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The best way to resign

When it comes to leaving your job, however tempting the two-finger salute may be, you should never let your emotions get the better of you. "Don't wait until you're hopping mad to resign. Do it while you're strong and never express your anger to your boss. Bide your time and keep it professional," says Colin Selby, an occupational psychologist.

You may have landed the job of your dreams, but you never know when your career may bring you into contact with your former employers or colleagues again. Consider the following:

• Speak to your line manager face-to-face to explain your intentions before handing in a formal letter.
• Give constructive criticism if necessary, but avoid being overly subjective.
• Be prepared to consider a counter-offer from your employer.
• Do as much as you can to facilitate a smooth handover for your successor.
• Remember that colleagues could be good contacts for the future.
• Choose your referees carefully and brief them on why you think you're suitable for your next job.
• Never hand in your notice when you're feeling angry or on a spur of the moment decision.

If you are offered a pay rise equal to, or above, your new job offer, you should consider why it took the threat of leaving to bring it about. Your boss may promise to remedy any problems within the company that influenced your decision, but can you be sure they will be dealt with effectively?

If you do decide to stay, remember that your boss may see you as "the one who nearly left". You may find yourself constantly having to prove your commitment to the organisation.

Also remember that you'll have to turn down a job you have already accepted, which could work against you if you deal with your would-be employer in the future.

The resignation letter
Your letter is a vital part of your resignation, but should not be used to air your grievances. Colin Selby says: "Hold fire before saying something you might regret. Write your letter and then sleep on it and return to it in the morning. You can then re-write it with a clear head."

The letter needs to include only the basic details of your resignation: the position from which you are resigning and your intended leaving date.

If you wish to add more, keep it positive and resist the temptation to get personal. It may be appropriate to thank the employer for the opportunities you were given during your time there.

The notice period
Your notice period is usually stated in your contract of employment. Where no period of notice is stipulated, you should allow between two weeks and a month.

Normally you have to work your notice period, during which time you can hand over your duties and responsibilities to someone else. But sometimes there will be reasons why you or your boss will want to make the notice period shorter.

“If you want to exit more quickly, try to offer solutions to any barriers that could prevent you. For example, draw up a schedule of work that ensures any essential projects are completed,” says Jeff Grout, author of Kickstart Your Career.

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