This http://www.WorkTree.com career article by Nathan Newberger gives you some common sense advice and tips to follow when resigning from your job.

It has been said that the average person changes jobs six times in a lifetime. If you are on the verge of one of these job changes the following 8 quick resignation tips will help you to leave with a lasting positive impression.

Resigning? - Make Sure To Cover Your Bases On The Way Out!
1. - Breaking The News To Your Boss
You should resign in person to your boss. Present a copy of your resignation letter. Be simple, direct and most importantly respectful. The only reason you should give for leaving is that you have decided to take another position or purse other opportunities. No matter how unhappy you were with conditions at your present job, hold these feelings in check. Most importantly, do not tell any co- workers of your leaving until you have told your boss.

2. - The Resignation Letter.
A formal, typed, signed resignation letter should be presented to your boss when you meet to break the news. Keep the letter as simple as possible. The letter should state that you are leaving to take another position and your effective last day. Do not add details about your new position or the reasons you are leaving your current company. Take a look at some excellent examples of resignation letters.

3. - Give Adequate Notice.
In most industries it is the norm to give 2 to 4 weeks notice when leaving a job. Remember that it is often difficult to fill open positions. You do not want to burn bridges by leaving your department in a rush. In some departments, you may be asked to leave as soon as you resign due to security concerns. Even if you have noticed that this is the practice, still offer a few weeks notice in your letter; it is up to your employer whether they take it or not.

4. - Be Prepared For Resistance.
Your current boss may not want you to leave. It takes time and money to hire and train new employees. It is often easier to entice someone to stay than to start from scratch. Be mentally prepared for this resistance. Enticements to stay often include more money or more reasonable hours. Before you resign consider how you will respond should your boss make a counter-offer.

5. - Avoid Negative Talk.
Once word gets out that you are leaving, unhappy co-workers may think you are the perfect person to complain and commiserate with regarding all that is wrong with company. Be wary of joining them in their grumbling. You never know if you might someday wish to work for your present company again. You certainly do not want for anything you say on your way out the door to come back and haunt you.

6. - Don't Slack Off.
Securing a new and more appealing job is no excuse for not getting your current work done. You should continue to come to work on time. Do not leave early or take 2-hour lunches. Strive to be productive. If possible try and finish projects before you leave. You were a hard worker before you gave notice. Don’t destroy that hard-earned good reputation by giving in to short-timer syndrome.

7. - Remove All Personal Items.
When you leave take all your personal possessions with you because once you leave you may never see them again. This includes personal files stored on your computer. Companies often erase hard drives when preparing to re-issue computers to other employees. Make sure you take all pictures, books, etc.

8. - A Positive Exit Interview.
Many employers conduct exit interviews with departing employees. Typical topics include experience at the company and reason for leaving. Do not use this as a forum to vent your frustrations. Be as gracious as possible; speak of your appreciation for your experience at the company.

CONCLUSION
By simply following these eight tips, you will leave a lasting and positive impression with your previous employer and former co-workers. These days, you never know when your paths may cross again with previous managers or co-workers so its important to always keep positive relationships.

This article can be read online and shared with others directly at:
http://www.worktree.com/newsletter/resignation-tips.html

Sincerely,
Nathan Newberger,
Managing Editor
http://www.WorkTree.com
"Helping You Find More Jobs Faster"

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