Resignation – It does not need to be painful!

At some stage of your career, you will resign from a position and whilst it may not be easy, there are some notes to keep in mind:

• Leave your employer on a positive note.
• Let your current employers know that you intend to assist them in whatever ways you can. By showing your manager and company due respect, you encourage future support you may need some day.
• If you’re dealing with volatile or vindictive personalities, you may be best to avoid revealing where you will be going.
• If you feel you may face a hostile atmosphere, resign at the end of your work day so that you are no longer on company time and are in control of your schedule.
• Choose your words with care. If you have had a close relationship with your manager, you may feel obliged to answer candidly.
• Constructive criticism of your current employer is no longer your responsibility and carries a high cost, which could jeopardise your good references. Instead, focus on several positive aspects of your workplace and mention them liberally when the opportunity arises. You want to be perceived as a positive, constructive individual in forward motion. People will remember your last impression.
• If probed for more information, simply communicate that you are leaving a good opportunity for an even better one, which suits your aspirations.
• Written resignations give you the time to effectively prepare what you wish to communicate and give you greater control over your delivery of the message. You can’t be thrown off-track by an unexpected remark as can happen during a confrontational conversation. A written resignation also reinforces the fact that you are really leaving and are not simply threatening in order to re-negotiate your position.  There is something permanent about the written word, which often circumvents interrogation.
• Under no circumstance, you should state any dissatisfaction with the company or individuals.  Not only is it good manners to stress the positive when leaving, but items in your personnel file may long outlast the individuals and circumstances responsible for your dissatisfaction. You never know when your path will cross those of your former colleagues.
• Keep resignation simple, positive and professional.