How to resign carefully and gracefully
- Make sure that your resignation is not discussed with colleagues or anyone except your boss, directly. You do not want a nasty surprise when some lets this slip to the wrong person.
- Write a professional and thankful resignation letter that is brief and to the point. Make a copy to send to the human resources department. (Please see our resignation letter samples below)
- Already plan exactly what you are going to say before handing in your resignation
- Don’t make any statements or express any opinions that you may later regret. Do not be negative and undermine anyone or the company. (Especially if you have to undergo an exit interview. No matter how temping, do not speak badly of anyone)
- Be prepared in case you employer overreacts to your resignation. Some employers immediately dismiss employees who resign.
- Don’t burn any bridges. Do leave on good terms with your co-workers and supervisors. Some of them might join your prospective employer in the future!
- To make it as painless as possible, get to the point.
- Be honest as to why you are resigning
- Offer as little information as possible about the next employer. You do not have to let your company know who you will be working for or what you will be earning. The more information you give, the more you are going to complicate the process for yourself.
- Do be sure and give proper notice to your current employer.
- Don’t disappear during your last weeks on the job and choose to stay a productive member of the team.
- Offer to make the transition as easy and as smooth as possible, by training your replacement and doing a proper handover.
- Do make sure you receive all your stored up compensation and benefits, including bonus checks and unused vacation time, personal days, etc.
- Do make a plan to keep in touch with key coworkers, friends, and mentors. Keep your network strong as you may do business with them in the future.
- Don’t feel guilty about leaving. It may be hard to leave, but focus on the fact that you are leaving to accept a great career opportunity. Do not brag about that great opportunity as it will affect relationships.
- Do your best to wrap up all your major assignments. Leave a detailed progress report for your supervisor and/or successor.
- Do submit your letter of resignation to your immediate supervisor, with a copy to the human resources department.
- Don’t be tempted to accept a counter offer! Studies show a high percentage of workers still leave the employer within a year of accepting a counteroffer, with some employees being forced out.
Resignation sample letter
In writing a resignation letter, it is of the utmost importance to be professional – there is just no sense in making enemies. Regardless of whether you loved or hated your job, your employer or the company, the outcome should be the same: a short, polite, and professional letter stating your intention to leave.
People leave their jobs for many different reasons, and it is not necessary to provide any details as to why you are leaving the company. Resignation letters are a formal courtesy to your employer.
In composing your letter, please again remember that your job history follows you around, and in many cases, the world is much smaller than we think. It is extremely unwise to leave on bad terms with any employer – mainly because doing so could come back to haunt you later in your career.
When should you submit your letter of resignation? And to whom? You should submit your resignation two or more weeks before your planned resignation date (depending on company/profession policy). And you should submit the letter/memo to your direct supervisor, with a copy to your human resources office if applicable.
Here are some samples of a resignation letters:
Formal:
10 January, 2004
(Your Boss’ Name)
(Company Name)
(Address 1)
(Address 2)
(Address 3)
(Postal Code)
Dear (Boss’ Name):
Please accept this as formal notice of my resignation from the position of (your job title and site/department/division as applicable), with effect from (normally date of the letter or receipt of letter – check your contract – if in doubt refer to date of letter).
I have enjoyed working for (the company name) and appreciate the support provided me during my tenure with the company.
This decision was not an easy one and involved many hours of thoughtful consideration, particularly with respect to my own plans for my future. I am confident, however, that this new position represents a positive move toward fulfilling my career goals. I hope you will respect my position in this matter.
My main thoughts now are to work as hard as possible to wrap up my current duties and to hand over my responsibilities as smoothly as possible.
In accordance with my contract of employment I am happy to continue to work until (date that your employment ceases according to notice period, calculated from your stated effective date of resignation).
(And if applicable:) Please let me know the arrangements for handing back equipment, company car, etc, and handing over outstanding work and responsibilities.
Sincerely,
(Your Name and Signature)
More personal
10 January, 2004
(Your Boss’ Name)
(Company Name)
(Address 1)
(Address 2)
(Address 3)
(Postal Code)
Dear (Boss’ Name):
Please accept this as formal notice of my resignation from the position of (your job title and site/department/division as applicable), with effect from (normally date of the letter or receipt of letter – check your contract – if in doubt refer to date of letter).
I never thought I would ever leave such a great company as (company name), but another opportunity has arisen that represents a positive move toward fulfilling my career goals.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about (company), and about all the people I’ve worked with in my years of service with the company, and especially about your leadership. It has taken us all to new levels, and I have appreciated all your personal and professional advice over the years. It’s my hope that we will stay in touch as I begin this new chapter in my life.
If you have any questions, please ask. Thanks again for everything.
Sincerely,
(Your Name and Signature)
Remaining motivated
How to remain motivated during your job hunting process
Full Steam ahead!!! Remain motivated during the job hunting process
It may be that you are in a job where you know it is the end of the road there for you and it is becoming unbearable. It could be that you were a victim of circumstance (retrenchment, a failed entrepreneurial venture, etc.)
- Be patient: If you are still currently in your job, you really do need to discipline your mind and give 100% up until your last day. It is important to get a good reference and not burn your bridges.
- Avoid Self pity: It’s easy to feel sorry for yourself. Do not focus on your current status, but keep your eyes focused on the future, the opportunities and ideal job that awaits you. There are many people in the same situation as you are.
- Don’t meditate on the negative. At some stage of other, everyone faces rejection during the job hunt, but do not let it get to you and affect your self-esteem. Use the opportunity to learn from so that it that can help you in the long run.
- ‘No’ is not always a setback. It is disappointing to miss the chance you see as a golden opportunity to your career but instead, view it as a stepping-stone to the right or better offer. Take a close look at why you didn’t get the job that you wanted. You may find there is a valuable lesson in the experience that helps you with your next opportunity. Have faith! Once you have found a position that you’re satisfied with, all those painful ‘no’s’ won’t affect you.
- Do not get despondent. It takes time to find a position that is the best fit for you. Try to remain focused on the search and trust that your hard work will result in the right job.
- Avoid becoming desperate: Even though it is tempting, don’t jump at the first offer you receive, unless it’s what you really do want. Build a network of support. Looking for comfort from your mentors, friends, and family is essential to keeping your spirits during your search. Reach out to people who care about you for advice, insight, and encouragement.
- Don’t burn out! While it is important to devote your daylight hours to research, networking, and sending out resumes, you don’t have to spend your nights glued to your computer. Either spend the morning or evening just job searching, but do not make it a 24/7 thing. Make sure you clear your head, go out with friends, and schedule time to relax. In other words, make time for fun.
Looking for a job doesn’t have to diminish your self-confidence and morale. Use these guidelines to give you the tools to keep your spirits up and your eyes on the prize, a rewarding, and highly desired new position.