If you have a new job, congratulations! Remember: whether you loved your current job or hated it, always resign on a positive note with grace, respect and pride. The way you behave during the resigning process can have an effect on your references and will make a lasting impression on your reputation and employment future. No matter how your employers take the news, it is important to always behave with professionalism and dignity.
Initiate international has the following tips and advice on how to resign to ensure you leave on a positive note.
Make sure the new job is set in stone
Many candidates resign before having a definite, confirmed new job. Be 100% sure that the role you’re resigning for is yours. Make sure you have the job offer in writing, a contract set, as well as a fixed starting date before you resign from your current job.
Give sufficient notice in person
It is important that you give your current employer sufficient notice in order to allow them enough time to find a replacement.
The resignation is best handled in person rather than via email in order to remain respectful. Finding the best time to have the dreadful meeting with your employer is important. Fridays and the end of the business day are considered the best times to resign as there are less people in the office and your boss will have time to think things through.
Ensure your boss is the first to know
Having your employer hear about your resignation through the rumour mill is never a good situation. Make sure you inform your employer of your resignation before telling your co-workers. Let your employers decide how they would like to inform your co-workers.
Be respectful and gracious
Be respectful and truthful during the resignation process. When asked why you have decided to leave, do not use this as an opportunity to offload all your grievances, and don’t throw anyone under the bus.
Let your employer know how much you appreciate the opportunity to work for them, and that you are thankful for all that you have learned. Explain that you have goals, and for this reason you simply can’t refuse the new opportunity that has presented itself.
Don’t accept the counter-offer
There is a possibility that your employer won’t let you go without fight, especially if you are a major asset to the company. Your employer might offer you a raise, a promotion, or better benefits. The counter-offer will cloud your judgement and make you second guess your decision to leave. Remember the original reasons for looking for a new position, and trust your instincts rather than simply accepting the counter-offer.
Taking the counter-offer after accepting the new company’s offer will leave a bad impression, as well as burn bridges in the future.
Here are ten reasons why you should not accept the counter offer.
Remove your personal items
Sometimes employers react terribly and employees are asked to leave immediately after they have resigned. Because this is a horrible situation, it is prudent to prepare by taking important personal items home and clearing your computer of personal files and email messages before having the meeting and handing in your resignation letter.
The resignation letter
Providing a resignation letter is a courtesy to your employer, and is also standard business etiquette. Your resignation letter should state that you are leaving your current position and provide the set date you intend to leave.
Keep your resignation letter short and professional. There’s no reason to go into detail about your new job opportunity.
Your resignation letter is placed in your employment file so don’t say anything rude or negative as this might come back to haunt you later in your career.
Ask for a reference
If everything goes smoothly and you manage to have a successful resignation meeting, it is a good idea to ask your employer and colleagues to write a good reference for you.
Say goodbye to your colleagues
It is inevitable that you will have formed friendships in your work place. Show your respect for and appreciation of your co-workers by sending a farewell message or email to them. You may include your contact details to maintain contact with your former fellow employees.
Often the resignation will be a smooth process: most employers will be understanding and will deal with the situation appropriately. Even if you have to deal with a difficult employer, you should always take the moral high ground and handle the situation with class to ensure you maintain a positive reputation. For more tips and advice regarding how to resign, please call us.
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