Leaving a Job Gracefully

LEAVING A JOB GRACEFULLY

Questions to Consider Before Leaving a Job

Each month more than a million Americans make a job change. For some, a job change is satisfying; for others, they have succeeded only in trading one set of dissatisfactions for another. Everyone has mixed feelings about leaving a job. It can be very emotional, causing stress, insecurity, and a loss of career movement. Before voluntarily leaving a job, keep in mind that the ideal job may not exist; even if it does, you may not be hired for it!

Every job and every work situation has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Before leaving a job, carefully consider these important factors:

1. Job Satisfaction  Is your job satisfying?  Is your job challenging?  Is it possible to change jobs within your company? You may want to examine the company’s organization chart if one is available.  Have you talked to your supervisor?  Have you applied for additional training, education, or special company programs?  Are there promotional opportunities?

2. Financial Status  At this time, can you afford to leave your job?  If you leave, what employee benefits (retirement, medical, dental, employee profit sharing plan, etc.) will you lose?  Can you obtain a comparable job that will provide equal or higher pay and benefits?

3. Personality Conflicts  Have you done everything possible to resolve any personality conflict with your supervisor or with fellow workers? Have you discussed these conflicts with your supervisor or person with whom you are having the conflict?  Is it possible that the person with whom you have a conflict will eventually be transferred out of your work area?

4. Work Environment  Have you discussed your dissatisfaction with the work environment and what can be done about it with your supervisor?  Is it possible to transfer to another work environment within your company?

5. Future Career Plans  If you are considering employment with a specific company in the near future, what do you know about the company’s financial condition, goals and objectives, management philosophy, and competition?

Finally, using the answers to the questions presented above, make a list of what you would gain and lose by leaving your present job. Divide the list into two columns: “What I Will Gain” and “What I Will Lose.” A well thought out list will enable you to decide whether you should leave your present job and company. When Should You Leave a Job?

You will know when it is right to leave a job. Respect your feelings with regard to your job. Since your job represents a large portion of your daily life, it is important to feel good about what you are doing. People have many reasons for leaving an employer. Common reasons include:

 finding another job that shows more promise  no longer feeling satisfied with the work  wishing to make a career change  being laid off  being fired

This list could probably go on and on. Regardless of your reasons, never let leaving become a negative, stressful experience. If a paycheck is necessary, make sure you have another job (or at least the promise of one) before leaving.

How to Leave a Job

Your employer expects you to know how to end your employment in a positive, mature way. Do not feel you are doing the wrong thing by leaving. According to United States government statistics, the average person will have six or seven different jobs during a lifetime. Since your first job probably won’t be your last, it is important to know how to leave a job in a positive way.

Leaving a job in a businesslike manner protects your reputation and assures a favorable reference. Keep the door open for any future business dealings you may have with your former employer. Perhaps one day you may even want to rejoin your old company. Here are several points you will want to use when leaving a job:

1. Follow Company Policy

Usually two weeks’ notice is expected although some employers may require more or less time in order to hire and train your replacement. Your employer will appreciate an offer to help train your replacement and will most likely remember your spirit of cooperation. This will definitely influence the type of reference letter you receive.

2. Write a Resignation Letter

This letter informs your employer and/or supervisor of your decision to leave. Present this letter to your supervisor before telling your co-workers and friends about your leaving. You do not want your employer to find out that you are leaving from another employee.

A well-written resignation letter could lead to a good recommendation. A letter of resignation should include the following:

 the date you wish to leave  your reasons for leaving  your thanks for the skills you have learned  your appreciation of the people with whom you have worked 3. Plan Your Exit Conversation

Before you have your exit interview with your employer, make a list of some of the positive things you have learned from your job. Think hard! Your experience may have taught you job skills such as computer operations, cashiering, bookkeeping, inventory control, welding, etc. Your job may have also improved such work habits as being able to get along with other people performing work with minimal instructions, following orders, being responsible, being dependable, being loyal, dealing with customers in a positive way and being able to work under pressure. Divide your list into two columns: Job Skills and Work Habits.

The following conversation is a good example of how to inform your employer that you are leaving your job and to hand your resignation letter over:

EXIT CONVERSATION

“Mr. Jones, it is necessary for me to give you and Sigma Incorporated notice that I am leaving. I have accepted a job with Reynolds Manufacturing as an Assistant Sales Representative. By making this change, I will be able to improve my sales management skills.

I want to thank you for the excellent sales and marketing experience I have received working for Sigma Incorporated. I have learned the importance of sound organizational sales strategies and several effective selling techniques. Would you like me to train my replacement? Also, would it be possible for you to write me a letter of recommendation?”

4. Ask for a Reference Letter

Before leaving, ask your employer or supervisor for a reference letter or letter of recommendation. A reference letter contains statements about your character, abilities, skills, and attitudes. It can be a valuable tool for future job interviews. You will use this reference letter when applying for future jobs by attaching a copy to your employment application, resume, or post-interview letter. You may also want to present your reference letter during your job interviews. Always keep your original reference letter so distribute copies only.

Being Laid Off

Laid off means to be put out of work through no fault of your own. Many times a general layoff is temporary. If you are laid off, you have two choices: wait until your job reopens or find another job.

Before you decide to wait until your job reopens, find out what your chances are for being rehired. If you decide to wait until you are called back, plan your time and financial resources carefully. If you decide to find another job, ask your employer for a reference letter. This letter could help you during your next interview.

Being Fired

Being fired is a serious matter. As a reaction to this unpleasant experience, your self-esteem and confidence may suffer, but it is certainly not the end of your working career! Many people have been fired from jobs as a result of poor work habits and attitudes. It is important to learn something from this negative experience. Do not make excuses. Ask your employer to explain the reasons for firing you. Carefully examine these explanations and then consider changing certain work habits and attitudes in order to meet the expectations of another employer.

Should you mention being fired on an employment application or during future interviews? You, of course, are the only one who can answer this question. Revealing being fired to possible employers might not be in your best interest. Many individuals who have been fired simply say that they are making a career change or seeking employment in another industry. In most cases, this type of positive comment satisfies the question, “Why did you leave your last job?”

In the course of checking your references, however, an interviewer may find out that you were fired from your last job and may ask for an explanation. If the embarrassing question arises, handle it calmly. At this point what you say and the manner with which you say it are extremely important. You should state that you discussed the problem with your past employer and corrected anything which could have a bearing on future employment. You might add that because of what you learned from being fired, you are now prepared to be a better employee. Your next employer might be more willing to give you a chance if you are sincerely trying to improve your job performance.

Activity: Open your own letterhead; create a Resignation letter using the block style letter format example on the following page as a guide in creating your own resignation letter. Address your letter to the same person as your cover letter and follow-up letter regarding the same position. Make up a new position at another company you are leaving for. Save your document as RESIGNATION LETTER in your Career Planning folder. Print a copy and place it in your Career Planning Portfolio.

Activity: Open a new Word document; create an exit conversation using the example in the box on the previous page as a guide in creating your own exit conversation. Use the company and position for which you wrote your letter of resignation. Use the same made up position and company you used in the Resignation Letter you are leaving for. Save your document as EXIT CONVERSATION in your Career Planning folder. Print a copy and place it in your Career Planning Portfolio.

Thank you! SAMPLE RESIGNATION LETTER

MATTHEW A. WILSON 273 Second Street  Shepherd, MI 48883  (989) 828-4092  [email protected]

May 10, 20xx

Mr. Walter Jones Personnel Manager Sigma Incorporated 2829 Dixon Landing Alma, MI 48801

Dear Mr. Jones

Please accept this letter as notice of my resignation to become effective May 24, 20xx. I have accepted a position as Assistant Sales Representative with Reynolds Manufacturing. I am to report to work on May 28, 20xx.

I would like to thank Sigma Incorporated for giving me the opportunity to learn new and useful skills. Your sales training program has been especially helpful.

It has been a pleasure to work for Sigma Incorporated. I will always be proud to have been associated with such a fine staff.

Sincerely

Matthew A. Wilson