My father stayed in the similar job his whole working life…one workplace every day for forty years. Nowadays that is believed to be crazy, but for a person of his generation, that was not all that strange.

Today, we hope persons to have around ten different jobs by the age of forty and be made redundant an average of three times in their working life. As such, interviewers have become used to persons resigning and moving on, but that does not mean you can be casual about the way you resign. It is crucial that you resign carefully and sustain professional until the last minute because:

These persons will form a critical part of your professional network

These persons know lots of other people who you might cross paths with

You know what they say about Karma, it is real ……

• Preparation Work

Before you say a word to anyone, make certain that you delete any personal files or pictures from your computer particularly if your new role is with a primary competitor. Your interviewer may inquire you to finish instantly and escort you from the building and you don’t want to leave personal data behind on your computer.

Mare certain that all the details for your new job are settled and signed off before you make any declarations.

Check the company’s resignation policy for significant details about notice periods and compensation and profits.

Make sure that you can provide a minimum of 2 weeks notice. It would be best to give 3 or 4 weeks if it is possible. This makes it convenient for your boss and the company to have a smooth transition.

• Tell Your Boss First

You do not need your boss to hear the news from someone else, so make a time to sit down and speak to him/her.

When you meet with your boss have a resignation letter ready which involves your last day and a thank you note. Do not involve details of where you are going or why you are leaving.

Have your story direct before you go in. Be very clear about how much you will say about your latest company and the reasons why you are resigning.

Be very professional.

Offer the chance to train a replacement.

Offer to give document for the new person.

• Inform The Team

Inquire your boss how they would prefer to notify the team and the rest of the company.

If you have any mentors, primary supervisors or peers you would like to keep in your close network make certain that you tell them personally and thank them for their support.

Don’t give team members a distinctive reason for leaving than the one you gave your boss. Word gets around and it’ll make you seem unprofessional.

• Remain Professional

Most persons work hard to make a great 1^st impression but do not give much thought to the last impression. Huge Mistake!!!! You must work hard until the very last minute before you leave as if it is any normal day. This will leave everyone around you considering you’re professional and vigilant.

Stay positive and don’t say anything negative about your role or the company you are leaving.

If you are invited in for an exit interview make certain that you’re courteous and polite. This is not the forum to vent about everything and everyone you hate.

• The Final Week

Eliminate any personal items from your desk and office.

Clean out your office and your online files so your replacement has no clear reason to criticize you when you are gone.

Make a handover document for your replacement that is coherent and useful ensuring good things are said about you and your level of professionalism.

Make a thank you and goodbye email that involves your contact details so persons can stay in touch.

And finally, once you leave update your LinkedIn profile and review your network to ensure you have not missed any opportunities to connect professionally with people you worked with.