So you have finally decided that it is time to move on. Perhaps you have learnt all you can here, or can’t see a possibility for promotion, or even have been made redundant. Perhaps you just can’t bear another day in the job!

How you handle the exit is crucial. You may need a reference from people at the current company, and you may be surprised how you will cross paths in the future with people you have worked with before. Maybe someday they will be the hiring manager where you are looking for another position. You want them to remember you well!

So don’t let whatever the reason you have decided to move on influence your feelings at the time you decide to give notice. Even if you feel resentment at being overlooked, or disappointment that they didn’t recognize your brilliance, remain gracious at all times!

Here are 10 top tips on how to exit your job graciously;-

1. This may seem obvious but try to line up a new position before you resign, even if you hate your job. It is easier to find a job from a job.
2. Resign by writing a formal letter and try to hand it personally to your line manager, leaving them to pass the news on to their superior. On no account tell the office gossip at coffee time that you have a better offer. Your line manager deserves the opportunity to consider your resignation and either accept it, or discuss the reasons with you. and maybe even offer to correct whatever the problem is. If they ask you for a little time to consider, then do not discuss your plans with others until they come back to you. Often they will come back after a day or two with a revised package or terms.
3. Remember your resignation letter will be held on your file and will be read by anyone who is producing a reference for you in future. So keep it professional and factual.
4. Don’t use the threat of resignation as leverage in renegotiating your deal. This can sometimes work, but you will quickly get a reputation for it, so don’t bluff or it may backfire on you.
5. Make sure you leave your desk and your position in good order for the next incumbent. Tie up all the loose ends, finish whatever projects you can, leave good concise notes about any work in progress. Organize a handover meeting with the new holder of the role if possible, or with your assistant, or your line manager. Create a situation where the new jobholder can take over seamlessly and is not left trying to solve problems you didn’t get round to, where they don’t know the background.
6. Stay focused until the last day. You are being paid to work your notice, so work it!
7. Advise all your contacts, within and outside the organisation, of the change of personnel. Ask if there is anything you can help them with before you leave.
8. If you can ,suggest someone as your replacement and offer to work with them to show them the ropes. This means that your manager does not have to spend time and money recruiting your replacement and worrying about keeping your workflow going.
9. Thank everyone you have worked with and for, even if you didn’t get on with them that well. You never know when you might meet them again and in what circumstances.
10. Summarise your accomplishments. A short report outlining your contribution to the organization, and your achievement’s in the role will remind them you were actually a good employee. Send it to your manager on the last day, and it will also sit in your personal file. Useful for updating your CV too!

Follow these tips and depart graciously. Your reputation will be enhanced, and that will always go before you.