You’re Hired! Now What?

Once you’ve survived the interview and have been offered the new job, you need to turn your attention to resigning from your current job. Resigning is more than quitting; it’s a process that allows your current employer fair notice while helping you prepare for a smooth transition to your new job.

Before you resign, make sure that all of your ducks are in a row with the new company. Of course, you should not resign until you have received a formal job offer in writing, but also consider any other pre-employment requirements such as background checks, reference checks, education verification, credit check and drug tests. Until you’ve fulfilled all of the qualifications, hold off on resignation.

When you’re ready to resign, remember to focus on the positive. Resist the temptation to air your gripes with your old boss or to “go out with a bang.” Your current employer still has the power to influence future potential employers, so don’t burn any bridges!

Three Steps to Resigning:

  1. Make a plan that will make the transition as easy as possible for everyone. If you have projects that can’t be finished before you leave, make arrangements with your employer so that no one is left in the lurch. Ideally, your plan should be in writing, though you can deliver it orally as well. The standard minimum notice is two weeks, but there may be no set amount of notice you’re required to give to stay in your employer’s good graces.
  2. Set an appointment with your supervisor as soon as your new job is confirmed. You will need to draft a resignation letter to bring to the meeting, as well as your transition plan. Inform your boss first, so that he or she doesn’t hear about it through the grapevine. During your meeting, stand firm with your decision, but stay positive. Thank your supervisor for helping you move forward in your career, and refer to your successes at the company. Make it clear if you are not interested in a counter-offer, and ask that they respect that. Don’t hesitate to ask for a letter of recommendation, and if you may put them down as a professional reference in the future.
  3. The final step to your resignation is the exit interview, which is commonly conducted by Human Resources. During the interview, you will be asked for the reason you’re leaving, as well as suggestions to improve the company. Although you’re being asked for criticism, don’t be overly harsh – but at the same time, if you had any major issues with the company, now is the time to be honest about it. You will also be given information on transferring your benefits, your final paycheck, turning in any security cards, IDs and/or parking placards. Remain positive throughout the process and your former bosses and co-workers, even when it’s over.

If you’re worried that your employer may be upset to lose you or that they’ll take it personally, remind yourself that this is a business move, and that you don’t owe them your employment. You also aren’t obligated to tell your employer where you will be working next.

You can reduce the stress if you inform your boss of your departure at a neutral location, such as a café over lunch, or by resigning near the end of the day. Whatever you choose, don’t delay in starting the transition process.

Click here for an example of an effective resignation letter.

Top 10 Reasons Not to Accept a Counter Offer

  1. What type of company do you work for if you have to threaten to resign before they give you what you are worth?
  2. Where is the money for the counter offer coming from? Is it your next raise early? All companies have strict wage and salary guidelines, which must be followed.
  3. Your company will immediately start looking for a new person at a cheaper price.
  4. You have now made your employer aware that you are unhappy. From this day on, your loyalty will always be in question.
  5. When promotion time comes around, your employer will remember who was loyal and who wasn’t.
  6. When times get tough, your employer will begin to cutback with you.
  7. The same circumstances that now caused you to consider a change will repeat themselves in the future, even if you accept a counteroffer.
  8. Statistics show that if you accept a counteroffer the probability of voluntarily leaving in six months or being let go within a year is extremely high — over 90%.
  9. Accepting a counteroffer is an insult to your intelligence and a blow to your personal pride — you cannot be bought.
  10. Once the word gets out, the relationship that you now enjoy with your co-workers will never be the same. You will lose the personal satisfaction of peer group acceptance.