Do you remember the movie The Devil Wears Prada? In it, the main character is a talented young woman who quits her job at a high-end fashion magazine in a dramatic, unprofessional way. This is the wrong approach to quitting a sales job, regardless of how justified you may feel. In another scenario, imagine you’ve been offered a sales job that you plan to accept.
A Professional Way To Resign From A Sales Job
Did you know there’s a right way to resign from your sales job? Well, there is! When you’re ready to move on, it’s important to be as professional as possible. And that includes how you quit your current job.
1. Give Adequate Notice:
Before submitting your resignation to your employer, which is likely to stress them out, you should give them adequate notice. This allows management to plan for the transition and minimize disruption in the workplace.
Try to give at least two weeks’ notice, if not more, depending on company policies. It also gives you ample time to finish up any pending projects or tasks assigned to you. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, the average notice period is two weeks. However, it’s best to check company policy before resigning.
2. Write a Professional Resignation Letter:
Your resignation letter should be professional and polite yet firm in its message. Make sure you detail your reasons for leaving and express gratitude for the opportunity to work with them. Be specific in your reasons for leaving, and avoid anything that could be interpreted as negative. Also, don’t forget to thank your boss and colleagues for their support.
3. Meet With Your Manager:
When you have resigned, meeting with your manager and discussing the transition details is a good idea. This will allow you to explain your reasons for quitting and provide more detailed information. It also allows them to ask questions and provide feedback about your performance. That may seem like a difficult conversation, but you must remain professional throughout the process.
Moreover, it’s important to remember that you leave on good terms regardless of the circumstances. And the reason is you may need their reference in the future.
4. Offer assistance during the transition:
Once you have handed in your resignation letter, it is important to offer assistance during the transition period. This could be anything from helping to find a suitable replacement for your role as a sales agent or providing training resources to the new members of the sales team.
Always try to leave on a positive note. This will show your manager and colleagues that you are willing to go the extra mile even after you have left the company.
5. Stay Connected:
You never know when they can provide valuable advice or assistance in the future. If you stay in touch, you can maintain important professional relationships. It is important to stay connected with work colleagues and your former manager, even after you have left the company. Another reason for keeping in touch is to maintain your professional network.
This can be done through LinkedIn, email, or any other platform that allows you to stay connected. Perhaps your former colleagues may even help you land your next job!
6. Keep Your Professional Image Intact:
Next, keep in mind that your professional reputation is important. Even after you have quit the job, be sure to remain courteous and respectful to your former colleagues. You never know when a former employer might reach out to you for a recommendation or advice, so it is important to maintain a positive and professional image even after you have moved on.
However, if you have had a negative experience, it is best to keep such thoughts out of the public eye. And the more professional and amicable you remain, the more likely employers will want to work with you in the future.
7. Celebrate the Move:
Now, it’s time to celebrate your move! It’s important to take some time out of your day to reflect on the experience and achievements of your sales job. Whether that’s a dinner out with friends or a celebration with family, be sure to give yourself the recognition you deserve. The most important thing is to remember that you made the right decision for yourself, and you now have a fresh start!
8. Celebrate New Opportunities:
Finally, don’t forget to celebrate the possibilities that come with your new opportunity. Whether pursuing new career goals or exploring different options, it’s important to be excited about the possibilities that come with a fresh start. Remember, leaving a sales job doesn’t have to be the end of your career journey. There are so many exciting new opportunities out there that could be perfect for you!
Final Words
Quitting a sales job professionally is important, not only because it’s the right thing to do but also because it sets you up for a successful career transition. Following these steps will help you leave your sales job on positive terms and pave the way for future success. Lastly, don’t forget to celebrate your new opportunities and the fresh start you have ahead of you! Good Luck