Propeo Executive Search
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Propeo Executive Search
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As you envisage yourself in your new role, you are on a high... you are thinking of all those changes you are going to make, the new people you are going to meet, the new things you are going to learn, the new career opportunities that will open up for you. But you have a certain discomfort at the thought of having to walk in to your boss and break the news... your commitment to the company has been huge, you have been a key part of the success of the business, a lot of people are counting on you, and you have made a lot of good friends there. You may be feeling some apprehension, sadness, and perhaps a little guilt. As a human being, you are experiencing mixed emotions. But as a clear-thinking and decisive executive, you are moving on to new challenges, and there is no turning back. Resigning is not easy! Although the process of resigning should be kept short and simple, it is an event for which you must carefully plan, and you must execute your plan with the same cool-headed professionalism that got you the new job. There is a right way to resign and quite a few wrong ways. You are going to have to manage not only your own emotions, but those of your employers also, and these can range from shock to anger to grief. So here is how you do it! We will assume that your thought process over recent weeks and months has been thorough, that you have carefully weighed up the pros and cons of the move, that you have involved those closest to you in the decision, and that you have exhausted all avenues for promotion, etc. with your current employer. In summary, you know why you are leaving and your decision is final!
It's a small world. You need to leave your employer on good terms. You have made an important contribution to the business, and that should reflect itself in how they speak of you afterwards. You can do without the negative feelings and recriminations that can arise from a poorly-managed resignation. And also, you need a good reference!
You should not resign until you have (1) received and accepted the formal offer in writing from your new employers, and (2) completed all pre-employment requirements such as medical examination, reference checking, education verification, etc. Then resign without delay. Delay increases stress - you need to get the resignation event out of the way and move your mind on to handing over your responsibilities. In our view, the best time of day is late afternoon. This allows your employer some space to reflect on the need for a professional rather than an instinctive reaction, and it eliminates the strained atmosphere of the hours immediately after breaking the news.
There are three things to prepare...
Your letter of resignation should be short and simple. It should include your name, date, person to whom addressed, notice of termination of employment, date effective from and your signature. You may wish to briefly thank your boss for the opportunities you have been given, etc. If you are leaving in strained circumstances, you must not, under any circumstances, let off steam in your letter of resignation. This is not the time or the place! Here is a sample text:
=================================== Date Mr. J. Doe XYZ Company Address Dear Mr.Doe, This is to inform you that I have decided to accept a new position with another employer, and so I am resigning from XYZ Company. My late day of employment will be [Date]. May I take this opportunity to thank XYZ Company for a most rewarding professional experience during my employment here. I wish the business continued success. Yours sincerely, ===================================
Professional courtesy requires that your boss is the first to know you are leaving. The meeting should be kept brief. We would advise you to prepare in advance exactly what you will say. This should normally be not much more than what you have said in your letter. First, hand your letter of resignation to your boss. As you do so, tell him or her what it is. In doing this, you are making clear that this is a firm and final decision on your part, rather than the opening of a negotiation. You should be able to anticipate how your boss will react. Your decision may come as a surprise, and you may get an emotional or even confrontational reaction. This is where it pays to be prepared with brief responses - stick to them. Speak in calm, measured tones. Whatever the reaction, you must focus on the positives. Mention some aspects of your tenure that you have particularly enjoyed, and stress that you will be conducting a professional handover of your responsibilities. This is not an exit interview. Do not get drawn into a conversation on why you are leaving, or what it would take to get you to stay. Be ready to firmly close down any discussion of a counter-offer. State that your decision is a firm one and ask your boss to respect it, and not make things uncomfortable for you by making a counter-offer. Hand over your brief plan for handing over your responsibilities, and re-state your commitment to a professional transition.
Ensure you have completed any outstanding tasks that were your responsibility, and properly handed over any work in progress. It is important to let your boss know how well you have done this. It's not only a mark of your professionalism, but it may have an impact on your reference. Take the time to speak to your colleagues, and say goodbye. Remind them of the positive work you have done together, and speak of your confidence in them. If you have negative comments to make, save them for the exit interview, where they belong, and not anywhere else.
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You've
just been offered the job you have worked so hard to get! 