Even though you have done this before, it is important to review and to anticipate any potential obstacles your current employer may create. You also want to ensure that you do not burn any bridges; you want to leave on good footing as that you are prepared to take on the new position- both mentally and physically.

Resignation is a two step process. It involves a resignation letter as well as the preparation of the task list, which you will submit to your current employer at the time of resignation.

The task list is valuable for several reasons:

• It makes clear to management that you are serious about leaving and that you have thought through your decision and the process of leaving.
• It proves that you are responsible, conscientious employee. (which is how you want them to remember you, in case you ever need a reference or favor in the future.)
• It diffuses their automatic response in counter-offering you. Usually, an immediate counteroffer is not even thought out - they are responding emotionally and are worried about themselves, deadlines they have to meet, etc.

The second step is your resignation letter.

Hand in the letter and the task list together. The resignation shell will sound like this:

"Effective, (date-your last day at the company), I am resigning from my position with (company). I have made a final decision in this matter and thank you sincerely for the opportunities you have provided me in the past. I especially appreciate your respect for my decision concerning my career growth, and want you to know that this decision in no way reflects upon my respect for you and the company."

Your current employer may ask you the following questions:

1. Why are you leaving?
You do not want to go into detail about your current job situation. By not discussing why you are leaving, it will take the pressure off debating your reasons for leaving.
2. Where are you going?
You do not need to tell anyone where you are going. By telling your current employer where you are going you are giving them ammunition to use against you and to help talk you into staying.
3. How much money are they giving you?
A good response is, "This is a confidential matter between my new employer, my family and me." (Implies "none of your business" in a professional way.)
4. How did you find the job?
The easiest response is "I found it through a personal contact." Do not refer to recruiters, because it just opens the issue for debate and negative feedback about your search methodology.

Final thoughts about the resignation process:

Do not get drawn into debate on any issues.

Expect your bosses response to vary from disappointment to anger. Your boss will use emotions to combat your decision. Don't get sucked back into your situation. You may feel a bit uncomfortable at first, but this is normal human nature and a natural response for anyone entering a new situation. Use the head, not the heart in these matters.

90% of people who accept counteroffers leave the job anyway within 4-6 months.

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