In the euphoric afterglow of accepting a glossy new job, many people are unable to resist the temptation to psychologically move on from their current employer during their period of notice. This psychological shift is evidenced in a many ways, including using up accrued sick leave, coming in to work late, leaving early, taking long lunch hours and generally working at reduced productivity. With their sights firmly fixed on the future, it’s easy for people to forget that apart from possibly breaching their terms of employment, these actions can have serious consequences, including:
- damaging their relationship with their current supervisor or manager
- jeopardising their reference from the company, and
- burning bridges they might need in the future.
That’s why, when the time comes to resign from a job, it’s important to do so gracefully and professionally.
Give Your Notice
Firstly, you should make every effort to arrange a commencement date with your new employer that accommodates your current employer’s notice requirements – if you’re not sure what they are, you’ll find them on your employment contract, or if you are an Award employee, in the relevant award.
Request a Meeting
When you have received written confirmation of your new employment and have agreed to the salary and other terms and conditions, it’s time to request a meeting with your manager or supervisor to give your notice. Because resignation conversations can develop an emotional edge, it’s a good idea to plan what you’re going to say at the meeting and stick to your script as much as possible. This is also not the time to air your grievances – now that you’ve decided to leave, from the organisational perspective, the important thing is arranging a smooth and professional handover of your duties.
Letter of Resignation
You can provide your manager with a formal letter of resignation at the meeting, or shortly afterwards, if you use the meeting to confirm your resignation date. The letter should be brief, factual and courteous, along the following lines:
Dear xxx As discussed, this is to confirm my resignation from the position of <<position>>, effective <<date>>. It’s been a pleasure working with <<organisation>> since I joined in <<year>> and I’d like to take this opportunity to wish both you and <<organisation>> every success in the future. Sincerely
During the meeting, ask your manager how they would like to announce your departure – they might prefer to let certain people know directly before it becomes common knowledge, and will appreciate your courtesy in giving them that option.
The Resignation Period
During your resignation period, it’s important that you maintain your usual high standard of productivity and professionalism. If you don’t, it will most certainly be noticed and could work against you later, in the ways outlined above. Make sure to clear any of your personal files off your work computer before you leave; finish off all your outstanding work and leave your office or workspace clean and neat, ready for your replacement. It’s also a good idea to prepare a set of handover notes, which indicate the status of each assignment, identify relevant electronic and hard copy files and provide a list of key contacts, to enable your replacement to hit the ground running, thereby giving them the best possible start in their new job.
Remain Gracious and Professional
Regardless of the reasons you are leaving, there is never a good time to speak badly of your manager, co-workers or employing organisation, and you should be extremely careful not to blog, post or tweet anything that could come back to you in the future. Remember the key words “gracious” and “professional” – apply them throughout your resignation process and you will leave a positive impression that will pay you back many times over throughout your career.
