| Have you made the right choice? Before deciding to | | | | anything you can do to ensure a smooth transition. |
| resign from your current position and move to a new | | | | In the letter, state that you are leaving and when. Give |
| employer, you should weigh up as objectively as | | | | as much notice as possible. Two weeks is generally |
| possible all the relevant factors: remuneration, working | | | | acceptable, but check your contract or the company |
| environment, location, travel demands, training and | | | | handbook. |
| development opportunities, promotional prospects, and | | | | Sample letter: |
| your future bosses. | | | | Dear ( ) |
| Consider also what impact a job with the new | | | | I have decided to resign my position as (........) at |
| company would have on your resume. Once you | | | | (company) effective (date) to take a position with |
| have received and accepted a formal written | | | | (new employer). I greatly appreciate the opportunity |
| commitment from your new employer, you should | | | | that you and (the company) have given me to develop |
| serve notice immediately. | | | | my skills and further my career. |
| It is important to behave in a professional manner | | | | I shall make every effort to ensure that the transition |
| throughout the resignation process. Your character | | | | period goes smoothly for all concerned. |
| and your personal integrity should never be in question. | | | | Yours sincerely |
| Be positive; be co-operative; and avoid recriminations. | | | | ( ) |
| State that you are leaving the company and hand in | | | | Counter offer. Your decision was carefully thought out, |
| your letter of resignation at the same time. | | | | so stick to it. Changing your mind makes you appear |
| Be prepared for a reaction. If your employer presses | | | | indecisive and creates a negative impression. It calls |
| you for reasons, give brief and positive answers. Don't | | | | into question your long-term commitment and loyalty to |
| argue or complain. Don't allow yourself to be deflected | | | | your current employer. |
| from your purpose or drawn into a protracted | | | | During the period of notice, carry out your duties in a |
| discussion. | | | | diligent and professional manner. Assure your boss |
| Do everything possible to establish a friendly tone and | | | | that you will complete any outstanding task. If this is not |
| leave a good impression. State that you are leaving | | | | possible, leave detailed instructions for your |
| because your new employment offers you | | | | replacement. Check that all your records are in order. |
| opportunities for advancement. Your decision is the | | | | Inform your colleagues that you are leaving. When |
| result of careful consideration. | | | | discussing things with them, resist the temptation to |
| Your written resignation should be concise and definite. | | | | make disparaging comments about your present job |
| Do not go into details or give your reasons for leaving. | | | | or boast about your new one. Do your best to leave |
| If you have any grievances, don't express them in the | | | | on good terms with everybody. |
| letter. Give no cause for animosity. Ask if there is | | | | |