In this article, we will look at some issues you may want to consider when you resign from a position, so that you do not burn any bridges, either inadvertently or in the heat of the moment. And we'll review some of the strategies to use in dealing with such issues relating to job resignation.

Resigning a position is a sensitive activity, and can become complicated. Employers will often use emotional tactics to persuade you to stay, or make counteroffers, which are ultimately destructive to your career within the organization. In order to avoid complicated and emotionally charged departures, there are a few guidelines that you may follow.

Before you actually resign your position, be sure another position is the right decision. If you are reacting to adverse conditions in your present employment environment, be certain that you have exhausted the possibilities of reversing those conditions before you abandon ship. It is within the realm of possibility that management may be unaware of your complaints, or at least of the severity of your discomfort. If you like your current position, and aside from some specific issues, it is a good place for you to be at this point in your career, perhaps a heart-to-heart with your boss is in order. You could save yourself the daunting task of finding a new job, and you may simultaneously open a much deeper channel of communication with your employer.

If, on the other hand, you have decided to make a career moves for all the correct reasons, by all means, make it. But, by no means tender your resignation until you have found another position and receive a written offer of employment from your new company. When you do hand in your notice, do so in a written format as well.

There are some considerations to bear in mind when composing a letter of resignation. It is customary to give your employer a specific length of time, during which you will remain on the job while they find a replacement and train them. Two weeks is a basic rule of thumb, but there are different standards in different industries. Be sure you make an appropriate offer in terms of the timeframe of your notice.

Avoid expressing rancor or bitterness in your official resignation. No one knows what the future holds, and even though it might make you feel oh, so much better to tell your current boss exactly where to get off, it is always a sound decision to keep everything professional, and keep the focus on yourself and the needs of your career. Avoid burning your bridges.

According to the experts, a simple letter that clearly states your resignation, citing professional and career development concerns, is the most professional choice. By stating that you have a firm offer in hand, and have accepted that offer, you will reduce the likelihood of a concentrated program of emotional blackmail and the complex temptations of a counter-offer.

The following content is an example of a professionally sound and appropriate resignation letter.

Dear Ms. Employer,

I am writing to announce that I have decided to resign my position with (the company), effective (your last day of employment). I greatly appreciate the opportunity that (the company) has given me to exercise my skills and develop my career.

My decision is final. I would greatly appreciate it if you would respect this decision and avoid any attempt to cause me to reconsider. I will make every effort to leave on the best of terms by completing my assignments and making smooth transitions for those who will take over my current responsibilities.

Sincerely,

(Your Signature)

cc: (Human Resources Manager)

This communication is short, sweet, respectful, polite, professional and no-nonsense. If your employer insists, after this receiving this rational communiqu, to persist in making a mess of your departure, at least your conscience will be clear.

Many employers may try to pressure you into giving a longer notice than what is customary in your industry, maintaining that they have inadequate time to hire and train someone to take your place. It is highly recommended that you stick to your original offer, and reconfirm that your final day at work will be the date stipulated in your written resignation.

An employer may also ask you to leave immediately, and not to complete any notice whatsoever. There is no need to take such a request personally. Many companies have adopted this kind of policy, preferring to break cleanly with employees rather than run the risk of bitterness and retribution among staff disrupting work during your notice. If they refuse your notice timeframe and ask you to leave immediately, simply do so. Regard it as a surprise vacation, or a chance to start your job search a couple of weeks earlier than you expected.

If they do choose to honor your offered notice period, strive to remain professional during that time period, and maintain an impeccable performance. When you actually do leave, make sure that the company will really miss you.

And one final word of advice, to assure that your bridges remain open and unkindled: do not influence others in the organization to follow you out the door. If you diligently maintain that you are making a change for reasons very specific to your own career, that is one thing. When you lead other workers out the door, it becomes quite something else. Causing multiple vacancies in a companys roster is a serious blow, and one that can saddle you with a reputation as a mutineer that may travel with you throughout the career you left to develop.

Review the strategies offered in this article when it comes time to consider your own job resignation. You may find that your resignation, instead of being a sore spot in your career, can become a springboard that launches you solidly into a new career position.

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR JOB SEARCH