But even if you hold a grudge, burning bridges on your way out is a seriously bad idea. It might leave you momentarily satisfied but you'll be creating obstacles for future opportunities.
So how do you get it right?
Consider your notice period - It is important to give proper resignation notice; your company’s resignation period will be listed in your contract or the company’s policy manual. If you cannot work your notice, you will not only run the risk of upsetting the company, your colleagues and current clients, but you may also lose any termination benefits, such as pay for unused vacation.
You may be pushed by your new employer to start with them as soon as possible, requesting you to shorten your notice period. Although this may be tempting, you must be responsible, it is advisable to never take this avenue.
You may be pushed by your new employer to start with them as soon as possible, requesting you to shorten your notice period.
Inform your manager in person - It's best practice to inform your manager in person that you’re leaving the company, then follow it up in a letter - not an email. Keep your letter formal and friendly.
Keep your resignation quiet - There could be business-critical reasons for keeping your resignation quiet so follow your manager's lead when it comes to breaking the news.
Manage your handover in a professional manner - Keep people onside, be a true professional and make sure your projects and duties are all in order before you leave and try to clear up any unfinished business.
Anything left will impact on your existing colleagues/team/bosses and you never know when you may have to work with past colleagues again, either in another company as colleagues or as clients in a business capacity. Ensure that a thorough handover is given and notes are completed.
Check your references - Before you leave ask what sort of reference you’ll be given as it’s better to deal with the issue up front than get a nasty surprise later. References can be more thorough when taken quickly as bosses are more likely to remember your finer points, so there is less risk of receiving a vague, mediocre reference.
Managing counter offers - Once you’ve resigned, don’t change your mind - as soon as you have made it perfectly clear that you want to leave, your loyalty will be in question. Research shows that employees who take a counter-offer or go back on their decision mostly end up leaving in a matter of months anyway.
Know your worth, download the Robert Walters Salary Survey.
You’ve decided to make a move, so what are you waiting for? Even before you land your first interview, there are loads of things you can be doing to help you prepare for a change of job. Although coming to the decision that you’re ready to change jobs is a big step, translating that decision into th
Read MoreYour referees are very important in your job seeking process. Once you have successfully impressed the interviewer, a good reference from your chosen referees can be the difference between getting your dream job and being rejected. Your future employer will want to know from your referees how you pe
Read MoreNo one enjoys getting turned down for a job, and if you’ve done a lot of preparation for a role that you really wanted, it can be harder still to accept a rejection. But with the right mindset, you can turn the experience into a career development opportunity. Here’s how… Ask for detailed feedback T
Read MoreCome join our global team of creative thinkers, problem solvers and game changers. We offer accelerated career progression, a dynamic culture and expert training.