Resigning from your job on good terms takes preparation, tact and professionalism. Using the correct etiquette when you resign can strengthen your reputation as a trustworthy and considerate professional, helping to position you strongly for your next move. Find out how to do the right thing by your employer with these tips.
Prepare yourself
Before announcing your intention to resign, make sure your decision is firm and final. Be sure that a new move is right for you at this point in your career and that it really is the best decision to leave.
There’s lots to think about: have you considered how you would feel if you were offered a higher salary or a better package if you stayed? Are you committed to leaving? Have you explored all avenues for advancement within the organisation? Make sure you are absolutely sure of why it is that you’ve decided to resign. Being clear on your reasons for quitting will help you to resign confidently, and help you to avoid being drawn into a counter-offer – if you really don’t want to stay.
Get your new job offer in writing first, check your notice period and rehearse your explanation beforehand. This will help you to present it more comfortably and anticipate any potential questions.
Remember to check your contract for any benefits that you are entitled to, for example your annual leave allowance and any performance-related pay that is owed.
Meet with your manager face-to-face
It is best to resign in person, giving as much notice as possible. Choose a quiet, convenient time to meet with your manager before notifying your colleagues. Briefly explain your reasons in a courteous and professional manner and express your willingness to finish current projects in your remaining time. Make a follow-up appointment to hand over your letter of resignation and discuss transition plans.
During the meeting, stay positive and be as cooperative as possible. The decision may come as a surprise to your manager, who may feel hurt at the decision. Your manager may want to go in to details behind your resignation, but try to avoid getting in to lengthy discussion, instead talking about how the company has benefited you. There isn’t a great deal to be gained by being negative or pointing out all the reasons you’re not happy if you’ve resolved to leave. Be calm and prepared for what may be an awkward conversation.
Also be prepared to leave immediately as your employer may decide not to make you work through your resignation period. Back up any documents or projects that belong to you as your employer may cut off access following the meeting.
Submit a resignation letter
Submit a short, polite, professional letter after your meeting confirming your intention to leave. Refer to the date and time of your discussion with your manager, the role you are resigning from, and the date of your last day.
You may want to add a sentence re-stating your reasons. If relevant, highlight the things you learned in the role and how much you enjoyed working there. It is important to retain good relations with your manager, as employers will often conduct background checks including references.
End the resignation letter on a positive note – either a thank you for the opportunities you enjoyed or best wishes for the company’s future.
Tie up loose ends
The impression you leave behind when you resign can strongly influence the kind of reference you receive in the future. Try to resolve as much outstanding work as you can in your notice period, and make sure that your employer knows that you’ve been as cooperative as possible.
Be willing to train a successor, delegate loose ends to relevant colleagues, or write a detailed handover document. Let your contacts and clients know you are leaving and advise them who to contact in your absence. Demonstrate your commitment to the company right up until your departure.
Leave a positive last impression
It is important not to burn any bridges when you resign and risk undoing your good work. Let your team know you’re leaving; however, make the resignation formal before talking to them. You may want to keep supervisors and colleagues in your network of contacts, or require a reference from your employer later on. Don’t boast about your new position, as this can be cause for resentment with colleagues or your employer.
You may also end up working for or with the same people sometime in the future. Ensure your reputation and relationship with the employer remains positive by leaving with grace and professionalism. Don’t speak negatively about your employer to your colleagues, other people within the industry, or on social media. This information can easily be passed on and could damage relations with your previous employer.
Summary:
Once you have made the firm decision to move on from your current employment, use tact and professionalism to leave on a strong note. Remember the following:
• If possible, always resign in person and talk to your manager
• Remain courteous and explain your reasons succinctly, giving as much notice as possible to finish or hand over your projects
- Your former manager and colleagues could be future referees and still form part of your network, so leave with a positive last impression
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.