How to Resign and Letter Template

1. Consider Your Decision: Before resigning, make sure you've thoroughly considered your decision. Evaluate your reasons for leaving and ensure it's the right choice for your career.

2. Review Employment Contract and Company Policies: Check your employment contract and company policies to understand any notice period requirements, conditions, or specific procedures for resigning.

3. Schedule a Meeting: Request a private meeting with your supervisor or manager to discuss your resignation. It's best to do this in person, but if that's not possible, a video call or phone call is acceptable.

4. Prepare a Resignation Letter: Even if you discuss your resignation verbally, it's important to provide a written resignation letter. Keep it brief, professional, and positive. Include your last working day and a brief thank you.

5. Be Professional and Positive: During the meeting, remain professional and positive. Express gratitude for the opportunities and experiences gained during your time with the company. Avoid speaking negatively about the company or colleagues.

6. Counter offers.
Try to keep in mind why you wanted to leave in the first place – does the counter offer fix the reason you wanted to leave? For example, your current role offers no real progression. But when you resign, your boss offers you a 10% salary increase to convince you to stay. The lack of progression will still be there in 6 months, and the salary increase is unlikely to make up for that. In most cases, people in this situation who stay, will look for a new job again within 6 months. However, if you are offered the progression you crave, make sure you receive written confirmation. Even if you have a good relationship with your boss, and they want to give you a promotion, it is not always in their power to do so. There is also another point to consider; do you have to resign every time you want a salary increase or a promotion. That is not conducive to a healthy and stable working environment. You want to be rewarded for your positive impact to the team.

7. Be ready to hear counter arguments to your move - When you resign, some employers will be understanding and support your decision. Some, not so much. And it can prove even more difficult to resign, if you consider your boss a friend. It is not uncommon for your current employer to question if this is in fact a positive career move. In some cases, this may come from a good place, with your best interest at heart. However, this can also be driven by what is best for your employer. Replacing you will cost money and take time, not to mention the risk of hiring someone who might not work out. And so, it’s understandable your boss will do what they can to get you to stay. You need to be strong and make your decision based on what you think is best for YOU.

8. Provide Adequate Notice: You must adhere to the notice period mentioned in your employment contract. However, if your new employer has asked if you can join them quicker than your formal notice would allow, don’t be scared to ask your current employer during your resignation. However, always make it clear with your new employer, that your offer should be based on the outcome of an early release, and your default joining date should be later than your formal notice period ends, unless otherwise agreed.

9. Complete Handover Tasks: Work with your supervisor to create a plan for handing over your responsibilities. This may include documenting your tasks, projects, and any relevant information for the person who will be taking over your role.

10. Stay Professional Until the End: Even in your last days, maintain a professional attitude. Complete your tasks diligently and be willing to assist with the transition process. Not only is this the right thing to do, but trade compliance is a small world, and you don’t want to burn any bridges.

Resigning can be a tough conversation. But don’t stay in a job simply to avoid the confrontation or because you feel too comfortable and fear the unknown. We spend so much of our waking hours working, so to get the most out of life you need to push yourself.