"The Chat" - Best approach to tell your boss you’re leaving

At some point in your career, you’re most likely going to move on to bigger and better things. Despite all the feelings of joy and self-praise that go hand-in-hand with being offered a new job, the 5 minute conversation which involves notifying your employer of your departure can be daunting and emotional for many people.

Thankfully, here are some important tips to help calm your nerves!

Don’t rush into anything

Don’t rush into the conversation, there is nothing more nerve racking than speaking to an employee who is sweating, stuttering, nervous and unprepared. Your employer has it in their interests to listen and remain open, so you should take a deep breath, hold your head up and smile when you walk into that room.Timing is crucial, if it’s a stressful morning for your boss maybe pick a better time. Ask them when would be best for a private talk.

The type of relationship you have with your employer will ultimately dictate how your conversation will pan out. As it is becoming increasingly common to have a more personal relationship with your employer, you may find yourself notifying your boss of your endeavors during the conversation. However, you should avoid letting them know that you’re looking for other work if you haven’t landed a definite offer yet.

Why are you leaving?

The awkward ‘why are you leaving’ question is most likely going to arise during the chat. The classic ‘honesty is the best policy’ line would generally apply here. If you’ve decided to leave your current position due to undesirable work hours, career advancements or clashes with existing priorities, there is nothing wrong with informing your employer of this. This is your opportunity to let your boss know why you’re really leaving, which can give them great feedback on how they manage staff. Just remember that you’re not obligated to provide specific detailed reasons for the change so It's up to you how much you share about your personal plans.

You’re still on their payroll

Yes you’re leaving and yes that will mean new tasks and projects, however it’s not okay to deliberately let your work slack as a result of this. Ensure your employer that you will continue to work efficiently on current projects and aim to have them completed before you leave if possible. Keep in mind that your CV is your life summary of experiences and work history so you don’t want your boss to leave a negative recommendation. If they are able to get a replacement in, be sure to offer that you’ll write up clear instructions or train them to help them settle.

Never forget your manners

Although you may never have to deal with your employer again, it is important to remember your manners and thank him/her for giving you the opportunity to work with them. Again, keep in mind that this is the person who will be recommending you to future employers, so you want only positive comments to be made regarding your work history and departure. A simple ‘thank you for giving me the opportunity to work here’ can ensure that if you encounter your employer at a later time in either a professional or personal context, there will be no loose ends. Do the same with other staff members once your exit time is settled, and be sure to keep your network open.

Good luck!