Five Key Steps to Resigning

1. Set up a time to meet your manager

We’ve all seen the dramatic and very public resignations on TV, however, a proper resignation should be done in private, such as in your manager’s office or a pre-booked meeting room. Think about timings. For example, breaking the news during a regular catchup is often preferable to having to call an ad-hoc meeting at short notice. Also remember you’ll need enough time to discuss everything, whilst giving them the opportunity to express their views too.

2. Plan what to say when resigning

You want to avert the risk of sounding like a nervous wreck, so make sure the key points you want covered are planned in advance. Before heading into the meeting, think about notice periods and when your last day will be, and any other details that may be relevant – so that your manager can begin preparations.

3. Discuss your role in the transition

Take this time to talk about the “next steps”. This includes announcing your resignation to the wider business. Who will be announcing it – yourself or your manager? How will it be done – via email or announced in person at a staff meeting? When will it be announced and how much information will be given to staff regarding your resignation?

This is also a great time to discuss the handover process and whether you’ll be involved in the hiring process/training your replacement.

4. Say “Thank You”

It’s always best to end your employment on the best possible terms. After resigning, focus on the positive aspects of the role, keeping the tone positive and thanking your manager for the valuable opportunity and experience that you’ve been given.

5. Confirm with an email after the meeting

After the meeting is done, follow up with an email to confirm the major details that were discussed, while also providing a written record for both parties (depending on your HR team, a traditional resignation letter may still be needed too).

Tips for a Smooth Transition

Regardless of how long you’ve been in a job, resigning can be difficult and comes with a lot of (often unnecessary) stress. So, to help reduce that anxiety and create a smooth transition, there are a few things to keep in mind. 

Be considerate

Don’t fall victim to office gossip! Talk to your manager about your impending resignation before speaking to anyone else. The last thing you want is for your employer to find out about your resignation from someone else in the office or around the water cooler.

Before locking in your last day, refer back to your contract to see what your minimum notice period is. However, try and be flexible (if you are not yet committed to another start date), and speak to your manager about an end date that will work for both parties.

Stay positive

Aim to leave a good legacy. The way you handle your resignation, is the way you’ll be remembered (and could impact future references). There may be an array of reasons for resigning, and you may be very eager to move on, but try to keep calm, be positive and steer clear of any office conflict. Instead, put your focus on the positive experiences you’ve had and the valuable knowledge you’ve gained, which may have helped you land your new job. 

Keep in touch

As much as you may want to move on and start fresh, it’s still important to nurture existing relationships. Instead of cutting off all contact, stay connected with colleagues and managers – it’s a small world sometimes and you never know when you may need them in future!

Be Prepared for Counter Offers

Before you resign, make sure you’re prepped for any counter offers that come your way. How would you respond? Consider what’s most important, and the reasons you decided to leave in the first place. On top of that, if you do receive a counter offer, does it address your original issues? Why has it taken your resignation to kick this into action? What are the pros and cons of staying at your job? Considering these questions will help you make your decision but, in the end, you need to make a decision that is best for you, and your career.

Summary

Regardless of the factors that led to your resignation, it is a process that can still feel awkward at times. Although, your reputation hinges on your ability to treat current colleagues and managers with the respect you’d expect if they were in your shoes. Above all else, remember that moving on is natural part of the job life cycle! If you’re looking for more support during the resignation process, or for help in find your next role, get in touch with us.