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How to Resign...
Resigning from your job
is never easy, especially when you have worked in a position for several
years, and have been part of a team. Some employers and co-workers
take it personally, not accepting that often there are greener pastures.
However, handling your resignation as professionally and thoughtfully as
you handle your search for a new job, can help make your resignation
relatively smooth and amicable.
Make up your mind: Before you submit your resignation, you must be
committed to leaving. Do not submit your resignation in hopes of
receiving a counteroffer. This approach can backfire.
Keep your
resignation short, simple,
and positive: Leave your
employer on a positive note.
Your moving on does not have
to mean long faces.
After all, you have just won
an opportunity to advance
your career for which you
owe your employer sincere
thanks. Thank your
colleagues for their help in
preparing you to move onward
and upward.
When you resign,
keep your conversations simple and concise. Avoid lengthy discussions
about your new opportunity with your old employer. Do not justify your
personal goals or your decision to leave. If you feel you may be faced
with a hostile environment, resign at the end of the day.
The oral resignation:
Resigning orally may place
you in the compromising
position of having to
explain your decision on the
spot. Words are very
powerful, so choose your
words with care. Your
boss may want to probe for
factors that led to your
decision.
You may be asked
who or what is the reason for your leaving or may be invited to offer
suggestions to help make the organization more effective. "Answer
candidly…" Do not fall into this trap. Remember, your interrogator is
still your boss. Whatever you say will be viewed as biased and
eventually may be used against you.
Offer sincere praise for the firm
and those with whom you worked. Prepare yourself beforehand by focusing
on several positive aspects of your workplace and mention them
liberally when the opportunity arises.
Example: "I need to discuss something with you if you have a moment.
I have been made an exceptional offer by another firm and I have decided
to accept it. My wife and I have given this opportunity a lot of
thought. As much as I would like to advance with this company, we feel the
new opportunity is in our best long-term interest. We deeply appreciate all
that you and the firm have done for us here. I
do not think I would have been presented with this exceptional
opportunity if not for your support and leadership. I want to thank
you. I hope I can leave with your good wishes. You have been
a friend as well as a boss." If probed for more information, you
may want to claim that there is nothing else to say right now.
The written resignation: A written resignation gives you the time to
effectively prepare what you wish to communicate and gives you greater
control over your delivery of the message. A written resignation
also reinforces the fact that you are really leaving and are not simply
threatening.
Example: "I want to thank you for all that you have done
for me here at (company). It has been a pleasure working with you
and representing the company as your (job title). I have accepted
an offer with another firm and have decided to tender my resignation as
of today. This decision has nothing to do with the exceptional
opportunity you have provided for me here. You and the company
have been more than fair with me and I genuinely appreciate all of your
support. I wish (company) continued success and I want to thank
you for allowing me to be a part of your team. Please feel free to
contact me at any time if I can be of further assistance in helping with
a smooth transition."
Letters
may get filed and passed around to explain what happened, reducing the
call for endless orations on the same subject.
Leave on the right note: Before leaving the firm, take
time to speak with each of your support staff, peers, executive
personnel, and others with whom you have worked. To the extent
practical, clear up any unfinished business. Be sensitive to
others’ reactions and keep your conversations positive and constructive.
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