Congratulations and Next Steps
Congratulations! You’ve successfully navigated a complex interview and assessment process and have been offered the job. Now, all that’s left is to resign from your current role. While this process can be straightforward if managed properly, it does have the potential to become complicated. Here’s how to handle it professionally and effectively:
Writing Your Resignation
The first step is to put your resignation in writing. Keep it concise and professional:
There’s no need to explain your decision in detail or to air grievances.
Ensure your letter aligns with the terms of your contract, including the correct notice period and end date. Adjustments can be made later through mutual agreement with your employer.
Most resignation letters are just two to three sentences long.
Submitting Your Resignation
Schedule a meeting with your manager to personally deliver your resignation letter. Avoid leaving the letter for someone to find or handing it over and immediately leaving. A face-to-face conversation ensures:
Your resignation is acknowledged.
Any initial questions are addressed.
Be prepared to rewrite your resignation letter if it contains errors or inappropriate comments, as it will remain on file with your employer.
Handling Counter Offers
Counter offers are increasingly common as employers strive to retain talent. If you receive one, consider these key points:
Understanding the Offer
Motivation: Why is your employer making the counter offer? Reasons may include:
They value your contributions and want to keep you.
Replacing you would be costly and time-consuming.
They recognize deficiencies in management or career planning and aim to address them.
Genuine Change vs. Financial Incentives: A counter offer should go beyond a pay raise to include career progression, role changes, or other tangible improvements.
Documentation: Ensure all promises are documented. Verbal agreements can be unreliable and difficult to enforce.
Key Questions to Ask Yourself
Why Did You Want to Leave?
Be honest about your motivations. A frequently cited statistic suggests more than half of employees who accept counter offers still leave within six months.
Is Your Future Compromised?
Consider how your resignation might affect your standing within the company. Will your loyalty be questioned? Will future opportunities be limited?
Notice Period: Your Time to Shine
The notice period can be a challenging time, but it’s also an opportunity to leave on good terms.
Avoid common pitfalls:
From the Employee Perspective:
Gloating: Maintain professionalism and avoid boasting about your new role.
Slacking Off: Continue to perform your duties to uphold your reputation.
Disloyalty: Refrain from sharing negative opinions or persuading clients or colleagues to leave.
From the Employer Perspective:
Resentment: Avoid taking an employee’s resignation personally.
Micromanagement: Trust the employee to fulfill their responsibilities during the notice period.
Poor Communication: Announce the departure amicably and factually to maintain team morale.
Making the Notice Period a Win-Win
A positive approach can benefit both sides:
For Employers:
Demonstrate fairness and professionalism.
Preserve company culture.
Maintain strong relationships with departing employees.
For Employees:
Secure references.
Build goodwill for future opportunities.
Leave a positive impression on colleagues and management.
Final Thoughts
Resignations and notice periods don’t have to be awkward or contentious. By acting professionally and empathetically, both employers and employees can turn this transitional phase into a mutually beneficial experience. Maintain open communication, document agreements, and treat the process as a natural step in professional growth.