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When it comes to leaving your job, however tempting the two-finger salute, or the verbal equivalent 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,' advises occupational psychologist
Colin Selby.
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. For instance, at some point they could be potential clients - or further down the
line, even potential employers!
Do:
- Tell your line manager informally, face-to-face, 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.
Don't:
- Hand in your notice when you are feeling angry.
- Focus solely on negative points.
- Feel obliged to give specific reasons for your resignation.
What if my employer tries to tempt me to stay?
If you are offered a pay rise equal to or above your new job offer, consider why it took the threat of leaving to
bring it about.
Your boss may promise to remedy any problems within the company which have influenced your decision, but can you
be sure they will be dealt with effectively?
If you do decide to stay after all, remember that your boss may see you as 'the one who nearly left' and you may find
yourself having to prove your commitment to the organisation.
By staying, you will consequently have to turn down a job you have already accepted - this could work against you
if you deal with your would-be employer in the future.
What should I say in my letter of resignation?
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 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. If you haven't had the chance
to sit down with your employer, you could include constructive criticism in your letter to explain your reasons for
leaving, but it may be worth asking a colleague to read over it first.
What about my 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, in which time you can hand over your duties and responsibilities to
someone else. However, 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.
You may need to include a waiver of your notice period in your resignation letter. For example, if your contract calls
for you to work a month's notice, but your new employer wants you to start straight away, include a paragraph stating:
'I am aware that my contract demands a notice period of (x) months, but I am required to join my new employer as soon
as possible. If you could therefore waive my notice period, I would be happy to help hand over responsibilities to my
replacement.'
Should I leave before I have another job?
It may seem like suicide to leave the security of a regular income when there are mortgage payments, school fees and other
bills to be considered. But your reasons for resigning may mean you've had enough of working for a while, or your
determination to leave may be so strong, you'll go no matter what.
A survey by I-resign.com showed 49 per cent of respondents didn't have a job to go to after resigning. While it may
not be the most sensible idea financially, whether you want to make a complete career change, boost your skills or just
take a holiday, taking a break from work may help you assess why you were unhappy with your job in the first place.
However, the flip-side is that employers may be more inclined to hire those already in employment.
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