How to Resign & Do It Professionally Contents 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Understanding The Resignation Counteroffers The Correct Strategy What You Should Say What Your Employer Will Say & Actions You Should Anticipate What Not To Do Reasons Not To Consider A Counteroffer Sample Letter of Resignation Article About Counteroffers 2255 Cumberland Parkway, S.E., Building 1500, Atlanta, Georgia 30339 ○ Phone (770) 805-5000 ○ http://www.handler.com Understanding The Resignation A resignation is just that, a resignation . . . . “the act of informing your current employer of your decision to be employed elsewhere.” The purpose of the resignation is to inform not to discuss. In fact, the less discussion you can have the better. This is usually not something people enjoy so the quicker and easier the better. Discussions about your future with your current employer should have taken place long before your resignation. Likewise, discussions regarding shortcomings of your current employer are subjects which should have been addressed long before the final “adios” is given. You see, a resignation is just that, your final . . . good-bye. You want to make it quick, professional and painless. If you start discussing what could have been and what should have been, it won’t be quick and it very often will leave some unnecessary hard feelings behind. You always want to leave on a positive note and that is very hard to do when the last things discussed are the shortcomings of your current employer. However, the biggest problem with a “discussion” is that it will lead to efforts to get you to change your mind. The efforts will increase the anxiety associated with changing employers and will increase the length of time you have to endure it. The sooner your employer realizes that you have made an absolute and irrevocable decision, the sooner he will wish you well and congratulate you on your new future. Counteroffers Assume that you will get a counteroffer or that at least the attempts to set the stage for one will be made. Counteroffers are bad news because, if you take one it won’t work and you will be sorry you did. There are legions of people who have been suckered by the old counteroffer trick only to find themselves on the job market again for the same reasons. Many counteroffer victims are terminated within the following twelve months. Anyway, the statistics show that over 90% of counteroffers taken don’t work out. It is more convenient for the employer to replace you on his schedule than on yours. Fortunately, if you follow the right strategy you can avoid the temptation of having a counteroffer and the associated promises put in front of you. Adam may have bitten the apple but you don’t have too. In fact, you don’t even have to see it! Believe me; it will make your change of employers more professional and easier if you employ the strategy of quick release and non discussion. 2255 Cumberland Parkway, S.E., Building 1500, Atlanta, Georgia 30339 ○ Phone (770) 805-5000 ○ http://www.handler.com P a g e |2 The Correct Strategy First and foremost, remember that you must execute the resignation properly. You must inform your employer of your decision and do so in a manner which leaves no doubt that your decision is absolute. You will be asked why you have made the decision and common courtesy dictates that you respond to the question. Your response is critical and will control the nature of your employer's actions. The best strategy to employ is to identify to your employer reasons for leaving which can’t be addressed by your current employer. They wouldn't try to change your mind if you were moving to another city for health reasons, would they? So you need to make your reasons for leaving just as difficult or impossible for your current employer to address. Never, never identify any of the shortcomings of your current employer or tell them what they did wrong. It's a small world and you should assume that you will see these people again, somewhere and sometime. As much as you would like to think it might help them manage the company better if they heard from you how things could be improved, just know that it won't. It won't change them and it will make your exit more difficult. They will go on making the same mistakes for a long time whether you are there or not, no matter what you tell them. History has proved this again and again. If they see things they can promise to change or fix, they will pressure you to stay because they have "fixed" your reasons for leaving. Deep down, you know they won't and can't, so don't make it hard on yourself. Moreover, if you tell them what they did wrong and still leave after they promise to fix it, you might create hard feelings, even if they deserve it, you don't want to do that because it’s a small world after all! Present your resignation in the context that you are going to an opportunity that is better and preferable to you based upon your career goals and interests. The message is that you are going to something and not trying to get away from something. What you are going to can only be achieved in the opportunity you have accepted. The sooner your employer realizes that you cannot be persuaded to stay, and that you will not accept a counter-offer, the sooner they will stop the pressure tactics, congratulate you and wish you well. Normally, they won't stop until they are sure. 2255 Cumberland Parkway, S.E., Building 1500, Atlanta, Georgia 30339 ○ Phone (770) 805-5000 ○ http://www.handler.com P a g e |3 What You Should Say 1. You have thought this over carefully for a long, long time 2. You are moving on to a career opportunity and the company better suits your present desires and your goals 3. You are submitting now your 2 week notice 4. You have made a firm decision with unbiased data 5. You want to make the transition as smooth and as quick as possible 6. You appreciate the opportunity that the current employer has provided 7. It is time to move on; I don't want to work for the same company forever 8. The opportunity is better for me at XYZ. If offers a chance to: a. Learn another industry b. Learn other technologies c. Learn from a new set of peers and meet new people d. It is a smaller/larger company that is growing faster/slower and I like that e. I like the people there f. It is closer to home g. It is a user/vendor and that's what I want to work for h. It is more/less travel 2255 Cumberland Parkway, S.E., Building 1500, Atlanta, Georgia 30339 ○ Phone (770) 805-5000 ○ http://www.handler.com P a g e |4 What Your Employer Will Say and The Actions You Should Anticipate 1. Why are you leaving? -we have covered this 2. Where are you going? -tell them if they ask 3. What will you be doing? -brief description is OK 4. What can we do to change your mind? -"absolutely nothing" 5. How much money did they offer you? -"that's not an issue and I'm not going to say" 6. I will not accept your resignation! -"you don't have a choice" 7. Will you think about this before making this decision? -"No, I have done all I'm going to" 8. I want you to talk to Mr. Muckety Muck before you make this decision. -"No thanks" Tactics to change your mind:               use guilt use loyalty friends money $$$, promotions, etc.! Executive Influence Beware of the promise! To let up and then pressure you when you least expect -the lunch trick! discredit the new company promise to fix everything that was wrong "They will tell you things that they were going to do for you but had not told you yet". refuse to accept your resignation try to pick apart your logic for making this decision tell you what a great future you have here tell you how important you are 2255 Cumberland Parkway, S.E., Building 1500, Atlanta, Georgia 30339 ○ Phone (770) 805-5000 ○ http://www.handler.com P a g e |5 What Not To Do DO NOT discuss $ at all. ..."This is not a financial decision". Even if dollars are an important decision factor, don't get suckered into this trap. It sets the stage for a counteroffer, which is something you want to avoid. DO NOT mention anything you were dissatisfied with, it's a small world after all- you may see these people again, and they will promise to fix it. DO NOT allow them to get you to consent to "listen" -you must be absolute. DO NOT give more than 2-3 weeks’ notice. Remember you made your best decision, and that your boss, the guy who made all those promises, might be leaving next week or next month, or . . . the company might be sold or merged or reorganized or . . . or . . . or . . . The sooner they know you are absolute, the sooner you will get the pressure off and can get on with the future. 2255 Cumberland Parkway, S.E., Building 1500, Atlanta, Georgia 30339 ○ Phone (770) 805-5000 ○ http://www.handler.com P a g e |6 Reasons Not To Accept A Counteroffer Even if you have done everything right, you may be faced with the dreaded counteroffer. Here are a few things to keep in mind when faced with this career killer. Statistics show that, if you accept a counteroffer, the probability of your being in this company a year from now is less than ten percent. Many people who accept counteroffers are terminated at later dates when it is more convenient for the employer. The same circumstances which now cause you to make a change will repeat themselves in the future; even if you accept the counteroffer. The promises made won't be kept, they never are. The boss who promises you the world today may not be there tomorrow to make sure they come through for you. Worse yet, he/she may know this and not tell you! You should not have to threaten to resign before you can get a raise. If this is the fair amount, why were you being underpaid before? Where is the money coming from for your counteroffer? Very often it is your next raise on an accelerated schedule. You may be happy with it now but you will be disappointed in the future. Many people have heard those terrible words "we have already given you a raise, you got it when you threatened to quit!" When promotion time comes around, you employer will remember who was loyal and think that you have already gotten yours. Your company may immediately begin a search for a new person to replace you at a lower salary. Sounds tough, but it really has happened. When times get tough, you are more likely to be the person they let go. After all, now you are being paid more than they thought was appropriate and your loyalty is in question. From this day on, your employer is aware that you are unhappy and that your loyalty to the company is not absolute. You will never be viewed the same again. If you accept a counteroffer, you are reversing a decision you had made based upon unbiased facts. Any change to your original decision is probably wrong. It usually seems easier to stay than go, but it really isn't. 2255 Cumberland Parkway, S.E., Building 1500, Atlanta, Georgia 30339 ○ Phone (770) 805-5000 ○ http://www.handler.com P a g e |7 SAMPLE RESIGNATION LETTER [Date] [Human Resources Dept/Supervisor Name] [Company Name] [Address] [City, State, Zip] Dear [Name] Please accept this letter as notice of my formal resignation as ____________ for ______________. I intend for this resignation to become effective on _____________, _______. [Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with your company. I appreciate the help and guidance you’ve given me during my employment, and want to offer my best wishes for the future success of the company.] or [I appreciate the opportunities and experiences provided to me during my employment with __________ and the mentorship and guidance you have provided me. I enjoyed working with you and wish you continued professional and personal success]. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to ensure a smooth transition. I will make every effort to tie up loose ends before I leave, and will remain available for consultations as needed. Sincerely, _____________________ [Your Name] cc: [additional individuals (e.g., human resources, group director, etc.)] 2255 Cumberland Parkway, S.E., Building 1500, Atlanta, Georgia 30339 ○ Phone (770) 805-5000 ○ http://www.handler.com P a g e |8 "Considering A Counteroffer?" NATIONAL BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT WEEKLY By -Sharon Voros  "Chances are good when you walk into your boss’s office to deliver the news about a new opportunity, you'll be confronted with a counteroffer. Be ready. You'll have to make a decision and you’ll literally have to make it under considerable pressure to stay."  "Before you step into the line of fire, arm yourself with facts about your career goals. Get your career story in order. What's wrong with where you are today? Will the new position get you where you want to be? Before you make a move, reflect on why you want to leave your current employer and whether you’ll be better served by the organization that's trying to hire you. Look at the long-term goals and values of your current employer and those of the new one. Which more closely support your long-term goals and values?”  "Don't take a counteroffer just for the money. Most experts say you'll be sorry in the long run." "It can be tremendously flattering to have two or more companies bidding over you," says Thomas Flannery, a partner in Dallas with The Hay Group, a Philadelphia humanresources consulting firm. "But quibbling over $10,000 isn't a career-building strategy."  "Additionally, think about your work environment, work product and the corporate culture. The employment relationship is more robust thing than simply a base salary and a bonus," says Mr. Flannery. "Most high-potential employees are seeking to make a difference or do something new and original. Even if their current employer can beat an outsider's offer, it may be unable to support their career goals."  "Know what your employer can change and what it can't. Realistically, don't expect a counteroffer if you know your company can't match the outside offer, promote you or expand your responsibilities. Further, if you're unhappy with the employer's management style or operating methods, don't bother taking a counteroffer. For example, a middle manager who thinks his employer's hierarchical culture will impede his career shouldn't expect the management pyramid to collapse overnight." 2255 Cumberland Parkway, S.E., Building 1500, Atlanta, Georgia 30339 ○ Phone (770) 805-5000 ○ http://www.handler.com P a g e |9  "Understand the career impact. In a candidate-driven job market, companies can tolerate employees who have been won back from competitors with counteroffers. But if the job market turns, this view could change and you may be viewed less favorably." "If you elect to stay, your loyalty will always be suspect," says Mr. Flannery.  "Consider also that remaining with an employer that bestows raises and respect only when employees threaten to quit may not solve your long-term concerns. Additionally, if you receive a counter-counteroffer and decide to accept it, you may be seen as a bought employee, a mercenary who will job hop at the first recruiter's call." 2255 Cumberland Parkway, S.E., Building 1500, Atlanta, Georgia 30339 ○ Phone (770) 805-5000 ○ http://www.handler.com P a g e | 10