How To Quit Your Job Graciously With Pictures

Try looking at job websites like Monster. com, Indeed. com, or Simplyhired. com to see what sorts of alternative employment you can find. These sites offer a wide variety of jobs that are searchable by job type, pay grade, and state, city or region. [2] X Research source Be sure to account for current living arrangements. If you are unable to move to a different area of the country, your job opportunities may be much more limited than someone who can pick up and move at any time. [3] X Research source Be sure that you consider bonuses, insurance packages and other supplemental benefits when comparing your current position to potential employment opportunities.

Be sure to update your resume, including any and all accomplishments from your current job. It is also wise to put together a template for a cover letter. Cover letters will have to change slightly for different positions or job postings. It can be helpful to highlight the areas that will be subject to change on your template.

This is a particularly important step if you are planning to move to a new location for a new job. You may also wish to speak with someone who has experience changing jobs or careers to get some further insight on the process. A parent or older colleague whom you trust could be a good choice. [6] X Research source Make sure you keep any and all plans for leaving your current job among people you trust. It is not wise to discuss your future job plans with co-workers until after you have informed your current employer about ending your tenure with the company. [7] X Research source

If you plan on being unemployed between your two jobs, make sure you have enough money in your savings account to cover this period of unemployment. [9] X Research source If you live paycheck to paycheck, you may need to secure a loan to get you through a period of temporary unemployment. [10] X Research source

Never leave your current position based on a theoretical or verbal offer. You never know what can happen and you don’t want to be left jobless. Be clear with potential employers about your current position and responsibilities. You will want to leave enough time between quitting your old job and starting your new one to tie up any loose ends with your old position. Future employers should appreciate that you are considerate enough to make sure you leave your old job on good terms.

Also, this is presumably the person who hired you (or at least didn’t fire you) and signed your paychecks. Letting him know first is simply a common courtesy. Most jobs require you to give them two weeks notice before quitting your position, although some companies prefer that you give them thirty days notice.

Don’t change your plans for empty promises. If your current employer has offered promises of a raise or a bonus before, but failed to follow through on them, then there is no reason to think this situation will be different. Any and all offers made by your present employer in an attempt to keep you on should be put into writing. This will help you hold him to it.

Remember, your boss is still your boss, at least for the next few weeks. Don’t take your quitting as an opportunity to turn the tables on him and chew him out, belittle him, call him an idiot, etc. None of these things are “graceful” and you will be burning a bridge with someone from whom you might still need a letter of recommendation or reference. [15] X Research source

Make sure you tell your closest colleagues or work friends first, so they don’t hear it from someone else and feel slighted. [17] X Research source You are not obligated to inform everyone in the workplace that you are quitting. However, it is a courtesy that needs to be extended to the people who will need to pick up your slack once you are gone. [18] X Research source

Be sure your correct mailing address is on file, so your tax information can be sent to you next year.

Everybody else is staying in their position. Constantly talking about getting out of a company only makes you seem like a jerk to everyone who is staying. Your work performance in the last two weeks of your job are as important as the first two weeks. Don’t forget, you are being constantly evaluated and a decrease in performance near the end of your term with the company may be reflected in reference letters down the line. [21] X Research source Be polite and respectful to all your coworkers and supervisors during the period before you quit. [22] X Research source

Don’t hide important documents in a childish attempt at revenge. Don’t take or steal anything that the company provided you, like staplers, computers, etc.

It is also important that you organize everything you were working on in an easily searchable way. It can also be helpful to draw up an inventory of your files and work materials for your replacement. It is often beneficial to have a “handing over notes” meeting between you and your replacement. Some companies require this, while others do not. This meeting will allow you to explain your job, duties, associated files, etc. to your replacement face-to-face. [26] X Research source While it is rarely required, it would be a nice gesture to leave your contact information for your replacement so that he can contact you if he has questions, comments or concerns about the position. [27] X Research source

You will want to be sure your 401K can be rolled over to your new job.

You need to get this reference now, even if you have other employment lined up. Once you are gone, your accomplishments and years of service will be quickly forgotten.

In order to quit “graciously”, don’t use this exit interview to air grievances or hurl personal attacks at coworkers or employees you don’t like. Stick to discussing areas that you think the company could use improvement in or highlight the areas in which you feel the company excels.