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Quitting With Class

Quitting With Class

Happy April!  This month’s newsletter is about how to quit a job with class.  Some of you might think it is odd that I am writing about quitting a job when you have come to ProRecruiters seeking employment opportunities but many of you are working, so here is some advice.

One week ago we had a day when two candidates, who I will remain anonymous, called our office.  Both were on assignment through us in temporary positions.  Both candidates received offers from companies for full-time employment.  We were thrilled for them, but it was how they handled informing us that really set them apart, and was a true display of their professionalism.  The first told us he had been offered a job and his last day on the assignment would be Friday (which happened to be the next day).  We asked if he could give us more time so that we could find a replacement and he said “no, the company wanted him to start Monday the following week.”  This put my recruiter and ProRecruiters in a sticky situation.  We had a client that needed help and less than 24 hours to find a replacement and get them on the job!  The other candidate had a similar situation- a job offer and they wanted him to start on Monday, etc.  However, when he called he stated “I do not want to leave them in a lurch, would they be open to part-time until a replacement is found and trained, and I have some thoughts about some people who might be a fit”.  This candidate quit with class and was proactive in finding a solution.  Subsequently the client was thrilled (they kept him on part-time and gave him a glowing reference), and we were thrilled.

I realize there are always situations in which you have to make the best decision for yourself; however, in the aforementioned scenario the second candidate is one who we will fight for should he come back to us for employment and the client with whom he was placed for the temporary assignment was so appreciative of his class and respect.  I guarantee they will not forget his name and will probably think of him for future needs for their company.

If you are thinking about making a career move or are placed in a temporary assignment, please quit with class and give enough notice to the employer that shows you respect them and that you want to leave things on a positive note.

In closing, here are some basic tips to consider if you are thinking of making a change.
1.      Give notice - 2 weeks is standard and respectful.
2.      If your employer asks you to stay longer than 2 weeks you have no obligation, but you could offer solutions like working from home, helping out via phone, or after hours if possible.
3.      Don't say much more than you are leaving.  Emphasize the positive and talk about how the company has benefitted you, but, mention that it's time to move on. Offer to help during the transition
4.      Write a letter of resignation - it can help you maintain a positive relationship with your old employer, while paving the way for you to move on. You never know when you might need that old employer to give you a reference, so it makes sense to take the time to write a polished and professional resignation letter.
5.      Ask for a reference letter - people change careers and lose track of each other.  Getting a reference letter before you leave will help you with other positions.
6.      Don’t brag about your new job.
7.      Don’t forget to say goodbye to your co-workers, even if you hardly know them or don’t like them.


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