Resignation shouldn’t be awkward or stressful, it should a simple, carefully planned event. It needs to be engineered to reduce your stress and focus you on what is really critical: the smooth transition of your departure for the employer you are leaving. With that in mind, you can leave your current employer in the best position possible, maintaining your professionalism, all while you focus your mind on your new position.
First, in our list of considerations, is to remember that by handing in your notice means there’s no turning back, so be sure. In our opinion notice should only be given when you have a signed offer letter. If not, then at the very least you have both verbally agreed your position, salary and start date.
When should you give notice? The best advice we can give you is immediately and to not procrastinate on this. As long as it’s not last thing on a Friday, it won’t do you any good if you ruin your former employers weekend. In our opinion your best bet for a softer impact is to give your notice early in the week.
Don’t forget to tell your boss first before you announce your imminent departure to your co-workers. If you are indeed a key member of the team and will be missed, then you owe it to your boss to be the one to tell the team, or not, but you must allow them to decide. This is essential if you want a great reference and to not leave on a negative note.
Now it’s time to write the dreaded letter of resignation. Keep this as simple as possible, avoid offering reasons and just get straight to the point… you’re leaving. We recommend no more than two simple and direct paragraphs. See a letter example below:
Dear Mr. Employer,
Please accept this letter as my official letter of resignation. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge our many accomplishments together and to inform you of my commitment to another company, to whom I will commence employment in two weeks.
I would also like you to know that I will continue to work to the best of my abilities until my notice period is complete. My goal during this period is to exit your company in the most positive way possible. If you have any thoughts or suggestions in how best to accomplish this, I would appreciate it if you could please share them with me.
Sincerely,
Cassidy Education can assist you in your job hunt or transition. We are a boutique recruitment agency and pride ourselves on our ability to work closely with both clients and candidates. For more information on our services, contact us at +44 20 7692 0701 or email us now.
