A summer job is a temporary arrangement, but how you leave can have a lasting impact on your professional reputation. Departing on good terms is a strategic move that preserves relationships and can secure a positive reference for future career opportunities. The professional world is small, and treating a short-term role with the same respect as a permanent position demonstrates maturity and foresight.
Check Your Obligations and Plan Your Timing
Before making any announcements, the first step is to review your employment agreement or employee handbook. These documents often specify a required notice period. While two weeks is a common professional standard, some companies have different policies, so it is your responsibility to know what you agreed to when you started.
Once you understand the required notice, you can strategically choose your last day. Consider any major projects or team responsibilities you have. Planning your departure after a key deadline or during a slower period can ease the transition for your manager and colleagues. This foresight shows that you are considerate of the team’s workload.
Prepare for the Conversation
The next step involves planning the conversation with your manager to be direct, positive, and brief. Prepare a simple and honest reason for your departure, such as returning to school or a new opportunity. It is best to avoid complex explanations or negative feedback about the job during this discussion.
A professional approach involves scripting a few phrases. You might start by saying, “I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve had here this summer.” Then, clearly state your intention: “My last day will be [Your Last Day].” Rehearsing these lines helps you deliver the message calmly, and thanking your manager for the experience helps maintain a positive relationship.
Anticipate potential questions from your manager, such as why you are leaving. Having a prepared, neutral response ready can prevent you from being caught off guard. The focus should remain on your future plans, not on any shortcomings of the position.
Give Your Formal Notice
With your thoughts organized, schedule a private meeting with your manager to resign. Requesting an in-person meeting is more respectful than an unexpected email or quitting without a direct conversation. During the meeting, use the simple and positive script you prepared.
Immediately following the conversation, you must provide a formal written resignation. This can be a short email or a printed letter. The document serves as an official record of your departure and should be straightforward. It only needs to include your intent to resign, the specific date of your final day of employment, and a brief sentence thanking the company for the opportunity.
Here is a simple template for a resignation letter:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Manager’s Name]
[Manager’s Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
Please accept this letter as formal notification that I am resigning from my position as [Your Job Title] at [Company Name]. My last day of employment will be [Your Last Day].
Thank you for the opportunity to have worked here this summer. I have valued my time with the company and appreciate the experience I have gained.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Finish Your Job Strong
After giving notice, the final two weeks are your opportunity to leave a lasting positive impression. It is important to continue working with the same level of dedication. Resist the temptation to mentally check out, as how you perform in your final days is often what colleagues and managers remember most vividly.
A key part of a smooth transition is offering to help train your replacement, if applicable. Documenting your daily tasks, organizing your files, and creating a brief guide for the next person can be incredibly helpful for your team. This proactive approach shows a commitment to the company’s success even after your departure and is a hallmark of a professional attitude.
On your last day, make a point to say goodbye to your colleagues and exchange contact information if you wish to stay in touch. A simple, positive farewell reinforces the good relationships you’ve built. Thank your manager one last time before you leave.