Handing in Your Resignation and Serving Notice

Have you made the right choice? Before deciding to resign from your current position and move to a new employer, you should weigh up as objectively as possible all the relevant factors: remuneration, working environment, location, travel demands, training and development opportunities, promotional prospects, and your future bosses.

Consider also what impact a job with the new company would have on your resume. Once you have received and accepted a formal written commitment from your new employer, you should serve notice immediately.

It is important to behave in a professional manner throughout the resignation process. Your character and your personal integrity should never be in question. Be positive; be co-operative; and avoid recriminations.

State that you are leaving the company and hand in your letter of resignation at the same time.

Be prepared for a reaction. If your employer presses you for reasons, give brief and positive answers. Don't argue or complain. Don't allow yourself to be deflected from your purpose or drawn into a protracted discussion.

Do everything possible to establish a friendly tone and leave a good impression. State that you are leaving because your new employment offers you opportunities for advancement. Your decision is the result of careful consideration.

Your written resignation should be concise and definite. Do not go into details or give your reasons for leaving. If you have any grievances, don't express them in the letter. Give no cause for animosity. Ask if there is anything you can do to ensure a smooth transition.

In the letter, state that you are leaving and when. Give as much notice as possible. Two weeks is generally acceptable, but check your contract or the company handbook.

Sample letter:

Dear ( )

I have decided to resign my position as (??..) at (company) effective (date) to take a position with (new employer). I greatly appreciate the opportunity that you and (the company) have given me to develop my skills and further my career.

I shall make every effort to ensure that the transition period goes smoothly for all concerned.

Yours sincerely

( )

Counter offer. Your decision was carefully thought out, so stick to it. Changing your mind makes you appear indecisive and creates a negative impression. It calls into question your long-term commitment and loyalty to your current employer.

During the period of notice, carry out your duties in a diligent and professional manner. Assure your boss that you will complete any outstanding task. If this is not possible, leave detailed instructions for your replacement. Check that all your records are in order. Inform your colleagues that you are leaving. When discussing things with them, resist the temptation to make disparaging comments about your present job or boast about your new one. Do your best to leave on good terms with everybody.

Exit Interview. Many companies expect their employees to attend an exit interview with the Human Resources Manager. If requested to do so, co-operate fully. Conduct yourself in a professional manner. Say only positive things about your employer and the company. Focus on accomplishments or learning experiences you had while employed there. Remember that anything you say is likely to be recorded in the personnel profile.

Visit the author's website at: http://www.assignmentsplus.com

Gerard McLoughlin, author of 'Four Minutes To Interview Success', has contributed career-related articles to hundreds of recruitment companies, websites and publications throughout the world, including: USA Today, JobBankUSA.com, US-Recruiters.com, etc.

To receive FREE career tips on a regular basis, sign up today for The Assignments Plus Newsletter.

---

Lost Your Job? Ten Ways to Bounce Back!

Whether you've been right-sized, downsized, underutilized, or just plain fired,... Read More

How to Insure Job Security

The attorneys I coach have one common problem. They don't... Read More

Focus On White-Collar Crime: Accounting Fraud and Computer Crimes Creates Need; Qualified Investing

An epidemic of white-collar financial crime has resulted in the... Read More

Why Use a Resume Writer or Resume-writing Service?

Here are some of the questions we have been asked... Read More

Assess Your Transferable Skills

One of the most important parts of a job... Read More

Get Your Dream Job!

Anyone who is a jobseeker knows that looking for a... Read More

Driver Team Solo Positions: The Nitty Gritty On Truck Driving Jobs

Trucks and truck drivers are a constant presence on US... Read More

Seven Myths You Must Challenge Now To Begin Your Second Career Today

* Has it been awhile since you explored career options?*... Read More

Job Search: Age-Proofing Your Resume

Older job hunters fear interviews where their age cannot be... Read More

Conducting an Effective Interview

An employment interview is a goal oriented conversation in which... Read More

Nuts and Bolts of Effective Cover Letters

As a job seeker, you shouldn't overlook the importance of... Read More

Job Search: The End of the Line

There is an end to the job search tunnel!It has... Read More

Losing A Career Can Feel Like Getting A Divorce

Most of us are aware that we need to grieve... Read More

Resume Outline - Add Structure & Flow to Your Resume

Building your resume, based on a resume outline will give... Read More

How to Pick the Best Career for You: Part 3

Marketing-with-Intent precisely drives you to your target and with greater... Read More

Resume Writing - Get That Job

Looking for a new job, whether it is with a... Read More

Overcoming the 7 Roadblocks Women with Families Face Making Career Changes

Family is the driving force of our lives. You need... Read More

Taking Your Words Seriously

When we ordered the stained glass window as... Read More

Does Your Resume Lack Vision?

You're just getting over the shock of having become unemployed.... Read More

Work Attitude Ethics For Progress

This "fruit for thought" article is for all human beings,... Read More

Resume Writing - Importance of a Professional Summary

The Summary is the preview of your entire resume. This... Read More

9 Secrets to Career Success

Are you miserable at your job (or what you are... Read More

Should You Telework/Telecommute

"WOW! I can work from home and make money? I... Read More

The Big Mo : Momentum and the Hiring Process

Momentum as defined by Webster's is: strength or force gained... Read More

You Can Identify a Problem Solver

As an executive recruiter, I interview a lot of people.... Read More

How To Find A Telecommute Job

The answer may be easier than you think, but there's... Read More

Get Inspired About Your Career

Get Inspired about Your CareerDo you linger in bed long... Read More

Resume Tips To Take You From SAHM to WAHM

When looking for a telecommuting position, it is very important... Read More

Home Healthcare Careers

One of the fastest growing sectors of the medical industry... Read More

A Job is Not a Job

It only happened on Mondays. Sometimes I escaped... Read More

Building Your Army of Supporters: How to Build Strategic Relationships in the Work Place!

Once you have accomplished your task of getting in the... Read More

How Can You Find Freelance Writing Jobs?

Do you think that there is a big sign that... Read More

Stacking The Deck In Your Favor

Many people do not bother to look at their own... Read More