So you got that dream job! The next part of the process is not quite so exciting, you need to resign from your current role. For many people this can be the most stressful part of the whole job hunting process. How do you tell your current employer that you have had enough of working for them and are moving onto, what you believe is bigger & better?
To start, we always recommend that you are in possession of a letter of offer / contract from your new hiring company. This is merely protecting yourself and giving you the confidence to commit to your decision to move on. From there you need to prepare for your resignation meeting as you would for an interview.
However, there’s a right and a wrong way of doing this:
Do:
- Remember that you may need this manager as a referee in the future so aim to stay professional and leave on good terms.
- Use professional language and give your manager your full attention.
- Make a list of your reasons for wanting to leave and review it before your meeting.
- Review your contract of employment so you are familiar with your notice period and incorporate this into your conversation so you can agree a finish date.
- Follow up with a letter of resignation outlining the finish date that was agreed with your manager/HR – it’s always a nice touch to include a short note thanking your employer for the opportunities they have given you in the business.
Don't:
- Hand in your notice to HR and wait for them to inform your direct manager. Make sure you speak with them personally - they will appreciate this professional courtesy.
- Become defensive should your manager/HR ask for valid reasons why you are moving on from your current role. It’s entirely likely that they, as an employer, want to hear what their employees think of the company and where they need to improve.
- Get personal – this is not a time to vent personal grievances with your manager/co-workers – you’re leaving the organisation so leave it behind you! Venting frustrations can only come back to haunt you in the future!
- Spend your last month in the business acting like you can’t wait to get out of there – carrying out your normal duties in a professional manner will ensure that your managers and co-workers respect your decision to move on. Always offer to train/assist colleagues in your role to cover once you have moved on.
Resigning from your job doesn’t need to be stressful – once you are prepared for the meeting, believe in the role you are moving onto and respect your employer, resigning can turn out to be the positive experience you weren’t expecting!
Still searching for your dream job? Click HERE to begin your job search.
Mandy Devlin
Mandy has been working as a successful recruitment consultant since 1994. Firstly in South Africa and upon immigration to Ireland, she has worked with FRS Recruitment, in Cork, since 2007. She specialises in the recruitment of technical, production, maintenance, engineering, logistics and technical sales positions. She has also successfully placed a number of HR candidates in senior roles. Mandy has built excellent relationships with many clients and candidates/job seekers in the Munster region, since joining FRS. Please make contact with Mandy on 086 410 6852 for a confidential chat or prompt and efficient service.
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