How To Request a Resignation Meeting
There is a ton of career guidance out there (just log onto LinkedIn or throw in a quick Google search) on how to interview, how to write a resume, how to network, how to get a job, etc etc etc but there is ZERO information on how to actually quit your job.
If you are looking for a new job, have gone through the incredibly grueling effort of updating your resume and interviewing, and now have your dream offer in hand… it’s time to put in your notice.
But how? How do you prep to have ‘the talk’ with your boss? Do you send an official letter of resignation? An email? Wait til your year end performance review? Send a text? Just stop showing up?
Of course I’m joking on the last two options there but this is serious business!!
Quitting our jobs is one of the most nerve-wracking, anxiety inducing, and unclear career activities one will ever do. I still have PTSD from when I gave notice to my first corporate job (they literally said no and wouldn’t let me quit it was awful) so my hopes in providing this communication guidance is that you won’t have to struggle through this awkward and taboo task in your career.
How to give your notice -
Request a meeting in an immediate timeframe. Without making it URGENT (this will cause unnecessary worry and we don't need any more fire drills in the workplace), ask for a meeting the next day – or at least within the same business week depending on your manager's schedule availability
Be transparent without giving your notice via email. Let your manager know you have updates to provide and they would best be discussed in person (or via video meeting)
Don't worry if your manager pushes back. It's natural for them to ask "why?". Use this an opportunity to double down on transparency. Be clear in that this will be a meeting to discuss your career goals and next steps.
Take initiative. Be the one to coordinate availability, send a calendar invite, book a conference room is necessary, and be the one to run the meeting.
And here’s the script for when you send to that “we need to talk” email meeting request.
Subject line - Meeting Tomorrow?
Body -
Hey boss,
Before the end of the year sneaks up on us, I'm wondering if you have some time tomorrow for us to chat.
I have some updates I want to share with you and I think it's best suited for an in person (or a remote meeting depending on your schedule) if you're available.
If you send over some times that work for you, I'll coordinate an invite.
Appreciate your time in advance on this!
xx”
And when the inevitable “what’s this meeting about?” response lands in your inbox — here’s how you can effectively respond -
“Hey boss,
Totally fair question. I like to be prepared walking into meetings too! The nature of the meeting has to do with my career goals and next steps.
Looking forward to it!
xx”
And once you get that meeting on the calendar. It’s go time. But rest assured, I have the exact format you need to successfully have “the talk”. Head on over to the resource How To Tactfully Quit Your Job.
Congrats on the new job opportunity and good luck with this transition phase. Good things to come and communication is the vehicle to make it a smooth process!
