JOB RESIGNATION

RESIGNATION ADVICE

Leaving your current employer can be emotionally difficult, especially if you have forged friendships and invested time and energy giving your all. Or even if you hate your job, hate your boss and can’t wait to start that new job; it can be difficult to resign tactfully. First of all, be sure that you really do want to quit. Then, handle your resignation as carefully as you would handle any other business endeavor. It’s always wise to not burn bridges. 
You never know when you will need your past employers for a reference. 

Follow these tips when giving notice of resignation:

  • Formally thank the company for the opportunities they provided. You can do this in your letter of resignation, by email and/or in person.
  • If asked why you are resigning, stress the opportunities that lie ahead, and avoid negative comments about your time there.
  •  Ask if there is anything you can do to ease the transition. Your goal is to leave on good terms and avoid ‘burning bridges’.
  • A letter of resignation can be given before or after you verbally resign, but be sure to present one. Inform the company of your last day of work. Notice expected is usually spelled out in the original terms of employment. If not, offer a minimum of two weeks, or negotiate a timeframe before submitting the formal letter.
  • If you are asked to extend your last day beyond the agreed-upon notice period, do so only if it works with your new start date.

As for any leave you have accumulated, you have three choices. You can take it before giving notice; you can ask for monetary compensation in lieu of taking the time off; or you can sacrifice it. Keep in mind, you may not have significant holiday for at least 10-12 months in your new role.

Before you leave, obtain the agreement of colleagues to be future referrals for you. Do not forget to offer your help in exchange. Professional networking is crucial to advancement these days, so be sure to collect contact information.

PULL YOURSELF OUT OF THE JOB MARKET

As soon as you accept a new job, you’re morally obliged to take yourself off all job sites and notify any recruitment consultancies who may have been acting on your behalf. Now you need to resign from your current company, check the terms of your contract with them and make sure you give them adequate notice.