But even if you’re ready to hand in your letter and walk out the door, here are a few things to think about first.
But even if you’re ready to hand in your letter and walk out the door, here are a few things to think about first.
According to a study by LinkedIn, Singaporeans are some of the most fickle employees in the Asia-Pacific region. Titled “Inside the Mind of Today’s Candidate”, it revealed that 34 percent of professionals here have no intention of staying with their current employers for more than a year – this could be you... and that’s fine.
There are many reasons why you might want to leave a job, and as long as you can justify them to yourself, they’re all valid. But if you’re going to leave, you better do it right. Here’s how, according to Valerie Corera, Principal Consultant – Sales & Marketing and Healthcare at Robert Walters Singapore.
Timing is everything
First things first, DO NOT resign from your old job before you’ve officially signed and accepted your new job offer. Once that’s done, make sure you let your current employer know as soon as possible. “Prepare an official resignation letter and schedule a face-to-face meeting with your boss. Out of respect and professionalism, it is always recommended that you resign in person, not via e-mail. Do also be prepared to explain your motivations for leaving,” advises Valerie.
Do not be a slacker
Once you’ve quit, don’t be that girl who checks out mentally and coasts through their notice period. “One of the most common mistakes people make is to behave irresponsibly and not follow through their current projects and fulfil their basic duties,” says Valerie. “Unless there’s a good reason, you should always be accountable to your current duties and serve the full notice period. Focusing on the short-term will only cost you opportunities in the future and impact your credibility.”
Be careful when it comes to counter-offers
Of course, it’s flattering if your current company decides they want to keep you, but you have to be very clear with yourself what your motivations for leaving are (or, if there’s an offer, for staying). Good questions to ask yourself would be, “Is there a new job scope?” and “Will the issues you were facing be resolved if you stay on?” You should only stay with your current company if you’re presented with attractive options that have never been explored before.
Managing your ex-boss
Always be professional – even if you hate your boss at your previous company, the worst thing you can do is badmouth them. “Avoid criticising or sharing your opinion of your previous employer or working conditions. It can be perceived as unprofessional, and no one likes to hire negative employees,” says Valerie.
Courtesy and politeness is key
Even if you decide not to take the counter-offer, maintaining good relations (i.e., not slacking off during your notice period) is essential to keeping the door open, should you ever decide to return to your previous employer. Be sure to thank your boss and colleagues for your time with the company and say goodbye before heading out the door.
"Many professionals who accept counter- offers often restart their job search in two to six months’ time. This is because counter-offers usually don't resolve the issues that led them to consider leaving.”
Valerie Corera, Principal Consultant at Robert Walters Singapore
Images 123RF.com Text Karen Fong.
