
 
        Digerati Search, Inc. 
PO Box  449 - Grand Junction, TN  38039 
Phone 901.878.0800 or  800.357.2616 
Fax  901.878.0881 or  800.357.9528 
www.digeratisearch.com 
 
R e s i g n a t i o n    P r e p a r a t i o n  
 
 
Keep in mind that your employer probably will not be happy to hear the news of your 
departure.  How you communicate your resignation can make a big difference.
 
 
Communicating Your Resignation 
 
You must maintain a professional tone and posture while communicating your decision.  The 
following are general rules of thumb to follow:
 
  Do Not Delay -- Waiting to avoid the inevitable only creates more stress for 
everyone involved. Unless you have a significant commission check (or similar payout) 
in question, give your 'notice of resignation' the first day you have made your 
decision. Once you get it over with you will rest much easier. 
 
  Give two weeks notice -- This will give your employer time to look for—and possibly 
find—your replacement. If it will help, work with your supervisor to detail the 
qualities you see as most essential to your job. This will help when screening 
applicants.
 
  Offer to help train your replacement -- Document your essential duties and organize 
your files and notes so that the next person in your job has a good foundation to 
start from.
 
  Ask your supervisor what you can do to make the transition easier -- This is a 
thoughtful gesture that shows your current employer that you understand things 
from his or her perspective as well.
 
  Keep it Professional -- It is understandable to get attached to certain individuals 
you work with, but this is not the time to dwell on personal issues. After all, those 
relationships will always be there if they are really meaningful. Keep your focus on 
your motivation for moving on to greener pastures and your sight set on new 
business opportunities. 
 
  Don't Listen to Counteroffers -- First of all, where was the "new" money, title, 
promotion, package, territory, private office, commission, boss, etc., before you 
gave notice to resign? Secondly, statistics do not lie. Counteroffers rarely work out 
for the employee or the employer. 
The Wall Street Journal
 has published several 
articles on the subject. 
Chances are, your boss will be caught off-guard by your resignation, and will not be able 
to listen clearly to your explanations due to concerns about the sudden challenge your 
leaving presents. Because your boss is losing a valued employee, he or she may express 
negative opinions about your new firm or position. This will only confuse you. You may 
find yourself having to justify your personal goals and decisions or absorb the personal 
frustrations of others. For this reason, we suggest not discussing where you are going.