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Resigning from your present employer can often prove to be a stressful experience. What we sometimes forget is that changing jobs is a routine part of every growing professional career. Nobody enjoys the resignation process, but its like going to the dentist, we don’t like doing it, but feel better once it’s over.
One can ensure a smooth transition into a new position by following the set of guidelines below.
The Resignation letter
The written letter allows you the time to effectively prepare what you wish to communicate, and gives you greater control over your delivery of the message. You can’t be thrown off-track by an unexpected remark as can happen during a one-to-one conversation.
The draft letter below should go a long way in ensuring your smooth transition into a new position, and fulfilling your career ambitions.
The Letter Format
The simplest form of letter will contain just the bare essentials, i.e. person to whom the letter is addressed, notification of your resignation ( paragraph 1 of template letter ), date from when it is effective, and your signature. Make sure you address the letter to the right person, whether that is your Line Manager, Head of Personnel, or Managing Director.
However, if you are leaving under good circumstances, it is best to put more into the letter, which will hopefully pave the way for a good reference from your ex- employer, as laid out below.
This style of letter is professional and polite, firmly notifying your employer of your resignation, and should help you to part on the best terms possible. Try and aid the transition by using your notice period for the handover of any work in progress to colleagues, and completing any unfinished tasks. Be as co-operative as possible, and make sure your line manager or boss knows you have assisted with this process.
Template letter
Dear
As per section of my contract of employment, I hereby give you notice of my intention to leave (company name).
I want to thank you for all that you have done for me in my employment. It has been enjoyable working with you and representing the company.
It is now time for me to move on and I have accepted a position with another company. This decision has not been an easy one and took a lot of consideration. However, I am fully confident that this new role represents a positive move towards fulfilling my career ambitions.
I wish the company continued success and once again, would like to thank you for allowing me to be part of your team.
If there is anything I can do in aiding a smooth transition of responsibilities, please let me know.
Yours sincerely
£ Money
Finally, it is time to negotiate a fair settlement for any outstanding salary / commission / bonus payments that may be outstanding, before you move on to your new career. Remember, take time to speak with associates, and give them support, and discuss their contributions to your time with the company. You never know when they will be useful to your personal or career development in the future.
Counter Offer
It’s a natural instinct to resist change and avoid disruption, and your present employer will be no exception. If you are doing a good job they will want to keep you, and will attempt to do so with a counter offer. Even though you have accepted a job elsewhere, they may try to convince you that you have made a mistake. Counter offers can be made in a variety of ways:
- "We have plans for you that have been scheduled for implementation the first of next month. I guess it’s my fault for not telling you."
- "I want to let you in on some confidential information. There is a reorganisation developing that will mean a significant promotion for you within six months."
- "We will match your new offer. This was supposed to go into effect the first of the next quarter anyway, but because of your fine record, we’ll start it on the first of the month."
Counter offers are particularly common where there is a high demand for candidates who are in short supply.
It may be worth noting that surveys show that eight out of ten employees who accept counter offers do not complete the following year with their employer. This is because the reasons that caused the employee to seek or entertain a better offer are likely to remain in force. Also, by indicating intent to leave, shows that there is no loyalty towards the employer who will thus begin seeking a suitable replacement.
The best response to a counter offer, is to listen politely and decline there and then, rejecting the opportunity of 'sleeping on the idea.'
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