We are often asked how to hand in your notice. Quite often it is people who have never changed jobs or others that have perhaps had a bad experience. 
 

Business Support Business Manager, Ferguson, has drafted her top tips for handing in your notice, along with a resignation letter template to get you started if you are moving on.
 

Tough Decisions

Deciding to hand in your notice and leave your place of work can be a gut-wrenching process or something you have been waiting to do for a long time!
 

Handling this as professionally as possible will stand you in good stead for the rest of your career – you don't burn your bridges! Whatever sector you operate in, you will more than likely be in contact with old colleagues and maintaining a good relationship with them could be critical to your future success.
 

What can often be a nerve-wracking time can be turned in your favour by following five simple steps:
 

Don't Let Emotions Take Over

It's crucial you take the time to think things through and not make any rash decisions. Is this the right choice for you and your career? Are you reacting angrily to a situation?
 

Try not to let your heart overrule your head when it comes to making life-changing decisions about your career; you may regret the choice you made whilst in a negative frame of mind.
 

Strike The Right Tone In Your Resignation Letter

Striking the right tone with your resignation letter is an important step toward a smooth transition from your old job to your new one.
 

• Keep it official, informing your employer of your notice period and the date you intend to leave the business.
• Remain professional throughout, don't add too much personal detail as to why you are leaving.
• Be courteous and let your employer know that you have gained a lot from your time with the business – you want to maintain a healthy relationship with them as you move on in your career.
• Keeping your resignation letter concise and to the point is the best route. Don't use it as a way to vent frustrations you found during your time in that role; every job has negative aspects; focus on the positives you have taken from it. Not sure where to start? Download our template.
   

Speak With Your Manager Face To Face

Having a face to face chat with your line manager is the best way to inform them of your decision to move on. Telling them by email or by a letter on their desk will not endear you to them and could make for an awkward leaving process.

Try to remain calm and professional throughout the meeting; as aforementioned, don't let your emotions take control. Make sure you leave the discussion on a good note whilst ensuring you can rely upon them to provide a positive reference for future employment opportunities. 
 

Don't Jump On a Counter Offer

Your employer may receive the news of your resignation with shock and be unprepared for replacing you. This is when a counteroffer is most likely, as they will look for ways to entice you into staying with the business.
 

These offers can be very flattering, and you may be tempted to forget any grievances you have with them if offered a salary increase or promotion. However, with 80 – 95% of employees leaving the business 6-12 months after they accept a counteroffer, you could simply prolong the inevitable.
 

Think carefully about why you wanted to leave in the first place and consider if it would benefit your career to remain in a position where you are not 100% fulfilled. Your loyalty may also be questioned down the line if you accept a counteroffer, as it's something your line Manager will be unlikely to forget. 
 

Leave On a High

Once formalities are out of the way and your Manager and colleagues are aware of your departure, it's an excellent time to make sure there are no loose ends. Pull together a detailed handover so that your replacement can hit the ground running and ensure a smooth transition for your employer.
 

• Remain productive throughout your notice period, don't allow your Manager to mark down your work ethic, especially if you are awaiting a reference from them.
• Make the time to exchange contact details with key colleagues if you haven't already; you never know what the future can bring, and having reliable, professional contacts can be essential for your career.
• Making a move away from a place of work that has become comfortable and where you have friends can be a difficult process but ultimately the right move for your career.

Do you think you are ready to step up the ladder? Start your job search here or send over your CV to continue your professional journey.