Whether you have found a new job, or you are simply looking to move to a different job within the same company, resigning can be a somewhat trickier task than finding the new position was in the first place.
When it comes to resigning, there is almost definitely a couple of right ways and a few wrong ways in which you should tackle it. And, whilst it might be tempting, especially if there have been issues, to air any grievances it is better to leave on good terms. In future interview situations you want to have a good answer for the questions “Did you leave your previous job on good terms with your last company?”
The experts at Parallel Project Training recommend having a good action plan in place for resigning from your project manager role with dignity.
Prepare to leave
Before you hand in your notice make sure that you have a good reason to do so. Perhaps you have found a new job to go to or have simply found a new position that you feel is more suited to your project management skills. Ensure that the details of any new position have been confirmed before you do resign, otherwise you may find yourself in a difficult position. If you are resigning because of differences of opinion, then it might be worth having a chat with HR or a senior manager first, if of course, you are happy overall in your current role.
Resignation letter
It is considered bad form to resign verbally. Make sure that you write a resignation letter – this is the official way in which you should state your intention to quit your job. Think carefully about what you write, as a good resignation letter can really help you set the stage for a graceful exit, allowing you to maintain a solid relationship with your current employer while moving to a new role. You don’t have to include the reasons for leaving. It’s always a good idea to thank your employer for the opportunities they have given you; you may also want to suggest assisting in the training of your replacement – all things that will see you leaving on a very positive note.
Remember your responsibilities
Put a plan in place for the transfer of your responsibilities – don’t leave the company with unfinished work that nobody is looking after, especially if you are mid-project. Make sure that everyone is up to speed with exactly where any projects you are working on are up to. It can be a good idea to make a list of where certain tasks you have been dealing with could be moved to until a replacement is found for the role that you have been filling.
Positive explanations
It isn’t just your resignation letter that should be positive about your reasons for leaving, remember even if the reasons for leaving issues with another person or the company are itself these are things that you can keep to yourself. If team members ask your reasons for leaving are positive, such as a new position elsewhere, and not negative.
