Photo c/o Chicago Now

Do not let the excitement of a new job derail your manners. Saying goodbye to your current employer, no matter the relationship, sweet or sour, is hard.

Burning bridges in your career is not the best way to make progress and build solid, lasting relationships. Here are some ways to break the news lightly and professionally.

1. Give Notice

  • Make sure you complete all projects and tasks that were assigned. If there is a deadline that comes after your end date, train and prepare the person taking your place. Or, if you are leaving before that person is set to start, draft detailed instructions to help them in their new role.

2. Face It

  • There is no other option. Face your hiring manager/boss and tell them, up front, that you are giving your notice.

3. No Filters

  • Be honest about why you are leaving – whether it’s for a higher salary, a more challenging role, or changing the path of your career.

4. R-E-S-P-E-C-T

  • Like we said in the beginning, do not let the excitement of your new opportunity show through arrogantly. You may feel that you’re moving on to “better things” but leave that for your own personal celebration.  Give thanks for the opportunity provided to you and end on a good note. The more references you have the better!

5. In Short

  • We have found that dragging the explanation along only leaves room for you to ramble and maybe say things you don’t mean in order to fill the silence. Keep it short and to the point.

How have you broken up with your past jobs? Did you find that it was easy, hard, complicated?

Pleas share!