How Do I Resign Gracefully from My Job?

recruitmint • November 26, 2019

There are many reasons that you may want to leave a job. For instance, you may have found a better position, want a new challenge, would like to work closer to home or simply want new hours. Life changes, which means that your job and work choices tend to change too. When you do decide to leave your current job, make sure you do so on good terms. It’s crucial to handle your resignation with dignity and grace.

In this blog, we’ll help you handle your resignation correctly so you can leave your job on a positive note. We’ll teach you how to prepare for your resignation, craft the perfect resignation letter and inform your manager of your upcoming departure. Read our How-To guide below to learn our resignation tips and tricks!

Preparing for Your Resignation

Before you do anything else, you must first make sure you absolutely want to resign. If the answer is yes, then consider when the best time for you to resign is. Make sure to check the notice period outlined in your contract, so you fully understand any obligations mandated by your employer. We also suggest taking a moment to remind yourself that moving on from a company is natural. This should be an exciting period in your life, as you’re moving onto a new challenge that’ll help you grow both personally and professionally.

How to Write the Perfect Resignation Letter

Putting your resignation into words can be tricky and sometimes daunting, but we’re here to help! Begin your resignation letter by stating your name and address in the top left corner of your letter. Then, state the date and the name of the person you’re addressing your letter to, including their title. Add in your company’s name and address below and formally address your letter.

The body of your letter must state that you’re leaving your position and the company. Be sure to outline your reasons for leaving, but don’t be overly critical. You want to be as professional as possible when writing your resignation letter, so you leave on good terms. Make sure you confirm your contract’s notice period in your letter and tell your manager when your last day in the office will be. We also recommend thanking your manager for the opportunity and asking if there is anything you can do to make the transition period easier for him or her while looking to replace you. Your manager will then sign and date your resignation letter.

Telling Your Manager You’re Resigning

The first thing you should do once you’ve written your resignation letter is to ask for a quick meeting with your manager. Use this time to give your manager your resignation letter and tell him or her verbally why you are resigning. It’s also best to request a follow-up meeting to discuss any implications that your resignation may cause. In this meeting, you and your manager can discuss how best to go about offloading tasks and responsibilities to other team members in your absence. We suggest that you give your manager as much notice as possible so that he or she can look to replace you quickly. You should stress to your manager that you will do all you can to make the transitional period easier for everyone too, in your final days.

Please be aware that your manager may ask you to leave before the end of your notice period. If this happens, you’ll receive full pay. On the other hand, your manager may make you a counteroffer to entice you to stay, such as offering you a promotion or better pay. Should this be the case, ask yourself why you wanted to leave in the first place. Would a promotion or better pay fix your situation? Only you know the answer to that question, so think about it carefully before making your decision.

If you’re looking for a new challenge, register your profile with Recruit Mint to gain access to our knowledgeable specialist recruitment consultants. Operating in the commercial, industrial and technical sectors, you are sure to find the perfect career to match your passion and skills when you partner with us. View our open temporary, contract and permanent job opportunities and apply for a job today!

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