The Resignation Process

The
Resignation
Process

The Resignation Process

Making the decision to hand in your notice can be a difficult nerve-wracking part of looking for a new role.

If you’ve made the decision to leave, there are some formalities you will need to go through. The information below is designed to give you an insight to the resignation process and how best to handle it.

Notice

As tempting as it is to go full steam ahead and hand your notice in as soon as you are offered the new job, don't hand your notice in until you have received written confirmation of the offer of employment from your new firm.

Ensure that you give formal written notice of your intention to leave to the correct person (we can provide a resignation letter template), then negotiate a leaving date and clarify final pay and any outstanding holiday entitlement.

We would always suggest checking in advance your contract/terms of employment to see how much notice you are obliged to give, who your notice should be handed in to and what, if any, restrictions you might have in terms of future employment.

It is also worth identifying whether there are any course fees payable if you leave within a certain time period.

The Counter Offer

The stark reality of the legal profession is that there is a serious skills shortage in many practice areas and the vast majority of firms will make a belated effort to try to tempt you to stay.

This can often be the promise of promotion, or a salary increase. In can sometimes be a promise to improve work culture or reduce your case load. It often come with flattery or in some instances a “guilt trip” that they won’t be able to cope without you!

Such things can be confusing and lead to mixed feelings about your decision to move on. What should you do now?

We would suggest thinking about the following questions to help you eliminate doubt and be confident in your decision:

  • Why have I been offered more money now when it wasn’t on the table previously?
  • If I stay, will the situation improve just because I said I was leaving?
  • If I stay, will my loyalty be questioned and affect my chance for advancement?
  • Will I have to go through this process again next time I'm ready for a new position?

Our experience of recruitment tells us that over 75% of candidates who accept a counter offer tend to leave within 12 months for another role, particularly when it relates solely to a salary increase.

More often than not, the issues that caused you to look for a new role in the first place remain and promises made don’t end up materialising.

You need to stay strong, stay committed when the counter offer comes, be polite and say “no thank you”.

Working your notice

It’s important to remain professional throughout the resignation process. Maintaining a positive relationship with your bosses and colleagues will make working your notice period much easier and could allow you to return to the firm in the future.

Co-workers will be curious about why you are leaving. Whether they corner you at work or call you at home, be diplomatic about your reasons for leaving. Negative comments have a habit of finding their way to Partners and sour an otherwise healthy relationship.

Finally, do not underestimate the importance of your performance during your final weeks. It is a mistake to “mentally check out” and wind down while working out your notice. Give it your very best effort right up until the last minute you’re there.

We at Thornton Legal are experienced in guiding you through what can be a difficult time. If you have any queries, give us a call. We would be happy to help.