How to Resign From Your Job

As with all things in life the choice to resign from your job is yours. Consider all of your options as well as the changes your resignation will have on your lifestyle. Only once you are sure and have made a concrete decision to resign, should you proceed. Another vitally important detail to have arranged before terminating your employment is knowing where you are going to. Quitting your job prior to having arranged for alternative employment is an unwise plan to follow.

Always have a backup plan and try to co-ordinate 'ending off' at one job and 'starting out' at your new position as best you can. Quitting your job can often be a trying time both professionally as well as personally and it would be to your advantage to research this process and check out jobs.co.za's tips on How to Resign From Your Job.

1. Keep Your Resignation Confidential.

Until the point that you have actually handed your letter of resignation to your manager keep it quiet. Never discuss your intention to resign or even that you have the desire to quit your job to anyone. Resignations should be treated with the highest level of sensitivity regardless of how close your personal relationships may be with colleagues. It is your responsibility to manage your resignation in the most professional and discrete manner possible.

2. Check Your Employment Contract.

Before resigning with your manager you will need to check your employment contract. Depending on your type of employment (permanent, contract or temporary), your employment contract will detail the notice period you are required to work, as well as any restraints of trade you might be tied in to. If you are a permanent employee, generally the notice period that you will need to work will either be four weeks working notice or one calendar months working notice. Always confirm these details before resigning so as to avoid any disputes during the resignation process.

3. Compose a Resignation Letter.

'If it's not in writing, it didn't happen'. Preparing a letter of resignation affords you the opportunity to deliver the exact message you wish to send to your employer. Although you have a choice of message it is not advisable that you approach your resignation letter in an aggressive tone. Your resignation letter should be non-confrontational, polite and to the point. Detail the notice period you will be working including the start and end date of your resignation term. End with thanks and a respectful tone and sign as acknowledgment of your formal notification.

4. Hand Deliver Your Resignation Letter.

With your resignation letter in hand, it's time to resign in person. Timing here may be tricky and it's advisable that you rather try to resign with you manager later in the afternoon. The morning is never a good time to resign as this is when most people are at their busiest. Be sure to schedule a meeting with your direct manager to ensure their focussed attention.

After thinking through what you intend on saying, discuss your resignation with your manager in a polite and neutral manner. Be direct in your approach but do not become aggressive. Thank them again for their time and leave no doubt that you will continue to apply your skills throughout your notice period.

5. Managing Counter Offers.

It would be wise to review any counter offer that your employer may offer you as an attempt to have you retract your resignation. Staff turnover is an expense to any employer and most would far rather develop current employee skill than have to start from scratch with a brand new recruit. While some counter offers may be very attractive and worth considering. While this may be so remember that after having resigned with your employer and then accepting a counter offer, they are aware that your loyalties may be questionable.

Resigning is never easy for anyone and in some cases can be a very emotional time. Although, provided you have spent adequate time assessing your options and made a firm final decision about your career, by following these resignation guidelines there is no reason why any resignation process should be difficult.

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