4 Must-Know Tips to Quit Your Job in Malaysia Professionally

If you're reading this article, chances are that you're at that stage of your current job cycle. You've attended a couple of interviews with some prospective employers, you've negotiated a decent offer with them, and you've charted out the next step of your career. You're excited and nervous for your next step — but first, there's a very important process you need to go through.

Of course, we're referring to the process of tendering your resignation, and all that comes with it. So, how do you handle the entire situation with grace and professionalism? Here are 4 tips to guide your way.

1. Speak to your direct manager first

As a courtesy, it's a good idea to speak to your direct manager first. Explain the reasoning behind your decision to leave the company, and thank them for their guidance and support throughout your time working. This is also a good chance to take on any constructive feedback that can and will help you in your next career step.

Depending on the structure of your company, you may be submitting your resignation directly to your manager, or to HR — check with your employers to find out the exact steps you need to take.

2. Prepare a handover deck to ease the transition

Always remember that when you leave an organisation, you're leaving a you-sized hole in the team to replace. Once you've decided to leave, try your best to make the transition process as seamless as possible when you leave. A good way to do this is to prepare a handover deck, or a collection of materials that will make it easier for your replacement (or the rest of your team) to get up to speed while taking over your responsibilities.

You can also schedule knowledge transfer sessions with your colleagues during your notice period. Try your best to close off as many of your ongoing tasks if possible, and take any learnings and lessons on board as you finish off your tenure in the best way possible.

3. Be aware of your rights

You should also be aware of your rights as an employee, even as you tender your resignation and leave a company. For example, did you know that employers in Malaysia do not have the right to reject an employee's resignation? This is based on the Employment Act 1955 — you simply have to serve a notice period (or make payment in lieu of that period) before leaving.

For more info on that, click on the following links: 

1. Can You Skip Your Notice Period When Resigning in Malaysia?
2. Can Malaysian Employers Reject an Employee's Resignation Letter?
   
3. Offboarding Employees in Malaysia

And of course, head over to our main Resources centre for more HR-related articles.

4. Be transparent and honest during your exit interview

It's important to treat your exit interview as an open dialogue — although you should still exercise discretion and professionalism at all times. Offer direct, honest, and constructive feedback on your time and employee experience with your employers, and ask for constructive feedback on your performance in return.

This is usually one of the last formal interactions you'll have with HR and your managers before departing, and it's a good tip to maintain professional relationships and not to burn bridges. Professional circles are a small world, and you might always end up working together again someday.

We've also compiled some questions that you might expect to receive during exit interview, including: 

1. Why are you leaving? 
2. How would you describe your time with us? 
3. Could we have done more to keep you?
4. Were you happy with how you were managed?
5. What were the best and worst aspects of your job? 

Read more about that here.