Branding: How to Quit Your Job without Spoiling Your Brand

Perhaps you are on the bubble, waiting for the right moment to quit your job.   Maybe you are in the interview process and examining your options. As soon as you land a job with more challenging work and higher compensation, you plan to resign from your current job. Have you thought about how your resignation might affect your brand?   Resignation from a job is a branding moment. In many cases, you will be remembered for how you left, more so than the accomplishments during your tenure. Take these tips on how to quit your job without spoiling your brand.

Write a Diplomatic Notice

Before you meet with your manager, thoughtfully prepare a letter of resignation. It is not necessary to share details of your new job, especially title, salary, and perks. Simply write a letter expressing your gratitude for what you have learned in your current job and that you are resigning to pursue another opportunity. Only write positive things. This is not a letter of grievance or an in-your-face letter bragging about your new job.

Follow the Chain of Command

The first person to inform of your resignation is your direct manager. Always present the letter in person. After that, you can tell colleagues and department staff. Your message is the same for everyone. You will miss the company, you enjoyed your time with the company, you learned a great deal, and you wish them all the best. If your manager hears of your resignation second-hand, you’ll be branded as unprofessional and possibly disrespectful.

Preserve Key Relationships

Online or in the real world, it is likely you will cross paths with your manager and co-workers again. With LinkedIn, people from your past remain connected with you – and those connections can be valuable. Make the effort to leave on a good note. Thank your closest colleagues for their support over the years. When you leave, take a moment to make the rounds and wish everyone well. This may be your last impression with each co-worker, so make it positive.

Manage Your Social Media

If you are leaving a job following several months of hardship or mistreatment, it can be so tempting to let your true feelings be known after you leave the job. Avoid posting anything negative about your employer, co-workers, or clients on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, or any other digital outlet. Keep things positive and avoid bragging about your new position. Blasting your employer is a definite brand burner.

The Bottom Line

Accepting a new career opportunity is an exciting time. Remember that your great fortune has an impact on those around you. Your co-workers may miss you. Management will need to scramble to find a replacement. How you resign is a brand-defining moment. Take care to resign in a professional, considerate, and dignified manner. Done properly, you can leave a positive impression and strengthen your personal brand. Who knows, you might work again with one or more of the people in your current company, so do the right thing to maintain a positive professional presence.