Marketing Director
So you’ve been successful at interview and received a written offer – congratulations! What do you do to now kick-start the process of moving to your new employment? First you need to resign from your current workplace and start working your notice period.
How do you resign from your current employment?
Step 1: write a resignation letter
- Clearly state your intention to leave
- Refer to the notice period you need to give, and give a date of your final working day
- Thank the company for the experience gained while in their employment, and wish them all the best in the future
- Keep it brief
- Never include your reasons for leaving – it could trigger a negative conversation, or be seen as a ‘cry for help’ to be overcome with an enticing counter offer to stay
Step 2: resign to your line manager
- Request an immediate meeting with them (at a quiet time) and tell them in person
- Try to arrange the meeting for a quiet time where they can absorb the news
- If your manager isn’t around within the next day or so, arrange to speak over the phone so you can resign verbally and immediately confirm via email
- Present them with your written letter if you are meeting in person
- Be professional – keep your language unemotional and business-like
- Don’t air your grievances; remember that you will need a reference
- Be clear that you are prepared to work your notice and offer to help with the handover process
- Be aware that some companies have a policy of asking you to leave immediately, so be prepared if this is the case
Step 3: prepare for your job resignation meeting
- Prior to the meeting, decide exactly what you are going to say and stick to it
- If at any point the meeting becomes uncomfortable or you feel pressured, you can request the presence of the HR Department
Looking for more advice? Read our candidate advice section of our blog or contact us for more information.
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