When you’ve decided to resign from the job you’re in – for whatever reason – a dignified, professional resignation process says much more about you than burning bridges.

Resigning is a decision from which there is no going back so before you take the plunge, talk it through with your Asset Resourcing consultant for sound, impartial advice, what to consider and how to go about it.

Be Sure

On the face of it, this may sound obvious but you need to be absolutely, 100% sure you’re making the right decision before handing in your letter of resignation. Your manager may welcome it and not allow you to retract it if you suddenly change your mind.

What is your motivation for resigning? Are you running to your next role or running from your current one? If it’s the latter, then make certain that it isn’t just a simple case of talking to your manager to change or improve certain aspects of your job description. If so, you could be making an irreversible error.

Most importantly, talk to people whose opinions you value and who have your best interests at heart – friends, family etc – before you make your final decision.

The Process Of Resigning

You need to be fully prepared before you formally resign. Each company will have their own procedures in place – refer to your corporate handbook or read your contract of employment – but either way, know what you are going to say and accompany it with a brief letter of resignation. This is not the time for fluffy prose; keep the letter short and to the point. Detail your notice of termination of contract and the date from when it becomes effective.

Diarise some time with your boss in advance and make sure you can speak candidly and in private. This is the appropriate time to physically hand your resignation letter over.

Try and keep the meeting brief and as free of emotion as possible. This is a professional process and isn’t the time to vent whatever feelings you may have towards certain individuals or the company as a whole.

Remain Professional

There is no good business case whatsoever for not conducting yourself with decorum and professionalism while you’re still in the office. Take a lead role in the handover process and should you wish to, speak to your colleagues before you leave for the last time.

In order to make a fresh start at your new company, you need to resolve any outstanding issues you have with your current employers, for example outstanding holiday payment, bonus entitlements, expenses claims, mobile phone number etc.

Even if you hate the company and management, remember that you will always need references. In any economic climate the future is notoriously uncertain and additionally, it’s a small world. Try and leave on a positive, professional note.