how to resign

Deciding to leave your workplace can never feel like it is a simple task. However, knowing how to resign, including trusty resignation sample letters, and identifying the signs if you should leave or not can make it a smooth journey.

Knowing if you should resign or not is a process that should take time and strong consideration.

Reasons could be:

• Poor working relationships with managers


• Bullying


• Overworked


• Underpaid


• Deteriorating mental health


• Relationships with coworkers

If you feel like you have exhausted all options to make the situation better, then maybe it is time to leave your job.

What Is The Best Way To Resign?

Resigning professionally can be done in 7 simple steps, here's how:

• Check your contract. Reading through your employment contract can help identify the company's resignation policy. Commonly, companies require at least one week's notice for one month's work. If you are still unsure, then ask! It's essential to keep a stable relationship between coworkers. Therefore if you breach your employment contract unintentionally, then the company can take you to court.




• Ensure you have stable finances. Albeit, you are most likely stressed about the current work situation, but it is also essential to get your finances in order. Having a job already lined up does help. But if you are living away from home, make sure you have enough money to cover for such things like rent, bills and general living costs.




• If you have a job lined up, tell them your notice period. Tell your new employer the length of your notice period and be honest. Some may be looking for candidates to start immediately, and therefore, you do not want to risk breaching your current employment contract.




• Write your resignation. Most company policies state how they would like to receive a resignation, but most commonly, it is in writing. You can resign verbally (if the company allows it), however, if you need to attend an employment tribunal, then written evidence is better.




• Arrange a meeting with your manager. Before handing in your resignation, it is best to talk to your manager one-on-one to discuss the reasons for leaving. Remember you intend to remove any awkwardness and tension when you leave therefore remain professional and objective. After you feel confident, find a suitable time to book a one-on-one meeting with your manager. And it is also better to catch them on a good day when they are not overrun with stressful tasks!




• You may be presented with a counteroffer. What is a counteroffer? If you have demonstrated excellent work ethic throughout, then your manager may present you with a counteroffer. If you do receive a counteroffer, do not panic on the spot and accept it. Instead, walk away and take the evening to review all your options. Compare the new benefits they offer, and it is important to note, the initial intention was to leave the company.




• Time to hand in your resignation letter. After considering the possible counter letter, it is now time to hand in your notice! Ensure the dates are correct, and there are no spelling mistakes. It is also beneficial to get someone to proofread it too.

Do You Get Paid On Your Notice Period?

You are entitled to the same pay rate during your notice period, even when you are:

• Sick
• Holiday
• Temporarily laid off
• Maternity, paternity or adoption leave

Payment in lieu

However, your employer may want you to resign with immediate effect. Therefore they will give a one-off payment, which is stated in your contract. If it is not, then you can continue to work out the rest of your agreement.

Gardening leave

The employer may want you to leave the premises and stop working instantly. Gardening leave may also include working from home or for a different employer during the notice period. You will still receive the same pay and your contractual entitlements.

The reasons for this could be you decide to move to a competitor, to which your current employer wishes to keep you away from sensitive information.

Restrictive covenants

Nonetheless, your employer may restrict you from working for competitors or contact customers for some time after you leave the company.

If breach the contractual terms, the employer may take you to court.

Disputes over pay

If there are disagreements between pay and the notice period, then you can follow with your company's grievance procedures.

The grievance procedure is when you are accompanied by a colleague, trade union representative, family member or Citizens Advice Bureau worker to raise issues and complaints with the employer.

Again, make sure you check your contractual agreement to know how their procedures follow.

What To Say In A Resignation Letter?

Writing a resignation letter doesn't have to be hard; all you need to know is what to include, and what to keep out.

Follow this simple formula and resignaton letter example, and you'll be writing a professional resignation letter in no time.

[YOUR NAME]

[ADDRESS]

[DATE]

[COMPANY’S ADDRESS]

Dear [MANAGER’S NAME]

Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from my position as [JOB TITLE].

As per the terms of my contract, I will continue to work for the next [NOTICE PERIOD LENGTH], meaning my last day at the [COMPANY NAME] will be on [LAST DATE].

I want to thank you for all the opportunities and support you have offered throughout my employment. I have enjoyed being part of the team at [COMPANY NAME] and I am grateful for the professional and personal development I experienced during my years of service.

Nonetheless, I can assist with the handover as much as I can and will continue to work hard over the [LENGTH OF TIME].

Warm regards,

[YOUR NAME]

[SIGNATURE]

If you have already resigned from your job, why not read our guide on how to find a job. While you’re here, register and upload your CV for free on StudentJob.