Your resignation countdown

Inform your employer

Once you have accepted your new job offer it’s vital you inform your current employer as soon as possible. The best way to do this is always face-to-face. Arrange to have a meeting somewhere private where you can talk without being interrupted and ensure you prepare what you are going to say. Try and think of things they might ask, such as, ‘why have you decided to leave?’  and ensure you have an answer that is valid and professional.

Address any counter offer

It is usual for your employer to give you a counter offer to try and entice you to stay at the company. When faced with this, don’t make any sudden decisions. Take your time to think about this offer but always keep in the back of your mind the reason you decided to look elsewhere in the first place.

A counter-offer is always flattering to receive, and it shows how much you are valued as an employer. However, when rejecting this offer, ensure you are giving valid reasons as to why you are not accepting.

Complete your notice and handover period

Make sure you have thoroughly re-read your contract to ensure you are providing the business with the contracted amount of time agreed. Don’t be alarmed if your employer asks you to extend your resignation period. Often, it takes longer than planned to find a replacement and you will therefore be needed to be there to provide a handover and/or training to your replacement.

A counter-offer is always flattering to receive, and it shows how much you are valued as an employer. However, when rejecting this offer, ensure you are giving valid reasons as to why you are not accepting.

Keep in touch

Resigning in a professional way is vital if you want to keep in touch with those you work with both socially and professionally. Before you leave circulate your personal email address so that people can reach you and link up with and follow soon-to-be-ex colleagues via LinkedIn, Twitter and other relevant platforms. This will ensure your network of professionals is maintained.

Get ready to hit the ground running

In your transitional period between leaving your current role and starting your new one, start connecting with new employers on social media and accept any invitations that come your way. Make contact with your new line manager and ask if there is anything you can do prior to starting to help you prepare for your new role.

Starting a new job can feel daunting but remember that you were selected by your new employer out of many candidates as the best for the role.

For more information on how to resign professionally click here.