How to resign properly?
23 June 2014
Read by 3460 persons
Resigning means leaving the company you work for. This means leaving "properly", without stress, without problems and without damage. It's about leaving lightly, with nothing to reproach yourself for, nothing to regret either. It's also about acting in such a way that the transition is natural and simple. Without scars behind, without anxiety ahead.
1. Inform your company (verbally then in writing)
It is necessary, even imperative and unavoidable, in order to be able to negotiate your departure correctly, to think about informing your superior and the HR department as quickly as possible, as soon as you have your firm job offer in hand. Start by announcing it verbally and confirm the information with a letter of resignation (sent by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt).
Remember to clearly state in your letter:
- your personal details,
- a sentence announcing your decision to resign and your departure date (taking into account the notice period),
- a sentence indicating your position and the date you started.
Note that it is not at all mandatory to indicate the reason for your resignation in this letter.
2. Indicate the reason(s) for your decision to your N+1
So that your employer does not have the impression, at any given time, of having been harmed or betrayed by your decision, remember to clearly express to him that this new job is a real opportunity for your professional career and explain to him how. Ask him, if possible, to put himself in your shoes.
3. Keep your spirits and your cool
Be calm, moderate, efficient, sober and neutral. You are leaving, yes, but it is absolutely unnecessary to dwell on past bitterness or disappointments. Don't mention them. This is absolutely not the time and it could only harm you. Indeed, the world is small and it is highly likely that you will meet colleagues from your current employer along the way, whether as suppliers, clients or collaborators. Don't close any doors by saying things you might come to regret, near or far.
4. Review your notice period
The duration of your notice period, although clearly defined by the collective agreement, practices or your employment contract, remains perfectly negotiable. This is where the human factor makes the difference, even in a professional context. It is therefore within your power to modify the planned dates, if necessary.
Maintaining cordial and positive relationships with your superior is a major asset for the present but also for the future. You don't know what tomorrow will bring and if you won't come back to this company, a little later, for an even more interesting position…
The ReKrute.com Team
1. Inform your company (verbally then in writing)
It is necessary, even imperative and unavoidable, in order to be able to negotiate your departure correctly, to think about informing your superior and the HR department as quickly as possible, as soon as you have your firm job offer in hand. Start by announcing it verbally and confirm the information with a letter of resignation (sent by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt).
Remember to clearly state in your letter:
- your personal details,
- a sentence announcing your decision to resign and your departure date (taking into account the notice period),
- a sentence indicating your position and the date you started.
Note that it is not at all mandatory to indicate the reason for your resignation in this letter.
2. Indicate the reason(s) for your decision to your N+1
So that your employer does not have the impression, at any given time, of having been harmed or betrayed by your decision, remember to clearly express to him that this new job is a real opportunity for your professional career and explain to him how. Ask him, if possible, to put himself in your shoes.
3. Keep your spirits and your cool
Be calm, moderate, efficient, sober and neutral. You are leaving, yes, but it is absolutely unnecessary to dwell on past bitterness or disappointments. Don't mention them. This is absolutely not the time and it could only harm you. Indeed, the world is small and it is highly likely that you will meet colleagues from your current employer along the way, whether as suppliers, clients or collaborators. Don't close any doors by saying things you might come to regret, near or far.
4. Review your notice period
The duration of your notice period, although clearly defined by the collective agreement, practices or your employment contract, remains perfectly negotiable. This is where the human factor makes the difference, even in a professional context. It is therefore within your power to modify the planned dates, if necessary.
Maintaining cordial and positive relationships with your superior is a major asset for the present but also for the future. You don't know what tomorrow will bring and if you won't come back to this company, a little later, for an even more interesting position…
The ReKrute.com Team
