Congratulations! You have been made an offer on a role you want to accept.

Before resigning:

• Have a written offer not just a verbal one
• Read through your contract
• Re-assess your reasons for leaving and re-affirm that they are unchanged
• Check that this offer is one that will enhance your career
• Changing your mind could be a costly career mistake

For most people resignation is actually the most difficult stage of the process. You are severing links with a role and people you know. This is something your employer will use to try and make you change your mind.

Resigning

• Should be carried out in a professional and courteous manner
• Type a letter to your direct manager containing:
  • the date for the point of resignation
  • the fact that you are resigning
  • your understanding of your notice period
  • thank the company and your manager for the time and effort they given you personally and for your time at the company
• Request a face to face meeting, in private, to deliver the letter of resignation
• Prepare what you are going to say e.g. "An opportunity has come up that I cannot turn down".
• Be professional and courteous at all times
• You will be asked why you are leaving, do not be drawn into a discussion/ argument
• No matter what your view of the firm, management or staff is - stay professional at all times

Your manager will probably have been the person that hired you, trained you, supported and mentored you. They may take your resignation personally. Be prepared for different reactions from a congratulatory handshake to outright anger or a guilt trip. Regardless of their reaction you must stay calm.

Your employer may make a "counter-offer" – See link. This is an effort through increased salary or revised role duties to make you re-consider and stay. It is important to make it clear to your employer that you will not accept a counter-offer. You must be clear from the outset that you are leaving.