Resigning |
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Once you have received your Letter of Employment, you need to prepare your resignation. Try not to feel guilty about resigning - remember the reasons why you decided to leave. It is unlikely that those reasons are not going to change.
Arrange a meeting with your boss immediately. Don't let time drag as your new company is keen for you to join them. You may feel more comfortable discussing your resignation in a less formal environment, so you may like to suggest going for a coffee or meeting after hours.
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| Written vs Verbal Resignation |
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Written Resignation |
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A written letter of resignation will give you more time to prepare and get things word perfect, but your employer will have a permanent record, and you won't be able to take back defamatory comments. Keep it short and concise and include the notice period you will serve and any pay outstanding (including holiday pay, bonuses and expenses or commission owing) and when you understand you will receive it.
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Follow our simple tips for a perfect written resignation:
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Keep it short and concise: Only include the following information: name, date, the person to whom it is addressed, notice of termination of employment, the date when this is effective from and finally, your signature. |
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Keep it positive: If you're leaving in good circumstances and feel that you want to say a little bit more, again, emphasise the positive - perhaps thank the boss for the opportunities he or she gave you - you never know when you may need your ex-employer to provide a reference. |
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If, you're leaving in strained or bad circumstances, resist the temptation to include negative comments. Remember, your letter of resignation will remain in your personnel file and may be used against you. |
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Verbal Resignation |
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The alternative is to provide a verbal resignation. This has a number of advantages as it is less formal and provides the opportunity for your boss to listen to your grievances. It also helps you analyse why you want to leave.
Consider following our simple tips for a perfect verbal resignation:
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Prepare your comments: Work out what you're going to say and then stick to it. The boss will try and probe you for more information - details that you may not want to give at this stage.
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Emphasise the positives: You never know if you will cross paths with your former employers so don't dwell on the negative aspects of your time at the firm. |
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Expect a reaction: Unless your boss is expecting you to resign, your decision may come as a surprise. The boss may get emotional or even confrontational in which case stick to your prepared comments.
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Retain your composure: The boss may by now no longer see you as a team player and may even feel betrayed. Once again, stick to your pre-prepared comments and try not to rise to the challenge. Speak in measured tones and regulate your breathing.
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Finish on a positive note: Always leave the meeting on a good note and be as co-operative as possible. Stress that you will undertake the handover of any uncompleted work to the best of your ability. People remember both the first and last impression you make on them. |
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The Meeting |
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Companies are often shocked and upset to lose a good member of staff so you must keep the meeting professional and show your appreciation for your time spent with the company.
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Agree your leaving date and the date you will be paid for outstanding wages, etc.
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Don't forget to ask for a written reference. |
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The meeting should be very straight forward, especially if you show from the start that your mind is made up - if you show any doubt about your decision, it will be picked up on. |
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However, you must always be prepared for, and beware certain ‘tactics': |
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The "Counter Offer"
Some companies have been known to respond to resignations by providing a more competitive salary package. If you have gone through the recruitment process in the hope that you may get a counter offer you are playing a VERY RISKY game. The company is now aware of your dishonesty in attending interviews and whilst the offer may be attractive, it will affect any future pay rises, promotional prospects and training opportunities. |
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Defamatory Information / Remarks
Some companies are desperate not to lose staff. If you hear of a worrying piece of information about your new company, PLEASE call your new company or Homes Consultants so we can clarify the situation. |
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Emotional Blackmail
A great deal of pressure can be placed upon individuals. Occasionally employers may threaten to withhold wages or payment of a bonus, to provide a bad reference, or generally hinder your transition to your new role. Try to recognise these threats for what they are - just threats. However always seek advice as there are employment laws protecting your rights. |
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Magic Promotion
As your company may not want to lose you they may produce a promotion ‘out of thin air'. Although the promotion may be sincere, do you really have to hand in you notice before your efforts are recognised? In this case it may be best to graciously turn down the opportunity. |
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Shown the Door
This can often happen where there is a high level of confidentiality entrusted. Some companies feel that making an employee work their notice can upset the rest of the workforce, as he/she may be less motivated and productive. Don't feel that you have been 'dumped and rejected' - the upside is you can now join your new company much sooner. |
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Your Final Weeks |
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Make your final impression memorable. |
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Swap contact details |
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Conduct a thorough hand-over of your responsibilities. |
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If you have any doubts - please contact us at Homes Consultants - we're here to help. |
