Confirm a new position first

Never resign until you have formally accepted and confirmed your contract in writing with your new employer.

Notice Period

Remember to check your notice period in your contract. By mutual agreement between yourself and your employer, notice periods can be amended. You may negotiate to finish earlier to commence your new role or you may extend your finish date with your current employer to allow for a hand-over in your current role.  

Tell your direct manager first

For smaller businesses, your manager will be the person you need to direct your resignation letter to. If you are employed in a larger organisation you may need to resign to a manager or HR person who is not your direct manager. 
In this case, have your letter ready to give to them, but organise a meeting with your direct supervisor/manager first.

Be respectful

If you can, try to end your employment on a positive note. If your experience has been unpleasant, stick to the basic facts in your resignation letter (see below).
 
If you have had a positive experience share this with your employer and thank them for the opportunity they have given you in your career.

Put it in writing

You need to include the following in your letter addressed to your manager/employer:

• That you are resigning from the organisation
• Your current job title you are resigning from
• Your last day of work
• Your signature to confirm your resignation

You may like to also include:

• a formal thank you to your employer in your letter
• wish them well for the future
• a highlight of your time with the company
• your contact information 

If you receive a counter offer
Employers know the current employment market is tight, so your employer may extend a counter offer to you, should that happen read my blog for our recommendations to manage this.

End on a high

Don’t check out once you have handed in your resignation, the way you conduct yourself in your final weeks speaks volumes so remember to be professional to the end of your employment.

Word of mouth, networking and employer references are hugely valuable to your ongoing career path, and can play a valuable part in your future career success.

Recommend the recruitment experts

PN Personnel can assist your employer to recruit for the position you have resigned from, or to support their business with a temporary employee. Feel free to pass on our details for a confidential chat to see if we can assist.