What are the pros and cons of announcing a resignation on LinkedIn?
There are a few key factors to consider when deciding when and how to announce a resignation on LinkedIn:
Pros of announcing a resignation on LinkedIn
- Let your network know you’re moving on – Announcing on LinkedIn allows you to efficiently notify your connections that you are leaving your current role and moving onto a new opportunity.
- Control the narrative – Posting about your resignation enables you to share the news on your own terms and in your own words, rather than through office gossip or speculation.
- Gather references and recommendations – If planned well, announcing your resignation can prompt colleagues to provide positive references and recommendations that can help you in your next endeavor.
- Generate interest – Announcing that you are moving on can spark curiosity and generate interest from recruiters or companies that may want to connect with you about new opportunities.
Cons of announcing a resignation on LinkedIn
- Notify employer first – Your employer should hear the news first before your wider network. Posting your resignation early on LinkedIn can damage relationships.
- Perceived as unprofessional – Some view announcing a resignation on LinkedIn as inappropriate or unprofessional, as sensitive news may be better shared privately.
- Share too much – Providing lots of detail about why you’re leaving or negativity about your current role can be problematic.
- Too soon – Announcing your resignation before you’ve formally resigned to your employer could cause issues.
Overall the key is balancing your desire to share the news and move your career forward with resigning tactfully and professionally.
What are some tips for how to announce a resignation on LinkedIn?
Here are some best practices for announcing your resignation on LinkedIn:
- Notify your manager and company first – Have the conversation and submit formal resignation before announcing on LinkedIn.
- Time it thoughtfully – Wait until you’ve given proper notice and transition period to your employer before posting.
- Craft your narrative – Shape the narrative by framing the move in a positive light, focusing on what you’re gaining rather than losing.
- Express gratitude – Thank your current employer, colleagues, clients for the experiences and opportunities.
- Keep details minimal – Avoid sharing confidential info about the circumstances of your departure or new opportunity.
- Highlight achievements – Share your accomplishments from your time at the company.
- Indicate your next move – If appropriate, include high level details about what you’ll be doing next. Generic is fine.
The goal is to avoid burning bridges, while still capitalizing on the announcement to propel your career forward.
When is the best time to announce a resignation on LinkedIn?
The ideal timing for announcing a resignation on LinkedIn is:
- 1-2 weeks before your last day – This gives time for sharing the news while still completing your notice period with current employer.
- After formal resignation – Wait until you have formally resigned in writing before going social media public.
- Beginning of the week – Posting on Monday or Tuesday allows your network time to see and respond to the news that week.
Here is a summary of the ideal timeline:
- Formally resign in writing to employer first (e.g. 3-4 weeks notice).
- Work through notice period with current employer (e.g. 3-4 more weeks).
- 1-2 weeks before last day, announce resignation on LinkedIn on Monday or Tuesday.
- On last day, share gratitude and reflection on time with employer.
Following this timeline allows you to resign properly, get your next move in order, and maximize sharing the news at the right time. The goal is a smooth transition for all.
How should you write the copy for a resignation announcement on LinkedIn?
Here are some tips for writing the copy when drafting your resignation announcement for LinkedIn:
- Keep it simple and sincere – Write clean, straightforward copy thanking your employer and colleagues.
- Lead with gratitude – Open by thanking your manager, team, and company for the opportunities.
- Note accomplishments – Share one to three highlights from your time at the company.
- Explain your next move at a high level – Share only minimal, public details about what’s next.
- Close with appreciation – End by again thanking those you worked with and expressing well wishes to the company.
- Add visuals – Include some photos and imagery from team events and accomplishments.
- Check for typos – Proofread the copy several times to avoid any errors before posting.
- Stay positive – Keep the tone upbeat and focus on the future.
The goal is crafting copy that leaves things on a good note while gracefully transitioning your network to what’s next in your career journey.
What are some sample resignation announcement posts for LinkedIn?
Here are a few examples of resignation announcements you could post on LinkedIn:
Example 1
I’m writing to share the news that later this month I’ll be moving on from my role as [position] at [company].
It’s been an absolute privilege to work with our world-class team over the past [duration at company]. I’m incredibly grateful for the learning opportunities and meaningful projects I’ve had here.
A special thank you to [manager name], my talented colleagues, and everyone who has helped me grow during my time here. I appreciate all of the support more than you know.
While bittersweet, I’m also excited for my next adventure – I’ll be joining [new company] as a [new role]. I’m thrilled to take on this new challenge and can’t wait to get started.
[Company name] is doing important work that I know will continue to have an incredible impact. I have loved being a part of this team and wish everyone the best.
Onward and upward!
[Your name]
Example 2
After 3 tremendous years with [company], the time has come for me to take on a new challenge outside the organization.
This was a difficult decision – I’ve thrived working alongside our dedicated team and phenomenal leadership. I will deeply miss my colleagues, who have made coming into work fun and inspiring every single day.
Some highlights from my time at [company]:
– Leading [key project or accomplishment]
– Spearheading [initiative] that drove [results]
– Launching [program] to [achieve objectives]
I’m full of gratitude for the opportunities I’ve had to grow and develop here. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey – it would not have been the same without you.
I’m thrilled to share that I will be starting a new position with [new company] as a [title]. While change is never easy, I’m looking forward to expanding my skills and experiences.
I wish the best of luck to the phenomenal team here as you continue doing outstanding work that makes a real difference. You will do amazing things.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Example 3
Some personal news to share…
After 4 amazing years as a [position] with [company], I have made the difficult decision to move on from this incredible team.
To all of my colleagues, clients, and partners – thank you. It has been a privilege to work alongside so many brilliant, kind, and talented people every day. I am filled with gratitude thinking back on the support you have all given me.
My time here has been invaluable – I will treasure the experiences and growth that have shaped me professionally and personally.
While changes are ahead, I know the future is bright for [company] and the work we do. I am excited to watch the company continue to positively impact lives around the world.
As for me, I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be starting a new position as [title] with [new company]. I can’t wait to take on this next challenge and dive into my new role.
This is just the start of an exciting new chapter – stay tuned!
With appreciation,
[Your name]
Should you provide a reason for resigning in your LinkedIn post?
When announcing a resignation on LinkedIn, it is usually best not to share your specific reasons for leaving. Rather than detailing why you are moving on, the focus should be on expressing gratitude and highlighting accomplishments from your time with the company.
Here are a few reasons to avoid detailing your reasons for resigning:
- Protect confidentiality – Your reason for leaving may involve private business decisions that should not be shared publicly.
- Avoid negativity – Even if frustrations led to your resignation, a public post may not be the best forum for venting.
- Prevent burning bridges – Providing explicit details about why you’re moving on can damage relationships.
- Maintain professionalism – Keeping things positive reflects well on you.
If you feel strongly about being transparent, you can provide a high level reason without details, such as wanting to pursue a new opportunity that’s the best move for you and your family. Overall though, it’s usually ideal to omit the explicit reasons.
How should you handle co-workers and contacts asking for details?
Once you announce your resignation on LinkedIn, it’s common for colleagues and contacts to reach out looking for additional details beyond what you posted:
- Revisit your narrative – Politely share the high level details you already posted.
- Redirect the focus – Bring the conversation back to expressing gratitude for your time working together.
- Keep it brief – Avoid diving into lengthy backstories and detailed explanations.
- Maintain discretion – Explain that personnel issues must remain private.
- Indicate care – If pushed, you can say the decision was difficult but necessary for your career.
The goal is to remain professional and discreet without damaging any relationships. With practice, you can redirect conversations away from private details and towards more positive reflections.
Should you turn off comments when announcing a resignation?
When posting about your resignation on LinkedIn, it’s usually best to keep comments enabled to allow colleagues and connections to share well wishes and positive reflections. However, here are some cases where disabling comments may be appropriate:
- If your departure is contentious – Turning off comments can avoid negativity.
- If you won’t be monitoring frequently – Keeping comments constructive takes moderation.
- If you prefer one-on-one contact – Comments can be redirected to private messages.
- If you anticipate a high volume – Comments could become overwhelming.
In most resignation scenarios, the pros of allowing comments outweigh the cons. But the choice depends on your specific circumstances. Monitor the discussion and disable later if comments become counterproductive. You can always thank people individually for their support.
What are some alternatives to a full resignation post?
If announcing your resignation broadly on LinkedIn doesn’t feel like the right approach, here are some alternative options:
Update your employment details
Quietly update your LinkedIn profile’s work experience section with your new role and end date for your old role. This will share the news gradually without a major post.
Message close connections individually
Notify your closest professional contacts one-on-one through private LinkedIn messages or emails. This allows sharing details beyond a public post.
Post a reflection after your last day
Wait until after you’ve left your old company to post a reflective update about your accomplishments and gratitude. This avoids prematurely announcing your resignation.
Post a general career update
Share a post about being excited to start a new position without calling it out explicitly as a resignation announcement.
Promote your new company/role
Make your first post about celebrating your new job rather than departing your old one.
Evaluate whether a public resignation post suits your personal brand and relationships. There are always alternatives that allow you to move forward professionally with grace.
Key Takeaways
– Notify your manager first before sharing resignation news widely. Give proper notice and work through a transition.
– Time it thoughtfully, 1-2 weeks before your last day once details are settled. Beginning of week allows connections time to react.
– Craft copy focused on gratitude, accomplishments, what’s next. Avoid negativity.
– No need to explain reasons for leaving. Redirect requests for details professionally.
– Keep comments enabled to collect well wishes, unless situation calls for disabling.
– Alternatives like updating profile, private messages, celebrating new role, can also work.
– Announce in a way that feels authentic to you and sets up your career positively moving forward.