Avoid burning guanxi when leaving a job

Resignation dos and don'ts

People spend most of their time and effort in seeking and acquiring a new job, but spare little thought to leaving a current job. Below are dos and don'ts to avoid burning your bridges before, and after, you hand in your letter of resignation.

Resignation dos

Do prepare to resign.

So there's no question about what belongs to you or the company, compile your portfolio, take personal property home and remove personal files and software from your computer before you resign.

Do give ample and proper resignation notice

Check your company's policy manual to be sure. If you don't follow company policy, not only might you burn a bridge, but you might also deprive yourself of termination benefits, such as pay for unused vacation.

Do ask for recommendation letters

If he or she is not too unhappy that you quit, ask your boss for recommendation (reference) letters, while he or she can still recall your finer points.

Do say good-bye

Take the time to talk with each of your bosses and coworkers. Express your appreciation and say that you'll miss working with them.

Resignation don'ts

Don't jump the gun.

Never submit your resignation letter until after you have a solid job offer in writing.

Don't display a short-timer's attitude

Make sure your work area and projects are in order and try to clear up unfinished business.

Don't bite the bait

Your management or human resources department might ask you for "constructive criticism" during your exit interview. Never criticize the company or its employees. If they ask why you're resigning, make simple, noncommittal statements.

Don't feel guilty

Employees quit all the time. No matter how guilty it tries to make you feel, the company will survive without you.

(Contact yangning@chinadaily.com.cn for questions and career advice)

Contributed by Richard Ni, manager of Shanghai Sales & Marketing Division at Robert Walters Talent Consulting Ltd