Resignation
Resignation
Resignation is a private matter that should be handled with care lest you need a good reference for your new job. As with everything else preparation is key. You need to know what you want out of the organization. E.g. is it a good reference letter, benefits or other pay etc.
Resignation as stated earlier is a private matter and thus you need to ask for an appointment with your boss in which you can discuss your resignation. You need to come out clearly and state to your boss why you are leaving and be sensitive to the organization’s position, if there were ongoing projects state how your leaving might affect their success and what you are willing to do to ensure the projects success.
It might mean to train a co-worker to handle the project or it might mean giving up a Saturday or two to work on the project to ensure its success, but clearly state that you care about the organization and its success and the fact that you want to leave the organization gracefully.
After discussing the exit package with your boss and you are both in agreement, then you need to write a resignation letter. In the letter don’t say where you are going, how much you will be making, just say you are leaving and make sure to thank your workmates for the support during your time in that organization.
Do’s and Don’ts of Resignation
Never try to bribe or extort your boss with your new job offer. Some people when they get a new job offer they will try and extort their current boss for more pay, benefits or other packages so that they can stay. This might backfire and you might find yourself out of a job and with a bad reference. It might even get worse if your prospective employer hears of what you tried to do or if they freeze all hiring before you come on board. So, resign from the organization if you intend to but never try to use your new job offer to extort your current employers for higher salary or benefits.
Be professional at all times; restrain yourself from venting your frustration at your boss or fellow co-workers.
Never discuss your resignation with your co workers before telling your boss, he/she should hear it from you.
Be helpful. Understand that your boss may be angry or worried about delay in project that you were handling. So always offer your services to the organization as a way of easing your resignation. Offer to train your replacement and also offer your phone number in case they might want to reach you for one reason or another.
Always give ample notice to your employer as per your contract. It might be exciting to wake up one morning and give your boss a resignation letter and see the horror in his face but as stated you need to be professional about this issue. Do not burn bridges.
If your employer requires you to do an exit interview, then oblige and do it. Exit interview is an open forum to offer constructive criticism to the employer. Something that will benefit the organization by knowing your work experiences during your tenure. Never get personal or talk ill of your supervisors and co-workers.
Prepare your exit interview comments before hand and have examples of where you felt things were not right and what you experienced and how they should do it differently.
Sample Resignation letter:
Dear Sir,
I would like to inform you that I am leaving my current position at varsitylecture with effect from August 1, 2007.
I have enjoyed working with this organization and I would want to thank you, the organisation and my co workers for the support and guidance given to me during my tenure at varsitylecture.
I would like to offer any kind of support to my replacement and I can be reached at 0721 321 4444 for any enquiries.
Thanks again for everything.
Yours truly
Tony kilomoja
