What Not to Do When You Quit Your Job

The way you resign from a job may have nearly as much impact on your future as the way you performed it. At least, that's the impression conveyed by a recent survey from OfficeTeam, which gives a humorous perspective to this topic with these outrageous ways to quit a job. Clearly, you can't afford to burn bridges when you quit, and you definitely can't act the way the employees depicted in these slides did. It doesn't matter how you feel about the job, the company, your bosses or your team members. Keep in mind that prospective employers will check your references, and former colleagues and supervisors are often contacted for these recommendations. In other words, be classy when you leave a job. Write a professional, gracious resignation letter, and maintain a respectful tone during face-to-face discussions with everyone in your current organization. "How you quit a position can leave a lasting impression, so make sure to exit on the best terms possible," advises Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam. "Doing a great job when you start a new role is expected. Doing a great job as you leave cements your reputation for professionalism. Schedule a meeting with your manager to discuss your resignation, and give at least two weeks' notice. Keep conversations positive, tie up loose ends and help train your replacement if one has been identified." More than 600 North American human resources managers took part in the research.