Smart way to say: I quit

RESIGNATION


IT IS a fantasy every employee has had at least once in their working life. Walking into the boss’s office and telling him what to do with your job. But there is a right way and a wrong way to resign.

The wrong way can lead to bad feelings between you and the boss. And this can hurt your future job aspirations. A bad reference from your last place of work will damage your chances at your next interview. But correct resignation etiquette will contribute to continued success in your personal and career development. “Some people have a difficult time resigning from their present job, either because they love the job and their co-workers or because they can’t stand the job or company and can’t wait to leave,” Solutions recruitment general manager Linley Hines says.
“The most important rule to remember when resigning from any job is that you never want to leave on bad terms.

Courtesy, etiquette and professionalism go a long way.” Correct resignation etiquette involves resigning to the right person, the right way, at the right time, Hines says.
“Some people decide to resign as soon as they have a verbal offer of another job, but that can be fraught with danger. “Once you’ve been advised of your new job offer in writing, and have accepted, you’re ready to tell your employer you intend to resign.”

Most people will be clear about the notice period of their present employment because they would have needed to know this to negotiate the start date in their new job.
In many cases, the notice period corresponds with your pay periods: if you are paid monthly, your notice period will be one month. For fortnightly pay, the notice period is two weeks.

Hines recommends checking this in your employee handbook or with your HR department before making any commitments to a new employer about your availability.
“Once you are clear on the notice protocols, you should advise your resignation as soon as possible,” Hines says. “Your employer will often appreciate being given extra notice.”
Depending on the circumstances of your contract, you may be able to negotiate a shorter notice period, but you should always assume you will be asked to work your full notice period.

QUIT TIPS

• ALWAYS advise a supervisor before telling other staff members.
• IF YOU are nervous, speak to your HR department, friends or family, not colleagues.
• ASK your manager how they would like you to communicate your resignation. They may like to be the one who lets the rest of the staff know.
• DO NOT resign on the spot. Have a think about it and prepare for your resignation.
• SUBMITTING formal written notice of your resignation takes place once the meeting with your supervisor has occurred.
• YOUR written notice should be short, polite and to the point.
• CONFIRM your intentions to leave, referring to the date and time of your discussion with your manager and the day you intend to finish work.

By Daniel Hoy, The Herald Sun.