Archives - Resign By Phone?

Q:   I really don't' feel like facing my boss in person. Is it ok to resign by phone?

A: Sure you can ! If you are held captive, offered a job you can't refuse (the job is yours only if you accept instantly and don't pack and settle your affairs) or maybe you're joining the witness protection program???? You could also resign via phone if you are VERY angry and don't care if you burn all your bridges, ditto if you want to be sure you get bad references, or generally don't care what happens to your career.

All joking aside NO, you can't call in a resignation like you do a "sick day!" The only way that I might see resigning by phone as appropriate would be in a serious emergency where you are too far away to schedule a timely meeting to break the news in person (not sure what that would be, but I guess it could happen in very rare circumstances). Here are some suggestions on more appropriate ways to resign:

First, make sure that you have proof of your new job in writing! A job offer is a promise to employ you, but it isn't a real job until you have actually started. A written agreement from your new employer clearly stating the basics (title, start date, salary, benefits, etc.) gives you some protection during the transition. Only after you're certain that you really do have a new job to go to should you resign. Tell your boss verbally that you have something important to discuss, and schedule a meeting, don't just hand him or her a letter. Assume that your resignation news is going to be a surprise, even if your boss knows you've been job hunting and be sensitive about how you break the news. In other words, resist the urge to blurt it out in a public place like the coffee room or the hall. Remember that your departure will probably effect the remaining staff, since someone will have to be assigned to take on your duties, or hired to replace you. Assure your boss that you will do everything you can to ensure a smooth transition and offer at least two-weeks notice (more, if you're in the middle of a critical project in which you're a key player). There is no need to write a resignation letter unless that's your company policy. If you must write one, just state the facts and make it neutral, and brief.

No matter how tempting it is to say "Take this job and shove it," you'll regret it later. Be diplomatic if you're asked: "Why are you leaving?" Even if you're dying to leave and had serious problems on the job, you'll serve your own interests best be neutral and not try to teach your boss a lesson! All you need to say is that you're leaving for a better opportunity or that you've decided to take a different career path. Ditto for an "exit interview" which is required at some companies. Don't tell the interviewer how you always covered up your boss's afternoon drinking binges, how you did all the work in the department, or about the love triangle that was awkward for everyone....and it's not appropriate to "open up" to your new colleagues either. The only one who will look bad when you denigrate your former employer is you!

Make sure that you know all about back pay, vacation time, pension, etc., before your last day on the job. If you can, learn what your company's policy is regarding future references (e.g. what kind of information is offered to future prospective employers). If you've got a good relationship with your boss, ask for a written letter of reference. Be sure to put him or her on your network list and keep in touch from time to time. If you're not on good terms with your boss, you'll want to select someone else at the company who will be a positive reference.

Finally, once you've resigned be gracious and helpful to the colleagues you are leaving behind. Don't refuse to attend going-away parties. Resist the urge to wipe out computers, steal files, or do anything else that will "burn a bridge." You can never tell when someone from your past will surface or if you'll need the good will of this employer at some future date.

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