So, you’ve landed a golden opportunity with a different dealership, and you couldn’t be more excited to start your new role; but before you can, you need to break the news that you’re leaving to your current boss.
When it comes to resigning, there’s definitely a right way and a wrong way to do it. If you want to make every effort to resign the right way and exit on the best possible terms, here’s how to do it.
Having the conversation
Telling your boss that you’re parting ways isn’t always an easy conversation to have and it can be tempting to try to avoid it altogether. But before you start drafting up a resignation email to drop unexpectedly into your employer’s inbox, it’s good to think through your approach.
The general rule of thumb is that it’s best to have the conversation in person if you can. If you’re in different locations, opt for a phone or video call.
While you’re leaving your current employer in search of greener pastures, you want to try to preserve the relationship as much as possible. Not only will it ensure you can call on them as a referee for any possible future job applications, but it’s better for your reputation.
Even if you’ve experienced issues with your current employer and are desperately wanting to speak your piece before staging a dramatic walkout, it’s usually in your own best interests to swallow your pride and try to finish up on the best possible note.
Here are some tips to help you manage the conversation:
- Determine who it’s most appropriate to have the conversation with, whether it’s your direct supervisor, manager or the dealership owner
- Come prepared with an explanation as to why you want to leave—adopting an honest yet respectful approach while trying to avoid airing all your grievances is generally best
- Keep the news to yourself until after you’ve had the conversation to avoid word getting out prematurely
- During the discussion, ask them how they would like to let the rest of the team know, as they may have a strong preference about how they would like it to be handled
- Offer to provide a handover or any training to the staff member/s that will be picking up some or all of the interim workload
- Check if there are any loose ends they would like to be tied up before your departure date
- Ask which method they would like you to use to provide formal notice of your resignation (i.e. email or letter) and check if there is anyone else you need to notify (such as HR, head office or the dealership owner)
- Keep your formal notice of resignation short and succinct, remembering to include the name of the person/s it’s addressed to, the date you will be finishing up, and possibly a short note thanking them for the opportunities you were given while working there
Meeting the notice period
Before you resign, it’s important to check how much notice you’ll need to provide. If you fail to meet the required notice period, the employer may be entitled to withhold your wages or leave entitlements.
If you have an employment contract, it should state the required notice period (usually 2-4 weeks depending on the length of tenure). If you’re a casual employee, technically you aren’t required to provide any notice of your resignation; however, it’s usually a good idea to give your employer a least a couple of weeks’ notice to allow them to decide how to fill the role and give them ample opportunity tie up any loose ends.
Handling counter offers
On occasion, an employer may decide to make a counter offer (such as a pay increase and/or improved conditions) in an attempt to entice you to stay.
Whether it’s expected or comes as a complete surprise, receiving a counter offer from your current employer can make you feel great; after all, it’s validation that they really value your work and don’t want to lose you! However, you should always handle counter offers with caution.
Even though it may be tempting to accept a counter offer, you need to consider if more money is really going to keep you feeling content and satisfied in the longer term, or if you’re likely to find yourself looking for a new role again in the not-too-distant future.
Teamrecruit is Australia’s most established recruitment agency specialising in truck, earthmoving and agricultural machinery dealerships in Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific and Southeast Asia. Find out more about Teamrecruit and how we support employers and candidates in the dealership industry.
