Resignation Training

The objective of giving notice is informational. This is NOT an exit interview, not the time for emotion. Just the facts. You are leaving. A transition needs to be planned.

”What is your relationship with your boss?” (If it is good and longstanding, giving notice briefly and firmly makes this less painful. Don’t mislead them that you would stay.)

Get to the point! Within the first 30 seconds, the words “I am leaving” with no qualifiers should be said clearly and confidently. Mincing words shows weakness, and that’s where counteroffers come from.

Tell your boss that you are “Not at liberty to discuss either the $$ you have been offered or the company” you are going to work for.

Counteroffers can’t come without ammunition. They can’t bad mouth or challenge what they don’t know. Tell your boss your “future employer prefers everything stay confidential until the start date for internal reasons.”

“IT’S TOO LATE” is the answer when your boss asks you to keep things “quiet” while they decide how to handle the termination. Tell some colleagues of your decision before you give notice. Once the company realizes people know, giving a counteroffer makes them look “blackmail-easy,” and the chance of counteroffer is reduced.

MONEY ON TABLE Warning… Every excellent candidate who leaves a job walks away from something significant (ex. bonus money, options, and vacation). That’s why they’re called “Career Decisions”. You must be prepared to do so before giving notice.

START DATE... No more than two weeks. Period, End of story. More then two weeks sends the message to your new boss that you live in the past, not the future. Two weeks is professional and sufficient.

STAY POSITIVE... Resist the urge to vent. It’s almost over. The best revenge is living well.

DO IT NOW! The longer you put it off, the more difficult it becomes.