Subscribe & Follow

Advertise your job vacancies

Jobs

HR - Talent Acquisition Durban
Internship HR Springs

Changing positions with your head held high

13 Jan 2015

There comes a time in your career when you consider moving to a new company for better prospects, experience, pay or opportunities.

Image: www.freedigitalphotos.net

It is vital to ensure that you move companies in a professional and responsible manner. Regardless of the sector, position or level at which you work, maintaining a good reputation in your industry and with your colleagues, both past and future is important. While securing a new job is often an exciting prospect, the manner in which you conduct yourself during the resignation process and throughout your notice period, is just as essential as making a good impression on your new employers.

Leaving on a positive note

"There is never any need for anything but courtesy and proper etiquette when initiating the resignation process with your current employers. While the process of securing a new role requires a person to attend interviews to secure a good position and thereafter carry out the day-to-day job requirements needed to succeed, resigning is also a key aspect of this progression. For this reason, resignations should always be carried out with the utmost professionalism and diplomacy," explains Managing Director of Kelly, Graham Bentley.

Exit strategy

"At Kelly we advise our Candidates to carefully plan your exit strategy as this is key to a positive experience when changing companies. Tendering your resignation should begin with a face-to-face meeting with your managers, in which you offer to help your current employer to train a prospective replacement to the very best of your ability," advises Bentley.

The resignation letter is also an important part of your exit strategy and according to Bentley should be submitted once you have given your employers the courtesy of informing them of your intentions.

Kelly believes that a resignation letter should include the following salient points:

An announcement of your intention to resign

The date on which your resignation will be effective

Positive statements about the good experience you have gained while working for your current employers

Confirmation of your willingness to ensure a smooth hand-over of your projects to your successor

Your thanks to your employers for the opportunity of working for them.

A clean slate

"Most industries, from ICT companies to call centres, financial services to Engineering are interconnected networks in which news and reputation spreads fast. For this reason and for your own sense of professionalism it is vital to continue working as a dedicated member of your team until the very last day of your employment with your firm. Furthermore, Kelly advises its Candidates to complete all their tasks and assignments wherever possible and compile detailed progression reports or handover documents for your managers and successor on your departure," concludes Bentley.

By conducting yourself in a professional manner right to the very last hour of your employment with your current company, you will ensure you can exit with your head held high and begin your tenure with your new employer on a truly positive note.