Managing the offer
Resignation
Once you have accepted your new job, your most important task is to inform your present manager. A letter of resignation is the normal way to communicate your action and it acts as a formal document stating the date from which you wish your notice period to begin. A simple resignation letter should include details of the person to whom it is addressed, the notice of termination of employment, when this is effective from and your signature.
You may have already spoken to your manager about looking for a new job. If you are leaving on good terms or will be sorry to be leaving, you may want to add an extra sentence or two thanking your boss for their assistance in the past and expressing your regret at leaving your colleagues and friends. On the other hand, if your resignation is less than amicable it is better to keep your letter simple and to the point.
Dos and Don’ts
- Do ask to see your boss alone
- Do tell your boss before your work colleagues
- Do choose a convenient time - not just before your boss goes into a meeting
- Do advise the reasons for leaving e.g. change of direction etc
- If this is the first time your boss is aware of your intention to leave be prepared for a negative reaction and re-confirm the reasons why you are leaving
- Do reassure your boss you'll be helpful and co-operative during any handover period
- Do leave on good terms
- Do maintain an interest in your role during your notice period
- Do look forward to your new role
Before you resign
Before you make that final decision to resign, think again.
- Is this the right decision?
- Why are you leaving your current job
- Is the new job the right one for you?
- Have you considered all the alternatives? If your present boss is unaware that you are leaving, would they offer you an alternative role/promotion/money? If they did, would that make a difference?
- Think again about your original reasons for leaving and whether any other incentive from your present employer would make a difference – both to you and them
- If your present employer offers you an incentive to stay, consider what is in it for them as well as you
- If you should decide to stay, what impact will your resignation have on your future relationship with your manager/colleagues?
- Think carefully before accepting any counter-offers, especially if you have been through the long and difficult process of landing your dream job.
Starting your new job
Points to consider when starting your new job
- You need to create a good impression in your first few days. First impressions matter.
- Be early. Make sure you know how long the journey from home to work is going to take, especially in the rush hour. Have a practice run to make sure.
- Dress appropriately for the role.
- Have pen and paper in order to write notes about any instructions.
- You may have an induction programme set out for you. If not, ask where the facilities are: toilets, canteen etc. Find out what normal office procedures are: taking breaks, personal phone calls, booking holidays (not on your first day!).
- If you are unsure about anything, don’t be afraid to ask. Keep asking questions but make sure you write down the answers so that you have something to refer to on the second and subsequent days.
- Ask for more work if you run out.
- Show enthusiasm to learn and work hard. Be friendly and interested in other people.
- If you make a mistake and do not know how to correct it, ask for help. People are always willing to show the new person how to do something. You are not expected to get everything right all the time.
- Your manager is there to help you. S/he is there to support you and is interested in ensuring that you settle quickly and effectively into your new role. A good working relationship is extremely important to both of you and your manager will be a key support person in those early days, explaining the company’s culture and expectations.