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How to Quit Your Job Professionally And Get a Better One?

At some point in your career, you want to change your current job and look for better opportunities. This may be for various reasons- you may feel that your current workplace does not have any scope of growth in the near future, or you may have some other issues with the workplace.

Or, you might see your expenses increasing in the future, and your current job might not be giving you the salary you expect, especially if you feel you are being underpaid for the effort you are putting in. No matter what the reason might be when you think of quitting your job, it would be best if you always did so in the utmost professional manner.

Remember that this company has given you a chance to learn many things while on the job and added to your experience. Just because you are moving on to greener pastures does not mean your accountability to the company has decreased. Hence, when you think of quitting your job for a better one, here are the entire things on how to quit your job and get a better one.

Things to Remember to Quit Your Job Professionally

Things to Remember to Quit Your Job Professionally
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Here are some things to keep in mind when you think of quitting your job.

1. Give a Two-Week Notice to Your Employer

Once you have decided that the time is right to make the change, give your employers at least two weeks’ notice. Most workplaces have this clause in the contract when a new employee joins the company, but this is still the right and professional thing to do even if your workplace doesn’t. This is because when you quit, your company will need someone to fill your space.

It would be best if you gave them the time to look for a replacement for a smooth transition. You may also consider staying longer than the notice period out of sheer goodwill if your company takes longer to find a suitable replacement.

2. Writing Your Resignation Letter

Writing Your Resignation Letter
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This is something you should put a lot of thought into. Do not write anything negative about the company and keep the letter brief. You should provide a reason for why you are resigning and the date from which your resignation would be effective. You should mention the notice period and be sure to thank the organization for allowing you to work for them. Proofread the letter correctly.

Once you hand in the resignation letter, your HR manager might ask you to provide feedback about your experience working in the company and try to evaluate your reasons for leaving. Always offer positive and constructive feedback, which might allow the company to work on some of the issues that led you to resign.

Every good company strives toward a better work experience for its employees, and your feedback might be helpful for them. Positive, constructive feedback will help you leave the company on good terms.

3. Help With the Transition

Help with the Transition
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Once you have spoken to your boss and everyone else concerned, be prepared to help with the transition work. Your two-week notice should be about preparing your files and updating your reports so that the next person who comes in can pick up right where you left, without any glitches.

The day-to-day work should be appropriately organized, the files in place, and any pending projects should be ideally completed. All of this while you continue with your regular work. You should also return any equipment that you got from the office.

4. Do Not Gossip

Just because you will leave your company does not mean it absolves you of all responsibility and accountability. Refrain from acts like gossiping about your colleagues or managers because you feel you will be gone in a few days.

Also, do not think about talking about company secrets to anyone, especially if you are joining a rival company. Word travels fast in the corporate sector, and everything you say or do will eventually come around. Hence, you can never be too careful, especially while you are thinking of transitioning.

5. Express Your Gratitude

Express Your Gratitude
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Your job was, of course, your source of income. But in many cases, they tend to become much more than that. You make friends at your workplace, and your boss could become your mentor. You learn new skills and become an integral part of the organization. You end up going on trips with your colleagues where you have a good time.

Hence, when it is time for you to leave the company, it is evident you will feel sad for a while. Make sure you thank your colleagues and mentors for the time you had there and from whom you learned so much. It is not just about etiquette but also about maintaining your network. You never know when you might need the help of a former colleague somewhere down the line.

Also Read:- 5 Professional Ways of Negotiating Start Day at Your New Job

How to Get a Better Job Than the Previous One?

How to Get a Better Job than the Previous One?
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Once you decide to quit your former job, it is a given that you will start looking for another or already have a few offers in place when you choose to leave. Searching for a new job may seem time-consuming, especially if you feel frustrated with your current role.

It is essential to look for a job that provides you with better opportunities than your former one and has more potential for both personal and professional growth. Here is how you can land a job better than your previous one.

1. Give Time For Self Reflection

Give Time for Self Reflection
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Rather than simply rushing into whatever comes your way, put some time aside to think about what you would like in your new job. By this time, you have gathered enough work experience to know what suits you professionally and what kind of roles you will find fulfilling.

You should also carefully try to avoid jobs that you feel has traits of your previous ones and those that made you quit. You might not know about the workplace culture first-hand, but you can always look up online reviews or ask mutual contacts to learn more about the work culture and ethics in the organization. Make notes and compare positions to understand what you are looking for.

2. Evaluate Your Skills

You must have acquired quite a few skills in your current job. Analyze your strengths and understand which of them gives you the best scope of growth. Before joining a new job, would you like to take time to work on some of your skills? Would you want to add some extra qualifications and certifications that can help you upgrade your skills?

This can make you a strong candidate while searching for a new job as employers are always keen on applicants who keep to themselves about the best practices in the industry. You will also be able to negotiate a higher salary when you start attending interviews.

3. Spend Some Time on Research

Spend Some Time on Research
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While looking for a new job, research the companies you want to work in. This should go beyond the pay package that the company is offering. Read up on the projects the company is involved in and the growth the company has had in the last five years. Does the organization provide the employees with team-building opportunities?

Are there training and refresher courses offered by the company? Is the company known for an excellent work-life balance? What is the goal and motto of the company? Make a spreadsheet and notes to compare various organizations and apply to the ones that best align with your vision for an ideal position.

4. Make a New Resume

When you consider applying for new roles, your old resume will not do. Make a recent resume and update it with the skills and experience you have acquired in the company you just quit or are thinking of leaving. If you have obtained any new certifications or received any awards at your workplace, mention that in your new resume.

Write about your proficiency levels if your previous resume did not have those. Update your resume to fit keywords that will make it pass through the Applicant Tracking System.

5. Prepare For Your Interview

Prepare for your Interview
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It could have been a while since you appeared for an interview. Prepare a list of the possible questions that might be asked and practice your answers regarding your work experience and the roles you are trying to fulfill. Try practicing with a friend or speaking in front of a mirror. Work on your body language and maintain eye contact.

These are some things that will be useful when you meet your prospective employers. Since you are looking for better opportunities compared to your previous job, you should be able to convince your future employer with your responses that you are ready to take on bigger and better roles within the organization.

6. Practice Negotiating your Salary

One of the reasons for looking for a better job is to get a better pay package. However, negotiating your salary is an important skill, and you need to have an excellent idea about the average salary in the industry pertaining to your field. Think about the skills you can talk about and what more you can bring to the table that merits a hike from your previous salary.

Also, in addition to your existing salary, be prepared to ask about other employee benefits like medical insurance, travel perks, leaves, and other aspects that do your new stint in the company a fulfilling one.

Conclusion

Knowing how to quit your job and get a better one helps you avoid falling into economic insecurity. You can take control of how you are going to deal with during the transition phase from one organization to another. While quitting an organization, you must maintain good ties with your former bosses and colleagues. This is not just about professional etiquette but also about your peace of mind.

Leaving the previous company on a sour note will only make your transition more complicated, and you will not be able to start over with a clean slate. Look for better opportunities but always ensure that you maintain the utmost professionalism and on entirely cordial notes.