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Talent Trade Tidbit - The Right Way to Resign
Yes; just because you’ve got one foot out the door already, there’s a right and a wrong way to do it, and this is true from BOTH sides of the desk, both those resigning, and those being resigned from. Pro Tip: screaming and throwing things is not considered best practices.
Transcript
Hi, this is Stephanie Maas.
Speaker:Today, I want to talk to you about resignations.
Speaker:Recently, I was talking with one of my candidates, and she sent me a fictitious copy of her resignation letter.
Speaker:She was obviously very unhappy in her current situation, and although the letter was quite funny, it was obviously fake.
Speaker:We had a good laugh over transitioned to talking about how important, even though she was very disgruntled, how important it was to still leave on the right note.
Speaker:It got me thinking and reminded me how important it is to make sure that when you do resign, you do it in a very clean, professional way and make sure you never earn a bridge.
Speaker:You never know who you're going to interview with next or who you're going to end up working for next.
Speaker:So it's very important that you leave on the right note and do things the right way.
Speaker:Anytime you have a resignation, let's face it, it's a breakup.
Speaker:You're leaving them.
Speaker:Even if you have good reason, it's gonna hurt just like any breakup does, even if the timing is right.
Speaker:So here's a couple of thoughts and reminders to make sure that you have a good, clean resignation, a good, clean breakup.
Speaker:First of all, make sure you put it in writing.
Speaker:That's always important.
Speaker:Have a letter for you.
Speaker:You're a media boss and somebody in HR.
Speaker:Another good reminder is keep it simple.
Speaker:A resignation is not the time to go into all the reasons why you left, why you are unhappy.
Speaker:Chances are you really weren't unhappy, but a better opportunity came along.
Speaker:So with the resignation at that time, just keep it simple.
Speaker:Hey, another opportunity has come across my plate.
Speaker:That's going to be better for me and my family.
Speaker:It makes sense at this point for me to take it.
Speaker:Very simple.
Speaker:Thirdly, stay focused on the transition.
Speaker:Let your employer know that this, this isn't the right time or circumstances to consider a counteroffer.
Speaker:There are tons of articles out there and why counteroffers are ineffective and ultimately don't serve you or your employer, but just communicate clearly.
Speaker:Hey, this decision is final.
Speaker:It's irreversible.
Speaker:Let's focus on my transition.
Speaker:What can I do between now and my last day to ensure a smooth transition for you?
Speaker:Lastly, make sure you're keeping in touch with your new employer to make sure that there's a smooth transition on that way.
Speaker:Candidates.
Speaker:This is a challenging time.
Speaker:You need to make sure if you're not working with recruiter, or even if you are, that you have a good support system with them.
Speaker:Make sure you're talking to them about any of the emotions that you're having.
Speaker:And I know that sounds cheesy and girly, but you're going to have them make sure you have a very good objective sounding board.
Speaker:So as you go through that difficult time of resigning and saying goodbye, you have somebody in your corner reminding you why you're doing what you're doing.
Speaker:It'll help tremendously.
Speaker:I have a couple suggestions for hiring managers who are hiring and for those that are being resigned to, if that makes sense.
Speaker:Hiring managers, as you know, your folks are going to resign.
Speaker:You need to be teed up.
Speaker:To make those calls of saying, Hey, we know this is a tough time for you, but I wanted to call and remind you why we're so excited that you're joining us.
Speaker:I even had clients say, Hey, the day before you resign, let's go out to lunch and the new hiring manager takes the almost new employee to lunch just to start for the 2 of them.
Speaker:to have that emotional time.
Speaker:Again, if you're not sure you want to leave, this conversation isn't for you.
Speaker:You shouldn't even be attempting to resign.
Speaker:But when you know it's right for you, hopefully these suggestions will help and make it a little bit easier.
Speaker:And then thirdly, This is something that this candidate went to resign.
Speaker:The initial reaction of their boss was, Hey, great.
Speaker:We'll miss you.
Speaker:But candidly, you probably just saved us a layoff.
Speaker:So wish you well, best of luck, you know, leave tomorrow at five, whatever.
Speaker:That was fine.
Speaker:That was a great reaction.
Speaker:However, there were a few other colleagues that didn't take it so well, and unfortunately, instead of wishing this person well, they kind of got a little ugly and put some pressure on them of, Hey, you'll never find anything better than what you've got here.
Speaker:What are you even thinking about?
Speaker:And actually started to tarnish the relationship that they have had of working together for years to come.
Speaker:Now, luckily, once they realized the person really was leaving, they came through with shining colors and said, Hey, you know what?
Speaker:I was just frustrated and upset that you were leaving.
Speaker:If this really is the right thing for you and your family, we're very excited.
Speaker:Let's continue our professional friendship anyway.
Speaker:The biggest message here is when you've been somewhere a long time, resigning is absolutely tough.
Speaker:And the more empathy we can have all the way around, the better it will serve us all.
