how to tell your boss you are resigning?

[brikis98]

I just accepted a new offer and need to tell my manager that i'm leaving. i'm on good terms with the company and i don't expect it to be painful, but I want to make sure I do it properly.

What are the do's and don'ts of such a talk? How much detail should I reveal?

As a side note, I'm in a crucial stage of a project at my current company, so to prevent screwing over my co-workers here, I won't be starting at the other company for a month... I know the standard is a 2 week notice, but honestly, I think this would put me in a better standing with the company overall.

Update: it's done.

very rough cliffs of the convo:

me: "i took another offer... great opportunity... blah blah."
him: "anything you dislike here? what do they do better?"
me: avoid getting into details, just talk about how i had to jump on the opportunity and the like
him: "anything we can do to get you to stay?"
me: "nope, thanks"
him: some official/paperwork stuff
me: ok
him: small talk

it was awkward and uncomfortable, but overall, not too bad.

 

[Chewy]

I've always just gone to my manager and said "I'm giving my 2 week notice." And then they'll be surprised/happy/etc. and ask bogus questions like "why?" and "where are you going?" Then just reply with what they want to hear: "i loved it here, but i just thought the new place was a great opportunity and better fit." Then walk out w/ a big grin cuz you got a huge raise from your new company (assuming you did).

 

[meltdown75]

Use your words.

 

[rocadelpunk]

don't do the whole "f you, f you, f you, you're cool"

 

[AMCRambler]

Basically don't burn your bridges. If things don't work out at the new place you might have to come crawling back. Now on the other hand if you hated being at the current job, then you'll never go back anyway so it doesn't matter. Depending on when you find out about the new job, if they were good to you at your current job you can try to give them as much advanced notice as you can. I think I gave my last boss 3.5 weeks notice so he had more time to find someone. It is appreciated.

 

[markgm]

"I slept with your wife."

 

[D1gger]

I have always put it in writing, with very little details, just the "thank you for the opportunity to work here ... my last day will be ..." Then after I handed it to my manager, I let him read it and then answered his questions without offering too much detail.

 

[spidey07]

Just an e-mail saying you're giving your 2-weeks notice and that you'll do what you can to make it smooth or if need be to train somebody else.

Then enjoy the 2 week vacation before the new gig.

Just remember, everybody is replaceable.

 

[Ns1]

Originally posted by: rocadelpunk
don't do the whole "f you, f you, f you, you're cool"

i find this to be the most direct and efficient

 

[leftyman]

"Im resigning"

 

[Jhill]

Don't do they whole "WHO'S COMING WITH ME" either.

trust me no one will go and you will look like an idiot.

 

[xochi]

Originally posted by: D1gger
I have always put it in writing, with very little details, just the "thank you for the opportunity to work here ... my last day will be ..." Then after I handed it to my manager, I let him read it and then answered his questions without offering too much detail.

I would go this route. then verbally say the opportunity is something you been wanting since XXXX, mention again how much of a pleasure it was working there etc. even if it was closer to a nitemare.

good luck

 

[Whoozyerdaddy]

Originally posted by: Jhill
Don't do they whole "WHO'S COMING WITH ME" either.

trust me no one will go and you will look like an idiot.

You never know... there might be that one plucky admin who believes in your vision and is secretly in love with you enough to make the jump. It could happen... Try it.

 

[montypythizzle]

Originally posted by: Jhill
Don't do they whole "WHO'S COMING WITH ME" either.

trust me no one will go and you will look like an idiot.

:laugh:

 

[Engraver]

Watch Jerry McGuire for tips.

 

[Steve]

"I resign thee, I resign thee, I resign thee!"

 

[ultimatebob]

Originally posted by: Engraver
Watch Jerry McGuire for tips.

Yeah... tips on what NOT to do, like calling the your most obnoxious client and spending 5 minutes on the phone groveling with them while your protagee is busy stealing all of your other customers.

 

[Engraver]

Originally posted by: ultimatebob

Originally posted by: Engraver
Watch Jerry McGuire for tips.

Yeah... tips on what NOT to do, like calling the your most obnoxious client and spending 5 minutes on the phone groveling with them while your protagee is busy stealing all of your other customers.

and don't shoplift the pooty either

 

[potato28]

2 weeks notice, I crapped in your coffee a few times, any other last words that you want to say about the old place.

 

[AkumaX]

Originally posted by: markgm
"I slept with your wife."

**Don't say have sex with your wife**
**Don't say have sex with your wife**
**Don't say have sex with your wife**

"Having sex with your.... son"

 

[Finalnight]

Having done this twice:

Have a letter typed and signed, 2 copies preferably.

About noon or 2ish, if your boss is busy or might leave, casually mention you need to talk to him later.

About 1 hr to 1/2 hr before end of workday, ask if you can talk to him privately.

During the meeting, right up front state that you asked for the meeting because you are resigning effective xx. Then follow up by saying the pleasantries, that you enjoyed it, you are happy to finish up anything you are working on and stay the full two weeks if needed.

If you are on REALLY good terms, asking for a letter of rec now or before your two weeks are up might be a good idea, I regret not doing so myself.

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

"I want a raise."
"No"
"I quit"

 

[buck]

I came in wearing casual clothes and flip flops, on a Monday. Told them that I would no longer need their services come Friday and thanked them for their time. They didnt treat me well there, but I guess thats the way it goes.

 

[SunnyD]

I considered emailing my boss an MP3 of "Take This Job and Shove It". But then I figured he'd forward it to the RIAA.

 

[Injury]

To whom it may concern:

{INSERT DATE} will be my last day as {JOB TITLE} with {COMPANY NAME}.

Regards,
{YOUR NAME}

Fill out above, print, stick in an envelope and hand deliver it to your boss or HR, whoever needs it. If they ask for more explanation feel free to tell them that you have a better offer or whatever, but don't go into detail (ie: salary). It's really not their business. Just keep your mouth shut regarding saying your goodbyes, even if you hate the place, try to leave on a good note.

If you aren't leaving for a month, wait until the two weeks to give the notice... if you're in the middle of a project you might get escorted out immediately and be out of work until you start the next place (Although if they did this, they'd likely still pay you for two weeks -- maybe not).