Resignation Checklist before Leaving a Job

Deciding to leave a job without having an apt resignation checklist is a big step in itself. The reasons can vary, but it is imperative that you avoid taking an impetuous step as far as your decision to leave a company is concerned.

We all have heard tales of people throwing up their hands and just walking out of a job having no resignation checklist; such grand gestures look fine on celluloid or in telling of tales, but in real life, it is just unprofessional to walk out on a job.

So what is the checklist for someone who has tendered his or her resignation or plans to do so in the near future.

Must haves in your resignation checklist:

• First, go through your signed contract carefully. Check what is your notice period.
• If you have decided to give in your resignation, then it is better to first discuss it with your immediate boss.  Inform him or her directly rather them being surprised through the office grapevine.
• If you want to be formal, then write or email your resignation and immediately follow it through with in-face interview. Talk of your experience in the organization and convey your learning curve and how you enjoyed working under him (or just leave out that part, if not).
• The resignation should never be verbal. Always give it in writing, so that a record is maintained of your working days at the job. Mention your last working day clearly.
• Notify other parties affected by the resignation. This may include health and life or other related insurers, other employees in the team or associated with you in your work, your clients and customers, etc.
• Arrange to return any property of the employer which is in your custody, possession or control—for example, the company vehicle, mobile phone, laptop, business cards, office keys, security passes etc.
• Prepare a transition note for your boss and team mates. This ensures that any task or projects you are involved with do not get stuck due to incomplete information.
• It is better to formally hand over all the paper work concerning your current tasks to the relevant people.
• Insist on an exit interview. Some companies tend to gloss over this formality. But it is beneficial to both your former employer and you if you convey your experience to the HR professionals.
• Any untoward comments should be kept to a minimum but you can broadly point out any deficiencies that you noticed.

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  Resignation checklist must haves (Image credit: Freepik)

• Make sure to clear all your dues before leaving. Confirm when you will receive your last paycheck. Sometimes companies take time clearing the last check as a lot of formalities have to be taken care of. Depending on company policy and state law, you may be paid on your regular pay date, your last day of work, or within a certain time period after you finish your job. 
• Check your unused vacation payments. Some companies give out a lump sum for all the unused holidays you have accumulated.
• There are many provisions where you can continue availing some employee benefits if your employer has more than 20 employees, you’re entitled by law to maintain your healthcare coverage through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). With COBRA, you have to pay both your share of the premiums and your employer’s share along with an administrative fee. You can opt for another insurer if you find a better deal with lesser premiums and the same benefits.
• Certain other benefits and perks and insurance can be rolled over to the new employers. Sit with the concerned department head or official to get clarity on all such issues.
• Get a reference letter from your supervisor and immediate boss. They are not required to oblige but unless you have had a bad fallout, a reference letter is easily given.
• Clear with your boss if you can use his name as a reference if needed in the future.

As far as possible, resign from your job pleasantly and make sure you have your resignation checklist ready. Do not leave in a huff, making your displeasure or bad experience very apparent.  As people say, never burn your bridges, you might need to cross one in the future. Keep your lines of future communication open. In a professional setup, networking and connections always come in handy. 

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