A scorched-earth approach may work in warfare, but it’s not a good strategy when you resign from your finance job. It burns bridges and your professional brand in the process. Instead, try employing these 7 strategies to leave your finance job with grace and class.
Consider Your Timing
Leaving with anything less than 2 weeks notice is bad form. In fact, if you haven’t committed to a start date with your new organization, consider offering to work longer if need be. The higher up you are on the food chain, the more impact your transition will have. And remember, while it can be tempting to leave in a moment of anger, it certainly doesn’t help you and your professional brand down the road.
Read this article Read this article from the Globe and Mail for more tips on the timing of leaving a role.
The Letter of Resignation
Before you write your letter of resignation review your employee manual, letter of offer and any employment agreement. Take note of any period of notice requirements. Make sure to include the following information in your resignation letter:
- How many weeks of notice you’re giving
- Your final date
- Something positive about the organization
- List a specific accomplishment or learning that you are most proud of
- Avoid saying anything negative – at this point there is no such thing as constructive feedback, only destructive feedback
Read “Things to Avoid in a Resignation Letter” for more tips on crafting an effective letter of resignation.
Schedule a Meeting With Your Boss
Once you’ve decided that you’re going to resign make sure you tell your manager first. Understand that while your boss will likely control the message of your leaving, you may have input into how it’s delivered – in an email or team meeting for example. Collaborate with your manager about how best to use your remaining time with the organization.
Transparency is Key
Transparency is important, as is professionalism at this moment. Once the news is out, be honest and straightforward about your plans to leave, but don’t gloat. Keep your message consistent. You’re trying to control the narrative, so avoid gossiping. Remember, former colleagues form an integral part of your professional network. It’s important to preserve it as much as possible.
The Transition
How you finish your job is as important as how you started it, if not more so. Wrap up your role as best as you can. Offer to answer any questions your replacement might have for their first 2 weeks in the role. Thank everyone for helping you to succeed.
The Exit Interview
The exit interview is not the time to give the feedback you should have given when you were an employee. It’s likely that your feedback will not change the organization, and while you’re guaranteed anonymity (perhaps) nothing is written in stone. Pick one or two things that were positive about the organization or your leader and keep your messaging consistent around those two items.
Stay Positive
The accounting and finance world in the GTA is a small place. Once you’re in your new role it can be tempting to bash your old one. But keep in mind that you never know the connections that people have. Stay as positive as you can even if your time with the firm wasn’t what you wanted it to be.
Key Takeaways
Resigning from your finance job is an exercise in professionalism. Give at least two weeks notice and make sure your boss is the first to know. Keep your messaging consistent and positive in order to own the narrative. Wrap up your role as best as you can and offer to ease the transition for the new hire. Most importantly, express gratitude and understand that your next opportunity may come from former colleagues or even your leader.
Your Next Step
No one should walk the job search or hiring road alone. At Clarity Recruitment we help others realize their success through a process that marries proprietary technology with unwavering commitment. Contact us today to take control of your career, or to partner with us to hire well.
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