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Vicki Jay of the search and selection agency VMA Group shares some tips on leaving with dignity

Handled correctly, a resignation will be given and accepted with professional dignity, ensuring that you leave with solid references. If you handle this process unprofessionally, you could sour your relationship with your manager and colleagues and, in the small world of communications, word spreads quickly.

Before you resign, check your contract for your notice period and any clauses about confidentiality and working for the competition.

Firstly think logically through your decision:

• Are you committed to leaving? You will have already assessed the pros and cons of your current position versus your new job before accepting the role. Refer back to this to remind yourself why you are moving on.
• Have you made your manager aware of your current frustrations – has he/she provided any suggestions or made any changes to improve the situation? Is there anything else he/she could do to make you stay?
• Would you leave if you were offered a pay rise or promotion?
• Do you have a positive ‘gut’ feeling about leaving?

The resignation letter:

• Keep it brief. The formal resignation letter should contain your notice of termination of employment, when this is effective from and your signature.
• If you would like to make it more personal you might want to thank your manager for their support and the opportunities he/she gave you.
• Keep it positive – don’t use it as an opportunity to let off steam. Your letter will be kept on file and may be used against you if you say anything negative. It will also decrease your chances of receiving a positive reference.

The resignation meeting:

• Uncomfortable as it may be, it is best to present your letter to your manager face to face where possible.
• Prepare your comments and don’t give out more information that you planned to.
• Emphasise the positives – see above.
• Expect a reaction. Your decision may come out of the blue and may result in an emotional response. Stick to your planned comments and be composed, even if your manager isn’t.
• Agree your leaving date and a period of handover where possible.
• Ask if your manager would be prepared to provide a reference.

The counter offer
You are no doubt involved in some key projects and your boss will be keen to keep you. He/she might promise to match the salary attached to your new job offer, or hurry through that promotion that you were promised all those months ago. But before you accept, think very seriously about why you decided to look for a new job in the first place, and be cautious: the majority of candidates who accept a counter offer and stay with their current employer, leave the company within the next six months.

Ask yourself some questions:

• Will more money or the promise of a promotion really change your dissatisfaction, or will it just be a quick fix?
• Are you considering staying because you are flattered by the counter offer, or because you really believe things will change?
• If you stay will your loyalty be questioned and will your boss be watching your every move?
• Will you have to threaten to resign every time you feel you deserve a pay rise or promotion?
• Will you be looking for a new opportunity again in six months?

Remember – resigning is ultimately a business decision. If you are being urged to reconsider leaving, try to look at it objectively without emotion. What is the best next step for your career?

We all spend a significant part of our lives in the office, so make sure it’s time well spent.