resigning
For some, resigning can be the toughest part of the whole job process. If done properly though, through standard procedures and with sound reasoning it can be a much more pain free experience that originally thought.
Leaving a company on a good note can create great connections for the future and more importantly a positive reference, whereas leaving on bad terms can result in no reference at all. Before resigning it is important that you thoroughly think through your reasons for leaving and the benefits to yourself of doing so.
There will be a number of important stages in the resignation process:
Resignation Letter – The letter should include the name of the addressee, your name, notice of termination, effective from date and signature. Complimenting the company and your boss won’t hurt either (even if this pains you to do so).
An example template is shown below:
Addressee name
Company name,
Date
Dear (addressee),
Please accept this as formal notice of my resignation from the position of (position name) with effect from (date).
In accordance with my contract of employment I am happy to continue to work for the following (length of notice period).
Deciding to move on took a lot of consideration and was not an easy decision to make. I thank you for all your support during my time with the company, which I have found both enjoyable and fulfilling. Please be assured that I will help in any way that I can in regards to training or work transfer responsibilities. Good luck in all your future endeavours.
Kind regards,
Exit meeting – To hand in your resignation letter schedule a short meeting with your boss letting them know it is a private issue. This meeting could possibly be quite a tough one so if you’ve decided that you’d definitely like to leave the company then be prepared! Most bosses won’t appreciate the fact that one of their employees is moving on. The meeting will involve going further into your reasons for leaving and if your a valued employee, some form of counter offer and persuasion to stay at the company. An increasing number of companies today also have some form of exit survey which is usually a brief questionnaire regarding your experience with the company.
Counter Offer - Put some thought beforehand into how much of an increase in your salary it would take for you to stay at the company. If you are made a counter offer to stay at your current company, consider it seriously, weigh the pros and cons of leaving and staying, but do bear in mind that your boss may question your loyalty to the company if you decide to stay. If money is not an issue then explain this to your boss as well as what it is you want from your next position, be it promotion, increased responsibility or a complete change of direction and your boss may well be able to accommodate you.
Notice Period – Continue working with your normal sort of standard of work right up until the day you leave. Don’t forget about that reference!
When it is finally time to leave and you've worked your notice period, try to ensure a smooth hand over and end on good terms with your co-workers and employer because you never know when your paths may cross again.