Ten Step Resignation Process

The resignation process can be stressful and filled with emotion, especially if your company culture is very team-oriented. There is a good chance that you have developed fairly strong relationships with many people in many different parts of the company.

Protis recommends the following process to help you through this difficult time:

1. Do not second-guess your decision to resign. Remember that you went through the interview process, the hassle of taking personal time from work, invested time to educate yourself on the company, and perhaps even had many emotional conversations with your family members for a reason. Remind yourself that you would not have gone through this process, if at anytime you thought that it was not the right thing to do.
2. Do not resign until you have a formal offer and start date from your new employer.
3. Be prepared to resign both verbally and by letter.
4. Resign verbally to your direct supervisor. Try not to get emotional. At times this may be difficult, especially if you have a very special relationship with this person. Thank them for the opportunities they have given for you to grow personally and professionally, and give them a well-constructed reason for your resignation. Don't focus on the possible negative reasons you are leaving. Rather, be sure to explain the highlights of your new opportunity.
5. If you are a key player on the team, anticipate that your boss may show some degree of frustration. Remain calm. Recognize that they are acting on the emotion of one of their best people leaving them. You will find that if this is an initial reaction from your employer. Typically, they will quickly recognize their attitude, and become more relaxed.
6. Prepare your resignation letter. Protis recommends that you keep this letter brief and very formal. Remove all emotion from the content. Including comments that are based upon emotion may give your employer the ammunition they need to develop a counteroffer. Click here to see more information on the counteroffer. Your letter should be addressed to your immediate supervisor and a copy should be sent to your Human Resources Department. Click here to download the Protis Resignation Letter Template that you can use as a guide to structure your letter.
7. Continue working to the best of your ability while you work through your notice period, which we recommend being no longer than two (2) weeks. Notice periods that extend longer than two weeks usually lead to unnecessary tension between your current employer and yourself. After all, you are excited about your new position, and probably want to start impacting your new company. Think about how your enthusiasm for you new position could impact your peers.
8. If your employer asks you to leave immediately, do not let this be a concern. Your employer probably recognizes some of the possible negative ramifications your resignation may have on the rest of the company.
9. If your company does not have formal exit interviews, you should ask for one. Exit interviews are a great way for you to exchange valuable information that may help a department or company grow. During the Exit Interview, do not be negative. Rather, point out the opportunities for growth, or improvement, that you feel exist. If you are going to bring up a problem, be sure to offer potential solutions.
10. If you are working with one of Protis' professional Search Consultants, be sure to open up, and discuss your personal situation with them. Share your fears. They will have dealt with candidates with similar concerns in the past, and therefore, will be able to help you through the process.