In the excitement of accepting a glossy new job, many people psychologically move on from their current employer before they start their new job.
In Australia, this shift can be evidenced in a many ways, including using up accrued sick leave, coming in to work late, leaving early, taking long lunch hours and generally working at reduced productivity. With their sights firmly fixed on the future, it’s easy for people to forget that apart from possibly breaching their terms of employment, these actions can have serious consequences, including:
- damaging their relationship with their current supervisor or manager
- jeopardising their reference from the company, and
- burning bridges they might need in the future.
That’s why, when the time comes to resign from a job, it’s important to do so gracefully and professionally.
Give Your Notice
Firstly, you should make every effort to arrange a commencement date with your new employer that accommodates your current employer’s notice requirements – if you’re not sure what they are, you’ll find them on your employment contract, or if you are an Australian Award employee, in the relevant award.
Request a Meeting
When you have received written confirmation of your new employment and have agreed to the salary and other terms and conditions, it’s time to request a meeting with your manager or supervisor to give your notice. Because resignation conversations can be emotional, it’s a good idea to plan what you’re going to say at the meeting and stick to it as much as possible. This is not the time to air your grievances – now that you’ve decided to leave, the important thing is arranging a smooth and professional handover of your duties.
Letter of Resignation
You can provide your manager with a formal letter of resignation at the meeting, or shortly afterwards, if you use the meeting to confirm your resignation date. The letter should be brief, factual and courteous, along the following lines:
Dear xxx
As discussed, this is to confirm my resignation from the position of <<position>>, effective <<date>>. It’s been a pleasure working with <<organisation>> and I’d like to take this opportunity to wish both you and <<organisation>> every success in the future.
Sincerely
During the meeting, ask your manager how they would like to announce your departure – they might prefer to let certain people know directly before it becomes common knowledge, and will appreciate your courtesy in giving them that option.
The Resignation Period
During your resignation period, it’s important that you maintain your usual high standard of productivity and professionalism. If you don’t, it will most certainly be noticed and could work against you later. Make sure to clear any of your personal files off your work computer before you leave; finish off all your outstanding work and leave your office or workspace clean and neat, ready for your replacement. It’s also a good idea to prepare a set of handover notes, to give your replacement the best possible start in their new job.
Remain Gracious and Professional
Regardless of the reasons you are leaving, there is never a good time to speak badly of your manager, co-workers or employing organisation, and you should be extremely careful not to blog, post or tweet anything that could come back to you in the future. Remember the key words “gracious” and “professional” – apply them throughout your resignation process and you will leave a positive impression that will pay you back many times over throughout your career.
Do you have a question about the Australian jobsearch process? Post it in the Embrace Australia forum, or visit Susan at Australian Career Suite for high-impact jobsearch and career services, tailored to the needs of Australian visa holders, visa applicants and international candidates.
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