RESIGNATION LETTERS

RESIGNATION LETTERS

Graceful exit

Most of us change jobs on an average of 6 times in our working career. When you quit there is a certain code of conduct that should be followed. After all you do not want to leave in bad taste. The last few weeks play a crucial role in shaping an employers' and colleagues' opinions of you.

Make it clear
Simply telling your boss is not enough. Write a resignation letter (see our previous article on resignation letter formats) and hand it over yourself. The letter should be precise and cordial. Depending on the relationship you have with your boss, you may also reveal your plans.

Finish uncompleted tasks
A common mistake that professionals make is that once they decide to quit, pending work is not completed. However, excited you are about your new job, remain focused on your existing one. This way you leave with a positive impression on your employer's mind.

Leave on a good note with your colleagues
You never know who, when how could be of help to you. So don't burn the bridges down. Leave on a good note and always stay in touch. Clear your existing problems before you leave.

Respect the job you are leaving behind
Remember, any job is a stepping-stone to your future job. So don't be negative towards it. Even if you begin disliking the job, don't let anyone know about it. Give the impression that you are leaving because you got a better offer not because you are unhappy.

One's own prudence is called for before you decide on how to go about the transition.

Resignation Letter Templates

In our last issue we discussed resignation etiquette and its importance. This week we will take it a one step further. We will cover the different types of resignation letters.

Undoubtedly, each person's circumstances would be different but we are taking some common template letters, which will help you to create that perfect resignation letter.

• Get to the point
• On the move
• Waiver of notice period
• Back to school

Get to the point

Dear <Insert name of concerned person>,

As per <Section number> of my contract of employment, I hereby give <number of days> weeks notice of my intention to leave <Company name>.

Yours sincerely
Signature

On the move

Dear <Insert name of concerned person>,

As per <Section number> of my contract of employment, I hereby give <number of days> weeks notice of my intention to leave <Company name>.

I would like to thank all of you for giving me an opportunity to be a part of your team. It has been a pleasure working with each person in this company.

I feel its time to move on. After much consideration I have accepted an offer with another firm. I am confident my new role will help me to take a step further to achieve my career goals.

I wish this company continued success.

I thank everyone once again for giving me an opportunity to be a part of this team.

Do let me know if there is anything else I can do from my side to assist smooth transition of responsibilities.

Yours sincerely
Signature

Waiver of notice period

Dear <Insert name of concerned person>,

As per <Section number> of my contract of employment, I wish to give notice of my intention to leave <Company name>.

I would like to thank all of you for giving me an opportunity to be a part of your team. It has been a pleasure working with each person in this company. I feel its time to move on. After much consideration I have accepted an offer with another firm. I am confident my new role will help me to take a step further to achieve my career goals.

I understand that my notice period is <number of days> but I would like to join <new company name> as soon as possible. I would be grateful if you would waive my termination notice.

Do let me know if there is anything else I can do from my side to assist smooth transition of responsibilities.

I thank everyone for giving me an opportunity to be a part of this team and I wish this company continued success.

Yours sincerely
Signature

Back to school

Dear <Insert name of concerned person>,

It is with regret that I wish to inform you of my decision to resign from my position as <name the position you held>, effective <date of resigning>. During my notice period <mention the number of days> I shall complete any outstanding assignment and also assist in the smooth transition of my responsibility.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my assignments in <name of company>. It has given me a great head start to my career. I appreciate the numerous opportunity that <company name> has given me. It is the result of my experience in this company and after careful consideration and discussion with me family, that I have decided to pursue <course type> in <course name> on a full-time basis.

I wish to thank all those who have helped in this decision. Upon completion of my degree, should <company name> find need for my skills in the area of <course name>, I would ofcourse consider returning to this organisation. Till then, wish you continued success.

Yours sincerely
Signature

Resignation Letter Templates

In our last issue we discussed resignation etiquette and its importance. This week we will take it a one step further. We will cover the different types of resignation letters.

Undoubtedly, each person's circumstances would be different but we are taking some common template letters, which will help you to create that perfect resignation letter.

• Get to the point
• On the move
• Waiver of notice period
• Back to school

Get to the point

Dear <Insert name of concerned person>,

As per <Section number> of my contract of employment, I hereby give <number of days> weeks notice of my intention to leave <Company name>.

Yours sincerely
Signature

On the move

Dear <Insert name of concerned person>,

As per <Section number> of my contract of employment, I hereby give <number of days> weeks notice of my intention to leave <Company name>.

I would like to thank all of you for giving me an opportunity to be a part of your team. It has been a pleasure working with each person in this company.

I feel its time to move on. After much consideration I have accepted an offer with another firm. I am confident my new role will help me to take a step further to achieve my career goals.

I wish this company continued success.

I thank everyone once again for giving me an opportunity to be a part of this team.

Do let me know if there is anything else I can do from my side to assist smooth transition of responsibilities.

Yours sincerely
Signature

Waiver of notice period

Dear <Insert name of concerned person>,

As per <Section number> of my contract of employment, I wish to give notice of my intention to leave <Company name>.

I understand that my notice period is <number of days> but I would like to join <new company name> as soon as possible. I would be grateful if you would waive my termination notice.

Do let me know if there is anything else I can do from my side to assist smooth transition of responsibilities.

I thank everyone for giving me an opportunity to be a part of this team and I wish this company continued success.

Yours sincerely
Signature

Back to school

Dear <Insert name of concerned person>,

Yours sincerely
Signature

Alls Well That Ends Well!!

So this is it!! End of the chapter! Time to move on! That's all wonderful, but do not leave with a bad taste in your mouth.

There are ways of resigning. The only one that counts is the right way. It is imperative to conform to the "proper" resignation etiquette to ensure continued success in personal and professional development.

Before you call it quits weigh the pros and cons. Answer these questions
• Do you "really" want to leave? Are you committed to it? List down the reasons why you want to quit?
• Have you pursued all avenues in your organisation, which could lead to a career rise?
• Would you leave if were offered more money or a promotion?
• Is your career stagnating in your current organisation? How is your career going? Have you spoken to your HR personnel regarding how you are doing?
• Have you worked out the logistics of your new job? Have you considered factors like money, location and career enhancement?
• What does your family think of all this?

The Exit Meeting
This is probably your last formal meeting with your boss or HR manager or perhaps any other senior person in your organisation. Work out whatever it is that you are going to say and stick to it. Do not lose your calm; always maintain a moderate tone, even if you get agitated. Make it clear in simple words that you are resigning. Emphasise on the positive aspects of working in your current organisation. After all it could be that you cross paths later in life with your former employer. So don't encourage any hostile feelings.

A lot of times it comes to your boss as a shock. It's rarely that he expects you to resign. There are possibilities that he may get emotional or confrontational, but you don't lose your nerves and see it as a challenge. Gulp down a few comments if you have to. Lat but not the least, leave the meeting on a good note. Stress on completing your task at hand and handover any incomplete work that you may have. People always remember first and last impressions.

Written resignation
A written resignation letter gives more control over your thoughts. It's easier to pen down your thoughts, so use this opportunity wisely.
Simple resignation: It includes the following information: Name, date, person it is addressed to, notice of termination, when it is effective from and your signature.
Leaving in good taste: Perhaps you would like to add in a few words about how wonderful it was to work, the opportunities you were given. Emphasise the positives.
Leaving in bad taste: As much as you are dieing to bad mouth, do not make it worse than it already is because it does have implications on your future. You must not say anything that can be used against you later.

What ever you do, do not get personal. If you do have differences in opinion save it for later.

Offer's open
When you are taking up a new offer, you have to address a few issues.
• Are you being offered a higher salary?
• Does it include relocation?
• Is it a step in your career?
• Are you sure this is what you really want?
• Has anything changed?
• Have you addressed the issues why you decided to quit your previous job?
• You have resigned once; will it be easy for you to do the same if you get better offers? In other words, what is your "loyalty" factor?
• Does your offer to accept your new job influence your would-be employers impression about you?

End it on a positive note
You have a specified notice period in your employment contract, which you must follow. Give your employers enough time to look for a replacement. If there is no notice period stated, you must still give 2-4 weeks time. Always complete your outstanding work and handover those, which you have been unable to complete giving full instructions to the concerned person. Ensure that your boss is aware of the fact that you have been very co-operative. Take time out to speak to all your colleagues. End it on a positive note and stay in touch with them after you move on. Negotiate a fair settlement foe any outstanding dues.

Networking is the way of the world. You never know who you might need when. It could well be you former employer. So if you choose to move on, make sure you end it well. Your employers should miss you when you are gone. Always end it well, last impressions count!