Resigning and sorting out your paperwork

Resigning from your job requires as much careful planning and etiquette as does applying for one!  It's not as simple as giving a few weeks notice.

Leave on a positive note so you don't:

• Jeopardise the possibility of receiving a good reference
• Undermine the chance of being re-employed by the same company or individual in the future
• Offend someone who might turn out to be a client or colleague later in your career
  
  

It’s a very small world out there and you just never know!

If you stay positive in the process of resigning you will maintain a healthy professional network and leave for your UK adventure on a positive note.

Telling your boss

You should provide a reasonable amount of time for notice and ensure it is in line with any obligations you might have under your terms and conditions of employment.

When you're ready, book a meeting (at an appropriate time) to speak to your manager and give a honest explanation for your departure.  Keep your explanation positive and brief - usually the fact that you're moving overseas and furthering your career is enough and your manager should be excited for you (it beats you resigning to go and work for a competitor!).

Some things to remember:

• Prepare for the unexpected - it always comes as a bit of a surprise
• Keep your poise, remain calm and stay on track
• Avoid getting into any personal details about anybody in the organisation
• End on an optimistic note, perhaps reminding them of your willingness to ensure a smooth transition
• Always confirm your verbal resignation in writing

The resignation letter

Address your resignation letter to your manager and hand it to them personally.  State clearly and simply the reason(s) for your resignation eg. moving overseas, furthering your career, wanting new challenges etc.

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE RESIGNATION LETTER TEMPLATE

Simply insert your details in the relevant spaces provided.

If you're leaving on good terms, you may wish to include a bit more like some personal thoughts direct to your manager if they have been a great leader or mentor.  You might like to thank them for the opportunities you have been given.  Maybe the company has been a fantastic employer and you want to say so in your letter.

If your experience has not been a great one, don’t cover any of this in your letter.  If you have constructive criticism of the company or your manager, the exit interview is a more appropriate forum.

The exit interview

An exit interview is a meeting between a company representative and the employee who is leaving.  They offer the company the chance to do a reality check against their employment policies and offer you the opportunity to address any issues you may have.

Don’t be scared to attend but it is not compulsory to do so.  You do have the chance to help change things for the better and if you're constructive in how you deliver your messages, you just might be able to make a difference.

A few typical questions asked:

• Why have you decided to leave?
• How do you feel about the company generally?
• How is the communication between departments?
• How could the company change things to improve the working environment?
• What do you think about the working hours, facilities, conditions etc?
• What would you change if you could?
  
  

You can give as much or as little feedback as you wish to any question you are asked.

Before you leave - sort out your paperwork

Some things to remember before you head out the door:

• Get a Written Statement of Employment or Certificate of Service* - your HR or Payroll department issues these and your manager should provide you with a signed original at your exit interview
• Ask for a reference letter
• Settle your remaining pay and other benefits such as holiday entitlement, company car, company credit cards, mobile phone etc
• Complete the work you have been assigned where possible.  Upon departure, make sure that there is someone to follow up your work even if you cannot finish it yourself.
• Farewell your colleagues and keep a record of their contact details so you can keep in touch
• Maintain a positive attitude until the end
  
  

*Simply your dates of employment on company letterhead signed by your manager.  You will need these for your last five years or employment.

For further great advice speak to one of our UK consultants or register online now.