Northcoast ExecuSearch, Inc.

...Behind the Companies

Resignations

Your new team is anxiously waiting for you to arrive.  It’s time to begin the transition from your old job to your new opportunity.  The following suggestions will enable you to resign professionally and minimize your stress.

You should not state the amount of your new salary to present employers. You are not on the auction block.

Careers are destroyed by counter offers. Many who accept a counter offer are back on the street within six months.

There are three ways a company traditionally handles a resignation:

  1. Leave Now: Your employer will ask you to pack up and leave immediately.
  2. The Stall: Your employer will ask you to put off your decision for a couple of days. This gives them time to stroke and massage you into staying (and time to find a replacement).
  3. Loyalty: Your employer will play on your emotions in order to give you a guilt trip. You may be told, "Look what we have done for you." Remember that you have done a good job and owe them nothing. The same situation that caused you to look still exists. You can’t change a leopard’s spots, can you?

Part of your boss’s job is to keep you. It will cost money to replace you, train another person and deal with down time. Your leaving is a reflection on your boss’s managerial abilities, so he will try to keep you. If he truly cared about you, why would he hold you back from a brighter future?


Counter Offers

In today’s competitive environment, you are more likely than not to receive a counter offer. While a counter offer may be tempting, look closely at the following pitfalls:

Will your loyalty always be in question?
If there are future cutbacks, will you be the first to go because of concerns about your loyalty?
If you accept for more money, are you just giving your employer the time they need to locate and select your replacement?
Will your career track remain blocked if you accept it?
Will your responsibilities be expanded?
Will you have to report to a person you do not respect?
Will you receive next year’s raise or bonus early?


SAMPLE RESIGNATION LETTERS

No matter what the circumstances are surrounding your resignation, a professional approach is always recommended. Your professional reputation and references depend greatly on the manner in which you depart.

The following are sample letters. The wording will not be ideal for every situation; however, as a general guideline, we suggest following these examples while preparing your official letter.


Sample Letter 1:

(DATE)

Dear ______________:

Please accept this letter as my formal resignation as (TITLE) for (COMPANY) to become effective as of (DATE). This resignation is final and irrevocable. I have accepted a position in (LOCATION).

I believe this position will offer me more challenges and opportunities for advancement as well as allow me to broaden my own experience and knowledge.

I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your time and efforts in my training and advancement during the past (TIME). The support and concern shown me by you and the rest of the management team has been deeply appreciated.

I leave (COMPANY) with no animosity or ill will and wish you and your company continued success. To save potential embarrassment for everyone, no counteroffers will either be entertained or accepted.

Sincerely,

(YOUR NAME)

c: President
Direct Supervisor
Personnel


Sample Letter 2:

(DATE)

Dear ______________:

Please accept this letter as my formal resignation as (TITLE) for (COMPANY) to become effective as of (DATE). I have accepted a position in (LOCATION).

I believe that my new position will offer me increased challenge, greater opportunity for advancement, and it will serve to broaden my professional experience and knowledge.

I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your time and efforts in my training and advancement during the past (TIME). The support and concern shown me by you and the rest of the management team has been deeply appreciated.

I leave (COMPANY) with no animosity or ill will and wish you and your company continued success.

My decision is irrevocable. In conclusion, any and all counteroffers extended will be rejected.

Sincerely,

(YOUR NAME)

c: President
Direct Supervisor
Personnel