YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

EXPERIENCED DARREN BUCHANAN MANAGING DIRECTOR, HAYS QUEENSLAND

Firstly, write your letter of resignation. If you are leaving on good terms you may want to add an extra sentence or two thanking your boss for the opportunities you’ve been given. If not, simply state your intention to resign; there is no need to elaborate. Your boss may ask if you’ve secured an alternative job elsewhere – if you don’t want to reveal where you’re going, you’re perfectly within your rights to keep this to yourself. Once you have handed in your notice, keep it confidential – your boss will appreciate being the one to decide who else to tell and when to break the news.

MID-CAREER ANDREA DAVEY CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, EMPLOYMENT OFFICE

Congratulations on the new role! It’s time to book in a meeting with your manager to let them know in person you are resigning. I find it is always better to deliver this news face-to-face. Before the meeting, make sure to read your employment contract carefully so you know the full details on your notice period. You may want to prepare a letter of resignation in advance, alternatively, an email sent after the meeting would usually suffice. During the meeting I find it’s best to thank the manager and company for the time and opportunities and to offer help with the handover or finding a replacement.

UP & COMING JULIE FORD SENIOR EXECUTIVE CONSULTANT, McARTHUR

The excitement of going through a successful recruitment process to get the job offer is often balanced with the anxiety of resigning from your current role. No matter what reason you have for leaving, always exit gracefully. Personally hand a professional, written letter of resignation to your immediate manager, stating the reason if appropriate, your effective leaving date and a sincere thank you for opportunities provided. I recommend including what you enjoyed – tasks, teams or training. Do not burn bridges – you never know when you will meet previous colleagues in future.

THE EXPERT DR NERIDA HILLBERG DIRECTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY, FERRIS MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS

My pieces of advice are to wait until you have a written, signed contract and a start date. Don’t burn bridges. Ensure you provide the requisite notice period. Also, tell your boss before your colleagues. Be mindful of timing, and that includes not leaving when you’re mid-project. Speak to your boss in person, but also provide a formal resignation letter. You may want to consider what you will do if your boss gives you a better counter-offer to retain you. Offer to provide input/advice/training/guidance for your replacement.