Tips on Accepting an Offer & Handing in your Resignation

Accepting an offer

When it comes to accepting an offer, there should be no unexpected surprises, as you would have spoken about your current and expected remuneration package during the interview process at some point or with your recruitment consultant at the very start.

Your 1^st offer is usually made verbally either by the recruitment department if you applied directly to a company or via speaking with your recruitment consultant who would give you the good news.  The 1^st offer is the most important time for you to fully understand the contractual and financial details of the offer but this is also the chance to ask questions if you have any.

One Important thing is even though you have received a verbal offer do not hand your notice in until you have received the written offer which is normally sent to you once you have verbally accepted. Once you have received, read and signed the written offer  - now comes the time to hand your resignation in.

Resigning

Most people find resigning the hardest part when moving on in their career, as you feel you are breaking very bad news to your boss. You should always try to resign face to face with your manager followed by your resignation in writing.

·      Explain clearly your reasons for leaving. Try to avoid your current employer persuading you to stay, as a counter offer can be flattering but it can also put you in an awkward situation.

·      State the positives and what you have learnt from working at the organisation. You want to leave on a good note, as you never know what the future will hold and you may end up one day wanting to work for them again.

·      You need to agree and confirm a leaving date with your current employer and a start date with your new employer.

·      If you are joining a competitor, your employer may want you to go on “gardening leave” for the full period of your contractual notice period.

The Counter Offer

Current Employers sometimes offer a counter offer when you hand your resignation in – which can be very flattering and the salary and package can be enticing.

However there is a reason as to why a counter offer is made!

A counter offer is often a quick term solution & reaction from the manager.

The manager will be thinking about the issues of replacement for your position:

·      More expensive in terms of cash

·      Time Consuming in terms of training

·      The replacement of good quality staff in the current climate can be difficult

Our advice is when accepting a new role ensure you are committed to it or even better make sure you are committed when you start the interview process as this will make the whole process of getting a new job a lot easier when it comes to accepting an offer and handing your resignation in.