CPA Practice Advisor - 29

THE STAFFING & HR ADVISOR

How to Quit Your Job Gracefully
IT HAPPENS TO practically everyone at some point. You had a good run at your current job,
but you've outgrown the position and want more. After finding a better match elsewhere,
PAUL McDONALD

Senior Executive Director
Robert Half
paul.mcdonald@cpapracticeadvisor.com

Whether you're a staff auditor
or senior director, you should know
how to quit a job well, as there's a
right and wrong way of going about
it. Botch the breakup and you could
damage future career prospects.
A graceful resignation, on the
other hand, leaves both parties a
little sad but with few hard feelings. Even if you're unhappy in
your current job and can't imagine
ever returning to your firm, there's
no need to burn bridges. You
might need a reference from your
old manager, or you could end up
encountering him or her as a hiring
manager with a different company
you apply to in the future.
Here are nine steps for resigning
right:
Plan your approach. A good
departure takes preparation and care. Write a short
speech, and practice the
delivery. Some points to
cover: You've learned a lot
with the firm, enjoyed your working relationships and are excited for
your new opportunity.

1
2

Tell your manager first.
As much as you may be
tempted to share your exciting news with colleagues,
your supervisor should be
the first to get the

it's time for that awkward moment: letting your employer go.
news. Don't run the risk of having
your boss hear about your departure via the office grapevine. That
would be highly unprofessional and
disrespectful.

leading a client project. Weigh the
needs of your current and future
employers.

3
4

6
7

5

8

Resign in person. Ask for
a face-to-face meeting. If
that's not possible, call your
manager. Don't resign by
email or instant message,
and absolutely don't ghost
an employer by just not showing up
anymore. This is basic professional
courtesy.

Time it right. Whenever
possible, don't leave your
current employer in a lurch.
If you can, avoid resigning
during your firm's peak
season or in the middle
of a project in which you play
a critical role. Also, try not to
break the news right before your
supervisor goes on vacation. Give
your firm time to prepare for a
smooth transition.
Build in a buffer. As eager
as you may be to start
your new job, you should
plan for a handover
period. The standard is
two weeks, though your
firm may ask you to stay longer
if you're a senior-level manager or

Put it in writing. Human
resources will need a formal
letter from you to begin the
offboarding process. After
tendering your resignation,
send your employer a brief
letter that includes your gratitude
for the opportunities provided by
the firm and your departure date.
Help with the transition.
During your final weeks,
wrap up projects or get them
in a state that would be easy
to hand off to others. If the
firm brings in a temporary
professional, train that person.
Make sure all your digital and
paper files are in good order
and easily accessible. Don't forget to let clients know who will
be taking over their accounts.
Strengthen connections. While you won't
be working with your
manager and colleagues
any longer, there's no
reason to end your business relationships with them.
In fact, do the opposite. Past
coworkers also are valuable
members of your professional

JUNE 2019 ■

network. Have coffee or lunch
with office buddies. Connect on
LinkedIn and other social sites. Let
them throw you a farewell party if
they're so inclined. Go out on a high
note, including by making yourself
available even after you leave if
questions arise that you can help
with.

9

Prepare for a counteroffer
discussion - and how to
say no. Your boss might try
to entice you to stay with an
offer of more money or extra
perks, but avoid taking it.
Why? Backpedaling on your new job
is unprofessional and could put you
in the difficult position of breaching a contract. What's more, think
about all the reasons you looked for
a new job in the first place. A better
salary won't fix issues like a lack
of upward mobility or unfulfilling
work. If you're extended a counteroffer, say thank you - and even
mention you're flattered, if you feel
that way - but explain that you're
excited for your new position and
politely decline.

Quitting your job can be
awkward, but it's something the
majority of professionals face during their lifetime. Get this right and
you'll be able to advance your career
without bad blood or blemishes on
your reputation. ■

www.CPAPracticeAdvisor.com

29
http://www.CPAPracticeAdvisor.com
CPA Practice Advisor

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of CPA Practice Advisor
