High 5 Weekly Career Transitions Roundup: What You Need to Succeed

This is our weekly roundup of some of the best career-related articles, interviews, blogs, etc., we've read during the week. We share them so you have some great resources to prepare you for the coming week. Enjoy!

• 8 Tips to Resign from Your Job Gracefully: "If your manager has a track record of taking feedback gracefully and generally makes it safe to be honest, you might consider sharing the factors that led you to look for another job."
• Why You Don't Need to Be Smart or Talented to Succeed: "You don't need to focus on padding your resume or hiking your GPA, you need to focus on understanding and improving yourself."
• Two Things You Should Do After Getting Fired: "Use the experience to learn how to change some workplace behaviors, whether [they're] personality-driven or communication-driven or something else."
• 7 Secrets to Entrepreneurial Success: "Jump past barriers and countless years of indecision by hiring a business partner that gives you the kick you need to stay motivated or a sales representative to get your product out in stores."
• Be Your Own Best Advocate: "So we all need a strategy for everyday negotiations that will allow us to come away not only successful but also still held in high regard by bosses and colleagues."

How to Resign your Job the Right Way

Many signs show the economy is on the mend. Maybe you have received an offer for a higher paying job, you have the opportunity to return to your pre-recession career field, or you are ready to go back to school. Whether you live in a small town or a large metropolis, the best rule of thumb is to never burn bridges. Here are some considerations to ensure you always leave a position in the most positive way, with as much professionalism as possible.

Put it in Writing
No matter the reason for leaving a position, you should think of quitting your job as the end to a business contract. Therefore your resignation should be in writing. Your letter should be short, simple, and direct. The letter must contain your intent to leave, the date on which you will leave, the date you are submitting your resignation, and your signature.

Be Definitive, but be Considerate
When you offer your resignation, do not approach it as a negotiation process. Never offer your resignation unless you are prepared to walk out the door; it should never be an ultimatum to obtain higher pay or better benefits. However, don’t feel as though you have to apologize or offer personal reasons for leaving.

Offer at least two weeks’ notice. However, if you are in a high-level position you may need to provide at least a month. Ensure you have an exit strategy to transition any open projects or files and train your co-workers. Maintain your integrity by working hard the remainder of your time with the company and living up to your commitments. When resigning, your goal should be to make this as smooth a process as possible – for everyone involved. You can even offer to assist with hiring and training your replacement.

Be Prepared for a Negative Reaction
There are many different ways in which your company may react. Some companies will want you to work the remainder of your notice and others may escort you from the building immediately. You may be shunned by your co-workers and your boss may try to make you feel guilty. Don’t take it personal; try your best to keep your last few days professional and cordial.

Some companies may ask you to meet with Human Resources to conduct an exit interview and gain the “real” reason you are leaving. In an exit interview, avoid criticizing your employer or your boss. You might run into the same person at a new company and you might also need a reference form your previous employer.

Keep in Touch
Maintain professional contact with former co-workers and supervisors. Consider these former co-workers as part of your professional network. Protect your professional relationships; you never know when you may need their assistance. Avoid gloating over a new salary or benefits package.

Leaving on Good Terms

Whether you’re leaving for another job opportunity or you’ve been laid off or fired, it is important that you leave your current employer on good terms with your professional dignity intact. Your remaining time on the job, in many cases, will be the last impression you make on co-workers before leaving. The following tips will help you maintain a positive professional reputation:

Provide your manager with your resignation: Your manager should be the first to be notified of your decision to leave, in person if possible. Follow this with a formal resignation letter. Share the news directly with those most affected by your leaving. But only after your manager, their manager, and human resources have been informed.
Give ample notice: Two weeks is considered professional. However, many employers appreciate three to four weeks, if possible. But don’t be surprised if certain situations, like leaving to work for a competitor, cause your current employer to excuse you immediately from the job.
Don’t talk negatively about your employer and co-workers: You may honestly feel that your current employer or co-workers are unprofessional, but don’t share your negative opinions. Remember, you may cross professional paths with these people again.
Avoid bragging about your next job: It’s fine to be excited about your next opportunity, but co-workers won’t appreciate you bragging about the job’s increased salary or perks.
Make it a smooth transition: Wrap up loose ends; turn over organized project files; provide client, vendor, or other relevant contact information; and prioritize work with your manager. These steps will ensure a smooth hand off of your job responsibilities to the next responsible person and/or your manager.
Be respectful of company property: Just because you’re leaving doesn’t mean you should be careless with company equipment, stock up on office supplies for your personal use, or take home company information. This is unprofessional, unethical, and could even be illegal.
Exchange contact information with co-workers: If you wish to maintain contact with co-workers, be sure you exchange information with these people before you leave. Also consider adding them to your LinkedIn network or other online networks.