The Resignation Checklist

You have a better opportunity on your hands; you need to switch your career, or you simply want to change your job – you now need to resign from your existing company. Knowing how to resign properly from your incumbent job allows you to make a smooth, professional exit. To make sure you leave on a good note, you follow the resignation checklist below:

1.      The letter of resignation: Draft a professional resignation letter. It should always include the position you are resigning from, the effective date of resignation, and your last working day in the company. You should know who to address your resignation to; and always keep a copy of the same with you. Also, you may have to send a copy of the resignation letter to the HR and payroll departments.

2.      The notice period: It is best to stick to the notice period stated in your contractual terms. The standard period of notice may vary from place to place, and the best professional practice is to complete the contractual obligation.

3.      Work out your outstanding benefits: Unpaid overtime payments, unused vacations, any bonuses, or expenses due need to be sorted out. Go through the HR policy related to unused medical leaves and un-cleared dues to figure out your course of action. Speak with the Human Resource department and discuss the details of settling these outstanding benefits.

4.      Get a written reference: There is no point in waiting for a time when you actually need a reference for your services. It is always better to get one while your employers still remember you and your services.

5.      Let your colleagues know: It is always better to discuss with your employer the best way to inform other employers about your resignation. Often a farewell email works best in these situations.

6.      Tie up all loose ends: these are the last minute things you need to wrap up before you leave your workplace:

·        Remove any and all personal belongings from your work space.

·        Ensure that all your email accounts, documents, and files are properly closed before you leave.

·        Return all security accesses, parking passes, and other company specific items such as computers, uniforms, phones, etc.

·        Make sure the HR department has your updated residential address so that any remaining items that need to be mailed are sent to the correct address.

If you are resigning from your current position because you want to apply for a new job elsewhere, you might want to get a free resume review online. PunchyResume offers professional resume writing services along with other services.