How to resign
Living and working in times where a job is no longer guaranteed for life, handing in your notice is something many people become accustomed to. But like most things, there are right and wrong ways to approach situations.
When it comes to resigning, there is a certain etiquettes to abide by, in order to ensure success and a smooth transition.
Right way to resign
In an ideal world, resigning from your job would be pleasant and straightforward. Your boss would be understanding and supportive of your needs and no bad feelings would arise. The fact is, too few employees experience such an easy ride.
How you handle your resignation has an impact on your career. Conforming to the correct can go a long way in ensuring confidence as your career develops; whereas the opposite scenario could be detrimental to your immediate future. After all, a good reference is not just valuable, but vital.
Once you have made up your mind to resign, your most urgent task is to inform your manager. A letter of resignation is the formal way to communicate your action and it acts as a legal document stating the date from which you wish your notice period to begin.
Letter of resignation
How you write your letter depends on the circumstances of your departure. A simple resignation letter should include details of the person to whom it is addressed, the notice of termination of employment, when this is effective from and your signature.
If you are leaving on good terms you may want to add an extra sentence or two thanking your boss for the opportunities you've been given, and expressing your regret. A touch of sentiment, concisely phrased, can go a long way and costs nothing.
On the other hand, if your resignation is as a result of adverse working conditions or a clash of personalities with your boss or another colleague, it can be dangerous to go into detail.
Simply state your intention to resign coolly. There is no need to elaborate. Remember, the letter has one sole purpose: to inform your employer of the date you wish to terminate your employment.
How do I tell my boss?
You've made your decision to go to pastures new, and written the letter that legally notifies your employer of your actions. How do you feel?
It's not uncommon to experience a mixture of emotions. How will they treat me during the notice period? What if they try to convince me to stay? What if they don't? You may feel sad about the friends that you will leave behind.
The reality is that most people at some point in their lives – your manager included – will have been in your situation. Despite the fact you may have been a valued member of the team, the company will not collapse without you.
There is never a 'right time' to resign. Just use common sense and judgment:
- Keep it confidential – your boss will appreciate being the one to decide who else to tell, how and when to break the news
- Find the right moment; just before your manager is about to make a presentation to the board of directors is not a good time
- Be sure of your reasons for leaving and if necessary, rehearse them
- If you don't want to reveal where you're going, you're perfectly within your rights to keep this to yourself
- Be prepared for a negative reaction, even anger – you're just resigning, the initial shock will pass
- If there is likely to be a handover period to a colleague or new person, reassure your boss you'll be helpful and cooperative
- Remember your reasons for leaving and stick to your guns
Second thoughts
But will you or won't you resign? It's not too late. Contemplate long and hard before you make your final decision. Ask yourself, is this really the right job for me? Do I really want to leave?
Being absolutely sure you are doing the right thing is crucial. You may be pleased at the prospect of a 'counter-offer' but what will your boss think of you now? Before you decide, give some thought to the following:
- What are the pros and cons of your present job? And the new one?
- Have you pursued all avenues for advancement within your current firm?
- Would you leave if you were offered more money or a promotion?
- What does your heart say? What does your head say? Listen to your head
- Think back to your motives for seeking alternative employment in the first place. What made you unhappy? Are those circumstances likely to change?
- Don't be put off by imagining people saying, 'It wouldn't be the same without you' or 'I had you in line for a promotion next quarter'
Be positive and don't underestimate your capabilities. If you have goals and ambitions, don't be hampered by negative thought. We all spend a signifcant part of our day and lifetimes in the office, so make sure it's time well spent.
