“Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.”  (Aristotle)

The best job is one you feel passionate about.  How many of us are fortunate enough to say that our work is our passion?  Periods of lockdown have allowed for reflection on what is important to us, including our mental health, well-being and work/life balance.  Make the leap to move to a job that will inspire and challenge you and keep you motivated through the highs and lows. 

Resigning Gracefully

You've gone through the interviewing process and received a great offer and the prospect of a better opportunity with a better company.

Career changes are tough and anxieties about leaving a comfortable job, friends and location and having to prove yourself again in an unknown environment can cloud the best logic.

You analyse and agonise, and accept the offer.  Your new team is anxiously waiting for you to arrive.  It’s time to begin the transition from your old job to your new opportunity. 

The resignation process can be stressful and filled with emotion. Especially if your company culture is very team oriented, there is a good chance that you have developed strong relationships with many people in many different parts of the company.

 Follow this process and resign with grace

• Don't resign until you have a formal offer and start date from your new employer
• Don't second-guess your decision to resign

Remember that you went through the interview process, the hassle of taking personal time from work, invested time to educate yourself on the company, and perhaps even had many emotional conversations with your family members for a reason. You need to recognise that you would not have let the process come to this point if, at any time, you thought that it was not the right thing to do.

• Be prepared to resign both verbally and by letter
• Resign verbally to your direct report

Try not to get emotional. At times this may be difficult, especially if you have a very special relationship with this person. Thank them for the opportunities they have given for you to grow personally and professionally, and give them a well-constructed reason for your resignation. Don't focus on the possible negative reasons for your leaving. Rather be sure to explain the highlights of your new opportunity.

• If you are a key player on the team, anticipate that your boss may show some degree of frustration

Remain calm. Recognise that they are acting on the emotion of one of their best people leaving them. You will find that if this is an initial reaction from your employer, they will quickly recognise their attitude and become more relaxed.

• Prepare your resignation letter

Keep this letter brief and very formal. See example on www.jsdconsult.co.uk. Remove all emotion from the content. Including comments that are based upon emotion may give your employer the ammunition they need to develop a counter-offer). Your letter should be addressed to your immediate supervisor and a copy should be sent to the HR Department.

• Continue working to the best of your ability while you work through your notice period

It will be a difficult time. After all, you are excited about your new position, and probably want to start impacting on your new company. Think about how your enthusiasm for your new position could affect your peers.

• Try to negotiate a quicker release date, basing your argument on finishing off your current projects to an agreed timescale

If your employer asks you to leave immediately, do not let this be a concern.

Your employer probably recognises some of the possible negative ramifications your resignation may have on the rest of the company.

• If your company does not have formal exit interviews, ask for one

An exit interview is a great way for you to exchange valuable information that may help a department or company grow. During the exit interview, don’t be negative. Rather, point out the opportunities for growth or improvements. If you are going to bring up a problem, be sure to offer potential solutions.

• If you are working with one of our professional executive search team be sure to open up and discuss your personal situation

Let them know your fears, discomfort, etc. You will find that they probably have dealt with candidates with similar concerns and therefore will be able to help you through the process.