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Resignation Checklist: What to do before leaving your current job

October 12, 2024

Resigning from a job can be a challenging and emotional process. Before leaving, it’s important to ensure that you have completed all necessary tasks and taken care of any loose ends. To make the process smoother, consider creating a resignation checklist to help you stay organized and ensure you don’t forget anything important. In this article, we are going to look at some of the items you should include in your resignation checklist.

Resignation Checklist

  1. Review your employment contract: Before submitting your resignation, it’s important that you review your employment contract to ensure that you are following the correct procedures. Your contract may include a notice period, which is the amount of time you are required to give your employer before leaving. This review is essential because if you fail to comply with these requirements, you could end up losing your benefits or severance pay. 

  2. Set a final date of employment: Once you have reviewed your contract, set a final date of employment. This date should be agreed upon with your HOD and HR department. It’s important that you provide them with enough time to find a replacement if it’s necessary. 

  3. Provide a formal resignation letter: The next step in resigning from a job is to provide a formal resignation letter to your employer. This letter should be professional and concise, stating your decision to resign, the effective date of your resignation, and a brief explanation of your reasons for leaving. This letter should be provided to your head of department and human resources department. If you’re worried about your employer reacting poorly to your resignation, send your written resignation first, and then back it up with a meeting where you can have a candid discussion. 

  4. Plan to hand over your work: Before leaving, it’s important to hand over your work to your colleagues or your replacement. This includes any outstanding projects, tasks, or responsibilities that need to be completed. Schedule a meeting with your supervisor and/or team members to discuss the handover process and create a plan to ensure a smooth transition. 

  5. Return company property in your possession: Since you plan to leave the company, return all company property, including any equipment, keys, or other materials that you were given when you got your employment. This could include a company laptop, phone, or access card. In addition, ensure that you have transferred all work-related files to your colleagues or a shared drive. 

  6. Talk to your colleagues: Before leaving, it’s important to communicate with your colleagues and inform them of your departure. You can either send a goodbye email, schedule a farewell lunch or buy them drinks. You have to maintain positive relationships with your colleagues because it can be very beneficial in the future. 

  7. Review your benefits and entitlements: Be sure to review your benefits and entitlements to ensure that you have received all that you are entitled to. This could include unused vacation days, sick leave, or bonuses. Also, ensure that you have completed all necessary paperwork for any benefits or entitlements that you are eligible for. If you are unsure about your benefits, reach out to the department that administers your benefits about your eligibility.

  8. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile: Once you have left your job, update your resume and your LinkedIn profile to reflect your experience and achievements. This will help you in your job search and make it easier for potential employers to reach out to you. 

  9. Secure your personal information: Please ensure that all your personal information has been removed from your work devices and accounts. This includes any saved passwords or personal documents. If necessary, change your passwords to ensure that your personal information is secure. 

  10. Say goodbye and express gratitude: Finally, before leaving, take the time to say goodbye to your employer and colleagues, and express your gratitude for the opportunity to work with them. This will leave a positive impression and maintain professional relationships. 

 

In conclusion, leaving a job can be a pretty hard and daunting process, but by creating a resignation checklist, you can ensure that you have completed all necessary tasks without leaving any loose ends. This checklist will make the process smoother, and faster and you get to maintain positive relationships with your employer and colleagues.