Resigning In Style

If you purchase an interview winning CV from CV Master Careers you should be prepared to resign! This article is aimed at helping you to quit your job with flair and dignity.

In the UK we call the process of ending a job “giving our notice”. This refers to that statutory period that is in our contracts. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) defines the period of notice that should be provided as:

“Notice to be given by an employer
An employer is required to give an employee:
• at least one week’s notice if the employee has been employed by the employer continuously for one month or more but for less than two years;

• at least two weeks’ notice if the employee has been employed by the employer continuously for two years’ and


• one additional week’s notice for each further complete year of continuous employment for a period of less than 12 years’ continuous employment; and at least 12 weeks’ notice if the employee has been employed by the employer continuously for 12 years or more.


Notice to be given by an employee


An employee is required to give his or her employer at least one week’s notice if employed continuously for one month or more by that employer. This minimum is unaffected by longer service.”


This can be found on their website, www.dti.gov.uk this site is useful for information on other contracts such as Apprentices.


If you have been successful at interview and have gained a job offer

Congratulations!

Before you celebrate, carefully consider the job offer that you have just received. Are you sure that you are making the right decision? It can be difficult to return to your old job if the new one doesn't work out as you hoped. Make sure you are clear about your next steps. It is really important to make sure that you are leaving for the right reasons, as once you have made your intention to leave public knowledge it can be very hard to back down. This is especially true in small offices, where news travels fast. You would not want your boss to discover your intentions before you have had time to prepare your exit strategy.

Once you are sure, be prepared for any reaction from your boss. They could offer to increase your salary offer, increase your responsibility or more time off. Consider if there is anything at all that would persuade you to stay in your current position? Would an increase in salary change your mind? If not? Then prepare to write your resignation letter!

At this stage, you may want to gather together and read through any contracts or letters that you may have been sent. You may want to examine your contract of employment and look at your notice period. Pay particular attention to the dates, pay scale and holiday entitlement. The cautious amongst us, may want to check that the job offer is contractually binding before taking the plunge.

Make sure that you resign to the correct person; after all of your preparation it might be tempting to tell everyone that you are intending to leave. Resist the temptation. Say nothing, except to the person who deals with this issue. In most cases it is the personnel department or human resources.

Explain your reasons for leaving, in a calm and rational manner. Do not allow yourself to become emotional about this process, no matter what your feelings towards the company or your boss. Also do not allow yourself to be provoked into an emotional outburst. This applies equally to displays of anger or tears. Do not allow yourself to be dragged into persistent questioning. Keep your reasons unemotional and allow time for a follow-up meeting later. If there is significant emotion on either part then taking a break can help. Request a meeting for another time, when you have had chance to calm down.

Be prepared for any exit interviews that you may need to attend. The company may want to know your reasons for leaving to help with staff retention. It is your decision, if you want to explain your reasons in full,  You are the best judge about what serves you best. If you are unsure speak to a friend or family member about the best course of action to take. Your colleagues may want to know “WHY?” As you may be bombarded with questions, it makes sense to rehearse your answers.

On your last day collect your belongings, clear your desk, say your goodbyes and get ready for a new adventure.

Good Luck