1. How to Resign
Resigning is never easy, especially when you’ve worked at a position for several years and have become part of a team.
Some employers and co-workers take it personally and accuse you of abandoning ship. However, handling your
resignation as professionally and thoughtfully as you handle your search for a new job can help make your resignation
relatively smooth and amicable.
MAKE UP YOUR MIND
Before you submit your resignation, you must be clearly committed to leaving. Have you already perused all avenues
for advancement within your firm? Visit with your boss and other key personnel to learn where your career stands and
what plans are in place for you. Give your firm every consideration. This will help you commit to your new
opportunity once you decide to leave.
KEEP RESIGNATIONS SHORT, SIMPLE AND POSITIVE
Leave your employer on a positive note. You’re moving on does not have to be a time for long faces. After all, you
have just won an opportunity to advance.
If you have given your best to the job, you will be missed - especially by those inconvenienced by your leaving! Let
them know that you intend to assist them in whatever ways you can. By showing your boss and firm due respect, you
will encourage future support that you my someday need.
When you resign, keep your conversation simple and concise. The more you say, the more questions you may have to
answer. Avoid lengthy discussions about your new opportunity with your old employer. Typically, your resignation
creates extra work for others.
Chances are, your boss will be caught off guard by your resignation and will not be able to listen clearly due to concerns
about the sudden challenge you’re leaving presents. Because your boss is losing a valued employee, he or she may
express negative opinions about your new firm or position. This will only confuse you. You may find yourself having
to justify your personal goals and decisions or absorb the personal frustrations of others. If you’re dealing with volatile
or vindictive personalities, it may be best to avoid revealing where you will be going.
If you feel you may face a hostile atmosphere, resign at the end of your work day so that you are no longer on company
time and are in control of your schedule. Try to schedule any discussions for the following morning when everyone can
face your departure after time to absorb and reflect on the news. If you have to defend yourself at this first meeting, or
if things begin to get out of control, ask to re-schedule the meeting for a more appropriate time.
THE WRITTEN RESIGNATION
Written resignations give you the time to prepare what you wish to communicate and give you greater control over your
delivery of the message. You can be thrown off track by an unexpected remark which can happen during a
confrontational conversation. A written resignation also reinforces the fact that you are really leaving and are not
simply threatening in order to re-negotiate your position. Also, there is something permanent about the written word
which often circumvents interrogation.
Under no circumstances should you state any dissatisfaction with the firm or individuals. Not only is it good manners
to stress the positive when leaving, but items in your personnel file may long outlast the individuals and circumstances
responsible for your dissatisfaction. You never know when your path will cross those of your former colleagues.
To keep your resignation short, simple and positive, you may want to write something like:

2. Date
Company Name
Street
City, State Zip
Dear (name),
I hereby submit my resignation as (your title) with (company name) effective (date).
I have made a commitment to accept another position which I feel would enhance my career
growth.
I have enjoyed working with you and (company name). I will always value the experience
acquired during my employment. I will miss the many friends and business relationships
developed at (company name). Again it has been a pleasure working for you and I look
forward to making this transition a positive one.
Sincerely,
(Your name)
Letters get filed and passed around to explain what happened, reducing the call for endless orations on the same subject.
They also dispel any perceived ambivalence in your behavior during this delicate time.
LEAVE ON THE RIGHT NOTE
Before leaving the firm, take time to speak with each of your support staff, peers, executive personnel and others with
whom you’ve worked. Clear up any unfinished business. Be sensitive to other’s reactions and keep your conversations
positive and constructive.
Some people may naturally express their own discontentment and may egg you on to agree with them. Don’t! Instead,
express your appreciation and tell your colleagues you’ll miss them. A little time spent nurturing relationships before
leaving for your new job will go a long way to build your future.
Also, keep in mind that it is a professional courtesy to give your employer ample notice to help them prepare for your
departure - typically 2 weeks. However, you should try to get out as soon as possible to avoid recurring invitations to
tell your story and to avoid having to deal with the frustrations and pressures at the job as the firm adjusts to your
leaving.
COMMON QUESTIONS ASKED
Upon resigning, many questions may be asked. Remember to stay focused on the subject and don’t stray.
What can we do to keep you?
Obvious question geared to a counter offer. A sample response may be, “I don’t want to get into this area. I
appreciate what we’ve been able to accomplish but I am committed to leave and hope we can make this a positive
transition.”
Why are you leaving?
Refrain from listing all the things your employer can’t change. A sample response may be, “The emotional
circumstances are not right, lets focus on getting everything done.” (Positive transition)
Where are you going?
Although tempting, the best advice is to leave your new company’s name out. A sample response may be, “I don’t
want to get into that right now, but I will give you a call when I get settled in about 2 weeks and I will fill you in
then.”

3. DON’T CHANGE YOUR DECISION NOW!!
You have made a decision to take a step toward your future. Have you thought about what will happen when you start
your actual interviews?
Some changes take place almost immediately. You will have a new zest, a new energy level, you’ll smile instead of
frown, purr instead of bark and you will become a better person to have around! Instead of being in a corner of the
office, you will become more visible. Fellow workers and bosses will feel the change and start to take notice. The boss
will say “Maybe we should do something good for this good employee.”
Your fellow workers and boss will become better people to be around because you will be feeling pretty good about
yourself. Meanwhile, the interviewing process will be underway as we will be arranging interviews for you. Your
positive attitude will carry back to the office. After all, you have decided to change your life and this will make you feel
happy. You will come to a point of receiving the offer, accepting and advising your supervisor of your intention to
resign. Or you may not have given your notice but they will be noticing you!
The boss will call you into the office for a meeting. This “nice boss” will begin talking about your future with the
company and the plans that they have for you! Up to that point, you never knew you had any future with the company!
There will be changes the company is planning or maybe an incredible raise. Or perhaps the promotion you have
waited for. Confusion will set in because you will wonder how you could possibly leave this employer. When you
phone your consultant to say that you aren’t taking another job, your consultant will be in shock. It will be too late to
attempt any logical reasoning with you!
Now is the time to think about your future and how you will handle these confusing situations. Think about your
reasons for interviewing now. Will anything really change? Where was this money for the raise over the last few
years? Why didn’t they think enough of you before now? If there were no reasons to look, you wouldn’t be talking to
us - it may be company problems, money, locations, benefits, enhancing of your career but it will be necessary for you
to “move on.”
The statistics show that 88% of the people that take counteroffers after giving notice leave the employer within six
months! Employers also do not like to be fired – they would rather do the firing! There is no question that the longer
you have been there, the more difficult it will be to resign. Make your commitment and do not change it! When you
start to waiver, call your consultant for advice!
SOME THOUGHTS TO PONDER:
 Any situation, in which an employee is forced to get an outside offer before being offered a raise and/or
promotion, is suspect.
 No matter what the company says when making a counter-offer, the candidate who stays will always be
questioned of loyalty. They are no longer considered to be a team player and will usually be the first to go.
 Counter-offers are nothing more than stall devices to give the employer enough time to find a suitable
replacement.
 A candidate’s reasons for wanting to leave an employer are still existent; just a bit more tolerable because of a
raise (or whatever).
 Decent companies don’t make counter-offers…ever. Their policies are fair and equitable and they WILL
NOT subject themselves to blackmail.
 Bosses hate to lose people because:
 It’s bad for morale for someone to quit… better to fire them later.
 There’s NEVER a good time for someone to quit.
 It makes them look bad.
 They personally might have to work a little harder.

4.  Bosses who counter-offer say things like:
 This raise was supposed to go into effect next quarter, but we’ll start it the first of the month instead.
 The V.P. has had his eye on you and really has you in mind for some expanded responsibilities.
 I’ve been meaning to tell you about our plans for expansion (which of course includes you) but it’s
been confidential and I couldn’t tell you before now.
 The President and Vice President want to have dinner with you tonight before you make your final
decision.
 You’re going to work for WHO?
 I’m really shocked. I thought you were as happy with us as we are with you. Let’s discuss it before
you make your final decision. (This is one for people the President and Vice President couldn’t care
less about).
 Counter Offers are made because of a threat to quit. Will you have to quit any time you want a raise or
promotion?
 Statistics show that if you accept a counter-offer, the probability of voluntarily leaving in six months or being
let go within one year is extremely high.
STARTING A NEW JOB
1. If you have not filled out information beforehand, arrive the first day with information on yourself and your
dependants. You may need to complete an employee form asking for details of your work history, etc. You may need to
complete withholding and insurance forms.
2. Confirm in advance when you should arrive, the address you should report to, and to whom you should report. Ask if
any tests (medical or otherwise) will be taken. Having a poppy seed roll can make you fail some blood tests and don't
drink liquor the night before.
3. Have a good night's rest. Starting any new job is stressful and may involve putting in extra time at work. You need to
be rested to deal with everything well.
4. Immediately get all the information you can on the company and their products/services. Only at this time can you
see it through the eyes of your customers and can often provide valuable input, and it helps you get started on the
learning process.
5. Immediately contact the people, who receive company mail, send computer reports, and route phone calls. Introduce
yourself and let them know how to route things to you. If appropriate, tell them to route your predecessor's messages
and mail to you. Make sure your name is added to:
A. Company phone directories
B. Mailing/routing lists (including anything sent to your predecessor).
C. Organization charts
6. Review all written policies concerning what you should be doing: call reports, expense accounts, forecasts, etc. Ask
your supervisor about any "unwritten rules" and guidelines that you should be following: appropriate dress, whom to
contact if you're sick, etc.
7. If there is not a formal schedule, set up "get to know each other" meetings with other people, other departments and
subordinates. It's best to meet in their office, on their "turf". Take notes. People often tell people things once and don't
repeat them. It is easier for them to remember things about you because you're the one "new kid" on the block. You
need to remember a lot of new information. Make sure to get names right, secretaries, assistants, nicknames, etc.
8. Be very, very careful about reacting to what people initially tell you. You don't know "the lay of the land" is, and
there may be good reasons for NOT doing what they are recommending. Listen, but don't commit until you have
checked things out with other people. Don't spread gossip. Don't try to do too much, too fast. It's better to make good
decisions versus quick decisions.

5. 9. Ask questions. There is a "honeymoon period" where people know you don't know everything. A question asked now
may raise eyebrows a month from now.
10. Document benchmarks against which you will be measured. For instance: What were the sales or profits when you
started? This will let you measure the impact of changes that you make. Put an "Accomplishments" file in your desk.
Drop in notes as things happen. All employees are reviewed, formally or informally, and this file will help you present
the contribution you have made and will result in better reviews. Also, typically after year-end results come in, take the
file home and decide what is so important that it should be made part of a permanent accomplishments file. That way,
you're prepared to discuss your work history 5-10 years in the past.
11. Get out of your office. Walk around and learn by observing other departments and meeting people. Get into the field
and meet customers. Learn about your competition.
12. If this has not been done, order:
A. Business Cards
B. Company Cards
1. Phone
2. Credit
3. ID
C. Other
1. Memberships
2. Periodical subscriptions
3. Assigned parking spot
4. Office equipment/supplies: company phone line, fax, computer, cell phone, beeper, etc.
5. Support materials: literature, customer information, sales data, etc.
6. Company vehicle (if applicable).
13. Review any announcements being made:
A. Internal Announcements
1. Switchboard
2. Mail Room
3. Co-workers
B. External Announcements
1. Public relations release to media
2. To customers
14. Encourage open, candid dialog about any questions or concerns. Some people are reluctant to bring things up to a
new employee. Compliment people when deserved. Stamp out inappropriate behavior quickly, before it becomes
ingrained. Review things with your supervisor and ask for their input/guidance.
15. Maintain a good schedule of exercise, good nutrition, and rest so you are able to be at peak performance during this
stressful period. Maintain and exhibit a good sense of humor.
Anthony P. Pivirotto, CPC, CDR
Vice President/Partner
Management Search of RI
800 405 1152 Ext. 249
apivirotto@msi1.com
Notes: