There are several reasons why you might feel the need to resign, this could be due to a new job, a change of location, a toxic workplace experience, studies, etc. As humans, we also naturally crave growth and advancement. It is always okay to make the decision to want to leave your present workplace.

In this blog post, we will explore the right ways to present your resignation to your employer or manager. The whole process of finding a new job and leaving your old one can be daunting but there are ways of making it easier. Start by following our do’s and don’ts guide to handing in your notice below.

The Do’s of Resigning

Check your Employment Contract: If you are looking to hand in your resignation, the first thing to do is to check your employment contract. Your employment contract will detail how much notice you need to give your employer, how much you will be paid during your notice period and your current employer’s stance on leaving to work for a competitor.

Tell your Employer Face-to-Face: Handing in your notice is never easy and it may seem easier at the time to email your manager your resignation but this isn’t the best way to go about it. By handing your notice face-to-face, you will be better respected for it.

Be Prepared: Your manager may ask you to stay and counteroffer you a better package or higher position within the company. It’s always good to be prepared for what you will do in this situation. Remember why you handed in your notice in the first place and know your worth.

Give Constructive Feedback: You are not entitled to tell your employer why you are looking to leave but you may decide to do so to ensure you stay on good terms with your employer. When providing feedback as to why you are leaving, ensure you are constructive and stick to the main facts.

Be Helpful: It’s easy to think you can relax and take a step back as soon as you have handed in your notice but this will not look good on you. Always be as helpful as you can during your notice period and do a full handover. After all, it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. You may need your colleagues in the future.

The Don’ts Of Resigning

Don’t Act on Impulse: Handing in your notice when you are angry or upset is not advised. Should you be in a situation where you are feeling this way, take some time to reflect and sleep on it. If you decide that you still want to hand your notice in, ensure you are calmer before doing so.

Just Quit: As tempting as it may be, you should not and cannot refuse to work your notice period. If it is in your employment contract then it is legally binding. If you do walk out of your job, you cannot expect a good reference from your employer or to be paid for your notice period.

Slate your Employer: Social media is a powerful tool and it doesn’t take long for word to get out. No matter how you feel about your employer, do not bad mouth them, especially on social media. It won’t look good on you.

Boast to Your Colleagues: Sometimes when an entire department is unhappy it’s easy to feel smug when you have a new job and your colleagues haven’t. Try to be compassionate about their feelings.

Ensure you avoid the use of inappropriate language in your resignation letter. Maintain your professionalism and be as productive as possible till the last day at work.