How to Tell Your Boss You’re Quitting ( Script) – Freesumes

How to Quit a Job Without Burning Any Bridges

But the truth is: most work relationships are more complex than that. If you are working in a good environment, you don’t want to let down the people depending on you or act behind your superior’s back. On the other, you might feel intimidated to approach your boss if they are known for a not-so-pleasant demeanor.

How to Discuss Your Resignation with Your Boss

Having a discussion around your decision to quit can be gut-wrenching. But it’s the right thing to do. It’s better when your manager learns about the news directly from you, rather than from a colleague or the HR department.

Remember: a good manager will always try to retain a valuable employee. But if you are firm in your decision and already accepted another offer, this part of the discussion can get awkward. Thus, pounder over how you might reply to a counteroffer and what would you do if your superior suddenly gets emotional (this can happen too!).

“[Name], I know this conversation may sound unexpected, but I’ve taken the decision to move to a new position. I greatly enjoyed my time at [Company Name] and very much appreciate your guidance. But I decided to quit for [your reason] and wanted to inform you that I already accepted an offer from another employer. They are flexible on the start date, so I’d like to discuss with you how we can make the transition smooth for everyone.”

The above is a nice short opener. It shows appreciation, lays down the key details, plus shows that you are firm in your decision to move on. Yet, eager to help during the interim period.

How to Explain Your Decision to Quit

While candidness is typically appreciated in companies with good work culture, you might want to avoid being too blunt. Don’t say that you are quitting because you felt bored, you hated the working hours, or found your colleagues or upper management ineffective and annoying.

My New Job Offers Me Better Career Progression

In this situation, it pays to be honest with your current boss. You can explain exactly how the new job better fits your career path. Your boss will most likely understand your reasons for leaving and it will help to ease any tensions between you while you work out your notice.

Sometimes a move like this can open the eyes of your current employer. It can help them realize there may be a problem with career progression within the workplace and they can take steps to avoid this happening again. In some cases discussing the lack of career opportunities within the company can result in some major restructuring. This could even lead to an offer of promotion in an effort to tempt you to stay.

The New Job Has A Higher Salary

There is no denying that ‘money talks’. Any boss in the land wouldn’t argue with that. If your new job offers a higher salary or better perks, then, of course, you are going to be tempted! Unless your current boss can equal the pay on offer or raise it higher, then you would be unlikely to stay put.

However, selecting this reason may prompt further salary negotiations. Your company may want to counter the offer or offer you some other perks as a last-ditch retention approach. But if money isn’t the only reason why you are quitting, such negotiation can get uneasy for you. Especially, when you’d have to refuse their offer and come up with some other excuse. So use this option with caution.

My New Job Offers More Security

There are times in life when job security becomes a priority. This can be because you have gotten married and are starting a family. You may be buying a house and need the security of a regular wage to pay the mortgage. Or you just want to set down roots and settle down after a few years of moving around with work or exploring the world.

If you have concerns about how safe your job is, then it makes sense to look for employment elsewhere that can offer you more long-term security. If the company you work for is going through a rough time financially, then you may be worried about the chances of layoffs, downsizing, or furloughs.

Speaking with your boss will confirm your suspicions about the future of the company. They will understand that in times of uncertainty some employees will jump ship. They would never hold this against you.

Other Questions to Be Ready to Answer

Where are You Going Next?

In either case, it pays to be brief. Merely state what you are going to do next without giving too many specifics. If the boss presses you to tell more, politely deflect the question. Say that you are “still ironing out the details” or “cannot discuss the terms of the new position”.

Can We Prompt You to Reconsider?

Again, it pays to be frank here. If you are open to negotiation and still didn’t sign another contract, propose your terms. Explain the specific issues you’d want to have resolved if they want to retain you. For example, you may want to negotiate your salary, ask for a promotion, or transfer to another department.

However, if your decision to quit is firm, don’t beat around the bush. Explain that you’ve already signed the offer and feel ready for a new challenge. But you’d love to keep good relationships and may be open to returning to this company sometime in the future.

When Do You Want to Leave?

Again, the ball in your court here. If you are willing to stay for longer than the standard two weeks (or another timeline written in your contract), say that you have a flexible start date and willing to assist during the transition. Another smart move? Suggest a replacement for your role — a fellow colleague who’d appreciate the promotion. You can also offer to train them before you leave.

On the other hand, you may be eager to leave the current posting for personal reasons or because your new employer already proposed suitable start date. In such a case, tell your boss that you already due to start by a specific date and cannot stay for longer. If you have a good relationship, you may also pitch them an idea of staying as a part-time consultant until they fully onboard a new hire.

How To Tell Your Boss You’re Quitting?

Step 01: The Start Off

There’s no need to be flowery or imaginative at first; simply identify the position you’re leaving and the effective date. While you most likely told your supervisor why you’re leaving, you don’t have to go into detail here—keeping it basic is OK. (There’s no requirement to make an “I quit” video)

Kindly acknowledge this letter as a proper note of my resignation from the role of [job title] at [Company Name]. [Your last day—generally two weeks from the day you give note] will be my last day.

Step 02: The Thank You

After that, thank your employer for the opening and briefly describe some of the important stuff you’ve appreciated and discovered on the employment. Even if you’re ecstatic to be going, this is true. Remember that you may need these people as references in the future, and ending on a positive note will leave a positive impression.

Thank you so much for allowing me to operate in this role for the past [number of years]. I’ve thoroughly loved and valued the opportunity I’ve had to [some of your favorite job tasks], and I’ve discovered [a few particular things you acknowledged on the job], all of which I’ll carry with me in my career.

Step 03: The Hand-off

Finally, express your desire to assist with the transfer. You don’t need to go into great depth (and certainly don’t promise anything you can’t keep), but a couple of sentences emphasizing that you’ll make sure your responsibilities are completed smoothly will indicate that you’re committed until the finish.

Resource:

https://www.futuralistech.com/how-to-tell-your-boss-youre-quitting-script-freesumes/
https://howigotjob.com/writing-guide/how-to-tell-your-boss-you-are-quitting/