Job Resignation Tips

Job Resignation Tips

Tips When Resigning

Resigning from a job requires as much careful planning as applying for one. It’s not as simple as giving a few weeks’ notice. It is important to maintain a professional network and a positive attitude with colleagues and managers.

Make a list of reasons why you want to resign and whether it’s indeed the only option. Will you be better off in a new job? Key factors that are important are salary, location, career/personal development and work-life balance. Have you pursued all avenues for advancement within your current employer? Would you leave if you were offered more money or a promotion?

Consider whether any problems or disagreements can be solved through a personal grievance procedure through Human Resources. Also consider how easy it will be to find another role. Do you have sufficient savings if it takes a few months?

Once You Have Made the Decision to Resign

Do’s

  • Choose the time that you tell your manager carefully and prepare for it to be a bit of a surprise. Make sure you have a sound explanation for your departure.
  • Keep it brief, be calm and speak slowly.

Don’ts

  • Avoid leaving on a negative note – this can impact on you receiving a favourable reference and the chance of being recommended for other roles.

Resignation Letter

Please use our resignation letter template as a guide

Do’s

  • Do keep your letter clear and concise and state simply the reason for your resignation e.g. furthering your career, wanting new challenges etc.
  • Always sign and date the letter and state when your last day will be.
  • Address it to your manager and hand it to them personally.
  • Write things down – it can make it much easier for you to gather your thoughts and re-think and re-work the message until you are comfortable with it.
  • Provide a reasonable amount of time for notice in line with any other obligations you might have under your employment agreement.

Don’ts

  • Highlight the negative in your resignation letter.  If your experience with the organisation has not been ideal, maintain your professionalism by avoiding putting anything in writing against anyone in the organisation.

Counter Offers

If your company has made you a counter-offer, you will need to consider it carefully.

Do’s

  • Remind yourself of the reasons why you resigned in the first place. If you have already resigned once, will you be tempted to continue to look for alternatives in the future?
  • Check that the reasons you resigned are fully addressed by the counter-offer. Are you confident things will change for the better?
  • Consider how withdrawing another offer of employment may be perceived and potentially impact your career.  Your paths may cross somewhere down the line with negative consequences.
  • Accept that there may be the chance your on-going loyalty might be questioned by your employer.

Don’ts

  • Never accept a counter offer unless you are convinced you’re making the right long-term decision.

Exit Interviews

An exit interview is an appropriate forum to address any constructive criticism of the organisation or your manager. Although it’s not compulsory to participate, your feedback is valuable to the employer and can benefit those employees still with the company.

Exit interviews are usually face-to-face and generally follow a questionnaire format so that your answers can be mapped against the responses of other employees who have left. This allows the organisation to reflect on common themes and develop better solutions for working conditions.

Do’s

  • Accept that the interview will inevitably be driven by the nature of your working relationship.
  • Try to leave a great lasting impression, perhaps wishing the company well for the future or reminding them of your willingness to provide a thorough handover.
  • Give constructive feedback while still being courteous and respectful to the person interviewing you.
  • Back up your responses with specific examples.
  • Make constructive suggestions on how things could improve in the future or be done differently – explain why you think this would help.

Last Day

Do’s

  • Try to maintain a positive attitude until you leave.
  • Talk to HR about finalising your remaining pay and other benefits such as annual leave, company car, company credit cards, mobile phone, medical insurance etc.
  • Ensure there is someone to follow up with any outstanding work you have not been able to complete.
  • Farewell your colleagues and swap contact details so that you can communicate with them in future.
  • If appropriate, ask your manager to act as a referee on your behalf in the future.

Don’ts

  • Avoid talking about your new job too much to your current employer or colleagues.  Their workload may have been adversely affected in the short term by your departure and may not be greeted positively.

If you’re thinking about resigning or have already done so but haven’t yet secured your next role, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our specialist Recruiters today.

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