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Breaking the news to your boss and coworkers about a new job opportunity can go many ways. It’s also a conversation many of us will only have a handful of times throughout our careers. So, how do you master the art of eloquently leaving your current company on good terms without expressing your overwhelming excitement for the new opportunity? The key lies in maintaining strong Professional Relationships while gracefully transitioning to your next role. There is no need to reinvent the wheel or just wing it. We’ve cross-referenced multiple accounts where individuals left amicably and even landed additional opportunities down the road with previous colleagues and the situations that didn’t end so positively. Here are the best pieces of advice for leaving your current job and employer on good terms.
1. Evaluate Your Objectives and Be Honest With Yourself
To navigate smoothly through the delicate situation of telling your boss that you’ve got another job offer, you better clarify why you want to make the change in the first place.
- Are you after greater responsibility and a better-paid position?
- Is your boss unbearable to work for?
- Are you tired of the toxic work culture?
- Do you feel stagnant or unchallenged in your position?
Knowing your future career goals will make planning your strategy easier before you talk to your employer. After all, the last thing you want is to burn bridges or be lost for words if you receive a counteroffer with a substantial pay raise if you stay. Play out all possible scenarios in your mind beforehand.
2. Arrange to Meet Your Boss in Person
Although not always possible, schedule a meeting with your employer or direct manager to inform them of your intention to take another job offer. This will allow you to explain why you decided to leave your current position in more detail and make necessary arrangements in preparation for your departure. A one-to-one conversation may open the door for negotiation (if that’s what you hope for) and increase your chances of leaving on amicable terms while keeping the door open for future opportunities.
3. Prepare Mentally for the Meeting
Attending a resignation meeting with your manager unprepared can turn out badly for several reasons. You may get so anxious that you say the wrong thing or suddenly become “starstruck” and forget to mention important points you want to make. So jot down on a piece of paper everything you wish to say to your boss, whether it’s about how you’ve decided to move onto another job or you want to tell them that you’re still sitting on the fence because such a decision is so hard for you to make.
4. Stay Confident and Respectful
No matter how sure you are about resigning from your current position, your approach and demeanor are important when telling your manager about having another job offer. Don’t make the mistake of leaving on bad terms; you never know when you’ll need a positive reference from a previous employer. Express your gratitude for the opportunity to work and develop your expertise at the company. Leaving a good impression always pays off.
5. Don’t Rule Out a Surprise Counteroffer
You should be ready for a possible counteroffer and have a strategy for responding to it. It’s often hard to replace experienced staff, so your boss may be unwilling to lose a valued employee to a competitor. This is why you need to be clear about your career-related priorities before you have that meeting. Deciding whether you’d be open to negotiating your current position if presented with a counteroffer is vital. If you would prefer a salary increase, promotion, change of job roles, or transfer to another department, be straightforward and request a career advancement meeting with your boss instead. You will be surprised to find out what an employer is willing to give you if you present them with a clear plan for adding value as an employee.
6. Start With Gratitude
When you finally meet your boss to tell them you got another job, kick off the conversation by expressing appreciation for your opportunities and experiences while working together. This sets a positive tone and demonstrates your thankfulness.
7. Honesty Is the Best Policy
Be upfront and explain that you’ve accepted another job offer. Share the necessary details, but avoid diving too deep into the reasons behind your decision. And keep it classy! During the conversation, maintain a professional and respectful tone. Your boss will appreciate your maturity and sincerity.
8. Be a Team Player
Offer to help with the transition by training your replacement or wrapping up ongoing projects. This will soften the blow and demonstrate your commitment to your team. Also, focus on the exciting aspects of your new opportunity rather than any shortcomings of your current job. This keeps the conversation upbeat and forward-looking.
9. Be Prepared for Questions
Your boss may have questions about your decision, so be ready to provide thoughtful answers. This shows that you’ve considered your choice carefully. Some of the questions you might expect to hear include:
- What are your reasons for leaving?
- Is there something that has impacted you negatively here recently?
- Is there anything that I can do to change your mind?
10. Stick to the Script
Even if you harbor negative emotions toward your current workplace, avoid getting sidetracked by personal issues or grievances. Keep the conversation focused on your new job and the steps you’re taking to ensure a seamless transition.
11. Empathize With Your Boss
Understand that your departure may be challenging for your boss and coworkers. Show empathy by addressing their concerns and reassuring them of your willingness to help during the transition. And do your best to end on a high note! As you wrap up the conversation, reiterate your gratitude and express your hope to stay in touch as professional contacts. This leaves the door open for a positive relationship in the future.
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