How to Resign

How to Resign by Tom Bunkham OK, so youve got the job. Now its time to hand in your noticeBut before you rush to tell your boss, make sure you know how to handle what can be a pretty awkward situation. Its vital to consider all the different parts of the process from the initial conversation and written resignation, through to your notice period and your last day.Weve already covered some of the greatest resignations, but to help you say goodbye the right way, here are our top tips on how to resign.EtiquetteAs with any difficult situation, it’s always important to approach the subject with the right etiquette.Be gracious tell them how much you’ve enjoyed working with them and that youve learned a lot (if it hasn’t and you haven’t, be gracious anyway)Be cooperative let them know youll do all you can to make sure the handover is dealt with smoothlyDont burn your bridges make sure the company knows that if the right opportunity comes along, you would always consider working for th em againHow to survive an exit interview  Put it in writingOnce youve let your boss know verbally, the next step is to put your resignation in writing.At the very least, your letter should include the position youre resigning from and the date you intend to leaveAlthough not essential, you might want to thank your employer for the opportunities youve been given and offer your willingness to ensure a smooth handover etcWhilst constructive criticism is acceptable, dont get personal or youll risk your reference and your reputationResignation letter: What you need to knowResignation letter templatesThe counter offerIf youre a loyal employee and youve done a good job, the chances are your boss wont want to see you go.The most likely way an employer will try and make you stay is by offering you a pay rise either equal to or above what youve been offered in your new job.Make sure you understand the counter offer and avoid making a knee jerk decision. While the promise of promotion, increas ed responsibility and extra money may sound tempting, will it really make you want to stay for the next few years?Think carefully about whats been offered. And dont forget that youll be working in the same organisation, with the same people and probably under the same boss.Don’t be persuaded into staying simply because you’re scared of change.It can be tempting to accept the counter offer because you’re comfortable where you are. But is this a good enough reason for you to stay?How to negotiate a pay riseFive things to consider when you receive a counter offerYour notice periodWhatever the length of your notice period, youre legally obliged to work it, unless your employers willing to waive it.You should find details of your notice period in your contract, otherwise, you should normally allow between two weeks and a month.When seeing out your notice, make sure you stay alert. Whilst its easy to imagine your last few weeks as a time to relax and stop making an effort, this is s eldom the case.Whats more, being seen to make the effort right up until your last day will ensure your reputation as a professional and reliable employee remains intact.Finally, make sure you allow time to say goodbye to everyone and swap contact details with as many colleagues as you can.Moving jobs is a great way to extend your network and you may find you see some of your colleagues again sooner than you think.What is a notice period?Goodbye email templatesGardening leaveDepending on your role and the sector you work in, you may be asked by your employer to take gardening leave.This is where an employee has to stay away from work during their notice period, preventing them from gathering potentially sensitive commercial information, especially if theyre leaving to join a competitor.Employees on gardening leave continue to receive their normal pay and are covered by other normal contractual obligations until their leave ends.Feel goodLast of all, dont feel guilty about resigning. Feel good.Working is a business arrangement and moving jobs is part and parcel of that.Whilst others may think youre resigning from a perfectly good job, youre the one in control of your career and only you can decide which direction it should take.If resigning from your job will bring you closer to meeting your career goals, its a step worth taking.Eight of the greatest ways to resignReady to love Mondays?  View all of our current vacancies now.Find a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Career Development