So, you’ve found the perfect new job, you’ve accepted an offer and now you just have to resign from your current role. Easy, right? Maybe not.
Handing in your notice can be a difficult subject to broach, both if you like your current boss and if you don’t. No matter what line managers are in place, one common step everyone has to take is to write a resignation letter. If you haven’t done this before, it can be a daunting task.
Luckily at RECRUITERS, our consultants are experts at finding candidates their dream jobs, which means they often advise on the difficult task of writing a resignation letter. For instance, our managing director Gerard Doyle always advises candidates to think of it as being the first task for their new role, rather than the last task for their own role, which can give it a very different perspective. With that new mindset ready, what other tips should you remember?
Colette Averdijk is the principal recruitment consultant for nationwide recruitment. She said that before candidates actually hand in their resignation, it’s important to remember the reasons why they’re leaving in the first place. “These reasons don’t go away, no matter what promises their current employer makes to keep them. Their commitment to the company would also always be under question,” she said.
“I would tell them to thank their previous employer, say that they’ve enjoyed their time and that they feel it’s the time to take on a new challenge for their personal development,” she added. “They want to leave on a positive note because they may still be working in the same circles and need a good character and work reference.”
As with all jobs and tasks, preparation for what you’re about to do is the key to doing a good job. Director of nationwide recruitment Jane Gormley said she always advises people to book in a meeting and bring their notice in writing to hand over at the end.
“In the conversation, always announce the news first, then offer some polite reasons why and thanks etc. I’ve had people spend ages rambling around the point, then chicken out and not actually make it clear that they are handing in their notice,” she said.
Because there are so many professional stages to handing in your notice, you may not be sure which step should come first, and more importantly, who you should actually speak to first.
Sales recruitment manager Patricia Lynch said her main tip is “always do it face-to-face with your manager first before saying it round the office or skipping your manager and saying it to the owners/directors. You’d be surprised how many people think it’s OK to hand their notice in over the phone or email.”
As we said, being prepared, both with what you have to say and how they might respond, is the only way to successfully hand in your notice. That way, you are less likely to be blindsided and fail to make it clear that you’re definitely leaving.
Associate principal marketing recruiter Louise O’Reilly said it’s important to be specific. “I think stating your desired date of departure with acknowledgement of the implications for the employer is really valuable,” she said.
Even with all of this valuable advice, it can be difficult to know how exactly to word your resignation letter. Luckily, both O’Reilly and senior technology and PMO recruitment consultant Nicole O’Brien have some examples to help you out.
‘Please accept my resignation. It is my hope to finish on X date, in order to commence in the new position on Y date. I have drafted a day-by-day/week-by-week plan so to ensure the wind up and handover will be completed in good time to align with these dates.’
‘I am so grateful for the opportunities and challenges this position has presented I feel the time has been hugely formative, my skills greatly deepened. I believe I have added value to the business and hope that you will agree.’
‘I have enjoyed being a part of the team and am thankful for the opportunities you have given me during my time here. If there are any areas, in particular, you would like me to focus on during my notice period, please let me know.’
Remember, writing your resignation letter is a difficult task but it also more than likely means you’re onto a more exciting career. If you’re not yet at that stage, but thinking that it’s time for a change, be sure to upload your CV here and find out what new and exciting opportunities await.
Feeling confused about your career? We’ve got everything you need to know about progression, new jobs and happiness in your career right here.
Laptop photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
