Handing in your Notice and Handling Counter Offers

Informing your employers that you wish to terminate your contract of employment can be somewhat daunting.

Sometimes your employer may be reluctant to let you go and can make things difficult for you to leave. Here are a few handy tips to consider when you are reach this stage of the recruitment process:

• Prepare your resignation letter outlining the main reasons behind your decision to move on.
• Be certain of what you want to say and why to your line manager and remember your original reasons for making the move.
• Try to concentrate on the positives in the new opportunity and try not to concentrate on the negatives of the old. Most people will appreciate the reasons for your decison.
• If sudden promotions, pay rises or better working conditions are offered to you, you have to wonder how realistic these promises are?
• Remember it is much more economical for your employers to give you up 10 - 15% on your salary than it is to replace you, also it is worth asking why you are being offered this now not sooner?
• Will they look to replace you as soon as it is convenient for them?
• When will you next receive a pay rise? And how much will it be?
• Will this create feelings of resentment towards you from your fellow workers?
• If you feel that you have heard something that genuinely makes you reconsider your position arrange some time to think things through. This will allow you to consider what has been offered and ascertain whether it is genuine. Discuss the situation with people you trust and can offer good advice.
• Once you have made a final decision let all interested parties know as soon as possible. It is not fair to anyone to keep people hanging on.
• Agree a date to depart your employers.

Statistics show that over 75% of people who accept counter offers are looking for another job within the next 6 months.