What Not to Do When You Quit Your Job
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Major Implications
86% of hiring managers surveyed said the manner in which someone quits a job affects that person's future career opportunities, and 33% said it greatly affects them. -
How Not to Quit: Brassy Move
A marching band accompanied a worker when he resigned. -
How Not to Quit: Sweet Gesture
Another employee baked a cake with her resignation letter on top. -
How Not to Quit: Concise Statement
An employee left a sticky note to explain why he was quitting. -
How Not to Quit: Harmonious Departure
One worker created a music video to announce his resignation. -
How Not to Quit: Socially Engaged
Another employee quit on Facebook. -
How Not to Quit: Parental Support
One staffer made his mom and dad announce that he was leaving. -
How Not to Quit: MIA
This employee left for lunch and never came back. -
How Not to Quit: Bathroom Break
Another worker went to the bathroom and snuck out. -
How Not to Quit: Camera-Ready
This worker resigned during a videoconference call. -
How Not to Quit: Precise Execution
One employee simply stood up and announced to everyone, "I quit." -
How Not to Quit: Out of the Loop
A worker let all his colleagues know it was his last day, but he didn't tell HR or his boss.
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.