Resign with panache

1. Resignation – is it the right decision?
2. Balance your options
3. Give notice
4. No obligation
5. What to say
6. Write a Resignation Letter
7. Ask for a reference
8. Don't forget to tie up the loose ends
9. Return company property

Handing in your resignation isn't always easy. Look at the circumstances. You hate your job, hate your boss and know you’re about to be fired. Or, perhaps you like your job and like your boss but you’ve found a new job and can't wait to start it. Whatever your circumstance, it can be difficult to resign tactfully, and with style. First of all, it’s sometimes difficult to be sure that you really do want to quit. Then, you need to manage your resignation as carefully as you would handle any other career event. It's always wise not to burn bridges - you never know when you will call on your present employer for a reference.

1. Resignation – is it the right decision?
Before you make the decision to resign, be absolutely sure that this is the right decision. There are lots of cases where people have left and then regretted it, sometimes only one day later. They quickly find that they hate the new job and want to go back to their old position. But usually the old position is quickly filled and the person is out of luck. If you're not sure about the position you’ve been offered, ask if you can spend a day or so in the new role, before you give a firm undertaking to accept it. The experience may bolster your decision to take the position or help you decide you don't want it. Also, consider very carefully the benefits of being in your present position.

2. Balance your options
Have you been offered another job? If so, weigh the ups and downs of the new job against your current position. Consider the work environment, the people you work with, flexibility, salary and benefits in addition to the job responsibilities and its career potential. If the new job comes out in front on all counts and you feel positive about this career change, then go for it.

No new job secured? Before you quit, consider a few basic facts. It may take any time between one month and six months, sometimes longer, to find a new position. Unless you quit for a valid cause, you may not be eligible for unemployment benefits. Do you have enough savings or other income to live on? Even if your employment situation is not a happy one, you might want to consider staying with the job you have, as well your pay cheque, and looking for a new job before you resign. The old adage that "it's easier to find a job, when you have a job" does ring true.

3. Give notice
If you have an employment contract that states an agreed period of notice, abide by it. Otherwise, it's usual to offer two weeks notice.

4. No obligation
If your employer asks you stay on beyond two weeks (or whatever the time period is in your contract) you have no obligation to stay. Your new employer will be expecting you to start as planned, at the agreed date. What you could do, is offer to help your previous employer, if asked, after hours and in your own time.

5. What to say
Don't say much more than the fact that you are leaving. Highlight the positive and talk about how much you have benefited by your association with the company, but state that it's time to move on. Offer to help during the changeover and after it. Don't be negative. There's no reason - you're leaving and you want to leave on good terms.

6. Write a Resignation Letter
Even if you resign verbally, still write a resignation letter. A resignation letter can help you preserve a positive relationship with your old employer, while paving the way for you to separate from the company. You never know when you might need your current employer to give you a reference, so it makes sense to take the time to write a refined and professional resignation letter. Use the few sample resignation letters we provide, for suggestions on what to write.

7. Ask for a reference
Before you leave, ask for a letter of recommendation from your manager. As time progresses and people move on, it's easy to lose track of previous employers. With a letter available, you'll have written evidence of your credentials to submit to future recruiters.

8. Don't forget to tie up the loose ends
Find out about the benefits and salary you are entitled to receive upon leaving. Collect your P45 tax form.

9. Return company property
Return any company property you have - including documents, computers, keys, phones, and anything else that does not belong to you. The company does not want to chase you to get back their property, and you don't want to be held responsible if it's not returned and accounted for in a suitable manner.
For advice on how to improve your chances of obtaining a work position refer to the tonysurridge.co.uk/job-search/ ‘Boost Your Chances’ free guide.