There are many reasons why people leave their jobs, with popular ones including;
- Bad management
- Lack of progression
- Low pay
- Stress
And, of course, sometimes it’s just time to move on. You’re in need of a new challenge and ready to move onto pastures new.
In any case, before you move on you need to resign.
Resigning
You’ve just accepted a great new role at an amazing company, offering more money and exciting opportunities for progression. You’re buzzing, until you remember that you’ve now got to let your current employer know.
So, what’s the best way to break this news?
Well, just hold up for a second. Before you email your boss, there’s a few things you should do.
Request the offer in writing
Ensuring the offer is set in stone is your first port of call. Do this by requesting it in writing. Once you receive this, accept it in kind. Wait for them to confirm receipt of your acceptance before giving notice.
Notice period
Check your employment contracts and find out how long your notice period is. Not only will your new employer want to know, but you’ll also need to include the date of your last day in your letter of resignation (and figure out if you need to negotiate it down).
Write your resignation letter
Keep this short and professional, and print it and hand it over if it’s possible to do so (email if it isn’t). Best practice is to simply state your intent to leave, confirm the last day you’ll be with them in line with you notice, and thank them for the opportunities at the company. There’s no need to launch into the reasons why you are leaving or where you are going – save this for your face-to-face with your manager, or your exit interview.
Set up a meeting
Book some time with the person you’re required to hand notice to. Take your letter of resignation with you, and if you’re emailing, send this as a follow-up after your meeting.
Once you are in your face-to-face, give them your letter and state your intent to leave. Remember, you’re not obliged to tell them why, but it is polite (and can be useful) to let them know the reasons for your departure. Don’t use this as an opportunity to slate the team or the company – it’s best to keep things friendly.
What if they ask me to stay?
If they give you a counter offer, take your time considering this. It’s often tempting to stick with what you know but do remember the reasons why you wanted to leave in the first place. Consider all your options and try to make an informed decision. And while you shouldn’t feel rushed, do try and make the decision within a reasonable timeframe. Either way, you need to let them know, and if you choose to stay it’s best to let your prospective employer know sooner rather than later.
And that’s it. Everything you need to know about handing in your notice without burning any bridges!
If you’d like any further help in ensuring a smooth resignation, get in touch – we’re happy to help! And if you’re hoping to resign soon and are on the lookout for your next role, check out our jobs.
