How to resign

You’ve sailed through the interview process and been offered your dream job at a great salary, leaving you feeling over the moon. They love you; you love them and can’t wait to get started. However, the realisation that you first have to remove yourself from your current work situation can be a little daunting.

But it doesn’t need to be if you follow these few steps. Employers are aware that the chances of you remaining in the same company your whole career are slim, and if you part ways professionally you can maintain the good relationship that you have developed with them.

The job offer

The first stage in the offer process is usually verbal, when your Page Personnel consultant will communicate that the organisation is keen to get you on board. Let the salary negotiations begin. When you have accepted their job offer, at the right salary, they will issue you with paperwork to make it official. Ensure that you receive an offer in writing that is signed by your new employer before you begin to think about the resignation process.

Paperwork 

You have the new signed contract in your hands, and can now start preparing to announce your departure. It is important that you consult your agreement with your existing employer to confirm your notice period and familiarise yourself with your conditions of employment. This allows you to put forward an estimated start date for your new job, and to prepare you for any questions that may arise as a result of you leaving.

Like most situations, the paperwork is what makes it official, so you will need to draft a resignation letter that can be taken into a meeting or emailed to your line manager once you’ve shared the news that you’re leaving.

It will depend on your personal circumstances, but your letter of resignation could read something like this;

‘I would like to inform you that I am resigning from my position as a Sales Executive at XYZ company, effective from today’s date. As per my contract of employment, I am giving you a month’s notice so I understand that my last working day is 01/06/2017.

It has not been an easy decision, but I have accepted a new role elsewhere.

I would like to thank you and XYZ company for having me as part of the team, and wish you all the best in the future. '

Even if you are not leaving on the best terms, resist the urge to be negative in your resignation letter. Keep it simple and to the point.

The meeting

Request a time to speak to your line manager in private, when you can inform him/her of your intention to move on. Be clear about the reasons why you have accepted a new role, focussing on the positive ways in which you hope the move will enhance your career rather than any negatives about your current job.

It’s likely that your manager will want to find out additional information; you are under no obligation to give them new salary or employer details if you feel uncomfortable, but do try and keep the tone of the conversation professional and positive. Thank them for the opportunity to have worked at the organisation and explain that it has been a difficult decision to move on.

They may want to address your reasons for leaving by offering you more money or promising career progression. Think carefully if you can achieve your goals in your current organisation with an increased salary or responsibilities – but remember that these incentives were only offered after you announced your intention to leave.

Speak to your employer about the practical details of a handover, and where your efforts should be focussed during your remaining time in the business. Lastly, make sure that your line manager has a copy of the letter of resignation you have prepared, ideally both a paper and electronic copy.

The final details

Tie up any loose ends with the HR and payroll departments to confirm if you have any holiday or bonus pay owed to you. It’s important also to be as positive and helpful in the last few weeks as possible – you never know when you might encounter your colleagues again, and a positive reference from your boss is always helpful for career searches in the future.

In an ideal situation, your manager will be pleased on your behalf and wish you all the best for the future (and maybe even organise your leaving drinks). But sometimes the resignation process can become a little more heated and tricky than a simple wave goodbye, so please contact your Page Personnel consultant for advice on what will work best in your case.

For more advice on how to resign or to apply for a new job, contact us at your local Page Personnel office now.