It is easy for us to find an article about having our dream job in search engines. But we think it's rare if people talk about how to resign professionally? In fact, this topic is quite important to discuss as most of us feel anxious or worried when they think of resigning from their current job. 

Moreover, if you have a good relationship with your boss or manager, on the other hand, you get better offers from another company. Then you are trapped by awkward resignation conversation. But, please remember that you need to maintain a positive relationship with your old boss because it could be a value when you seek references in the future. 

What should we do? Follow these steps from Robert Walters to guide your resignation smoothly.

Follow the resignation rules of your company

Check your contract or employee manual for the expected notice period, be it two weeks, a month, or more. It’s a professional courtesy to honor these guidelines, and it isn’t just good manners; your termination benefits may depend on it. No matter how much your new employer is pushing you to start “ASAP,” you commit to your current company to see out your contract.

If your new job is with a competitor, make sure you are not breaking your contract by accepting the position. If you decide to move forward with the latest job despite any contractual boundaries, be prepared to be asked to leave the premises of your current job immediately.

Resign face-to-face

Always give face-to-face notice, then follow that up with a letter. Never quit a job over email, and it can be seen as incredibly disrespectful.

Be gracious

During your resignation meeting, make sure to take the opportunity to thank your boss for the experience and the opportunity you’ve had at your current job.

Keep it positive

Never gripe at co-workers about your dissatisfaction at work. Never bash your current job or bosses during an interview with a potential new employer. And never, ever, ever denigrate your current position on social media. Even after you’ve given your notice and moved on, refrain from public zealousness about how excited you are to get out of there. 

When asked why you are leaving, the ideal answer is “for a better opportunity.” If you don’t have another job lined up, you may have to be more honest, but always put a professional spin on it: “This isn’t the right environment for me” sounds a lot better than “I hate my co-workers!”

Tom said, “Your resignation should be short and direct. Be confident about your decision to move on yet appreciative of the opportunities you’ve had. It is always best to resign in a face-to-face conversation. And make sure word doesn’t get our beforehand.”

Maintain the status quo until your very last day

While you’re contemplating giving notice and perhaps actively hunting for another job, maintain the status quo at work. Do your very best to leave your colleagues, your replacement, and your clients as prepared as possible for your departure. It’s easy to have a “last day of school” attitude, but wrapping up loose ends and setting your colleagues up for success is a sign of a consummate professional.

Secure good recommendations

Ask for recommendations before you go. If you already have a job lined up, this might not seem imperative, but it’s a good idea always to have a few people from every past job who you can turn to for recommendations if and when you need them. Asking in person while you are still fresh in their minds will mean they are more likely to respond favorably to reference requests later.

Unlike past decades, it’s familiar, and many believe it prudent to change jobs every five years or so to keep one’s experience fresh and learning alive. Knowing how to handle a job transition professionally is a valuable career skill.