroffer does not work out in the long-term. At best, you’ve temporarily squeezed some money out of your current company. The same headaches that led to your resignation will be waiting for you down the road.

Following these three keys, you can exit a bad situation with your head held high, knowing you’re moving on to something better.

PRA USA has spent 30+ years helping professionals in the Electronic, Embedded, and Controls space manage their careers. Contact us to discuss how we can help you chart the right course.