Resigning Gracefully
Rahul has accepted a new job offer and has decided to leave his current company. He schedules a meeting with his manager, Ms. Kapoor, to inform her of his resignation and discuss his notice period and handover plan.
Key words and phrases
Useful sentences
- Ask Do you have a moment? I need to share something important.
- Answer Of course, please come in and sit down.
- Ask Why have you decided to resign?
- Answer I've accepted a new opportunity that fits my career goals.
- Ask What is your notice period?
- Answer My contract requires a thirty-day notice period.
- Ask When will your last working day be?
- Answer It should be the fifteenth of next month.
- Ask Have you thought about the handover process?
- Answer Yes, I'll prepare detailed documents for my successor.
- Ask Can we create a transition plan together?
- Answer Absolutely, let's set up a meeting this week.
- Ask Would you consider staying if we made a counteroffer?
- Answer I appreciate that, but I've already made my decision.
- Ask Will HR schedule an exit interview?
- Answer Yes, it's usually done in the final week.
- Ask How do you feel about leaving the team?
- Answer I'm grateful for everything I learned here.
- Ask Will you stay on good terms with your colleagues?
- Answer Yes, this industry is small and connections matter.
Dialogue
RahulMs. Kapoor, do you have a moment? I need to share something important.
Ms. KapoorOf course, Rahul. What's on your mind?
RahulI've decided to resign. I've accepted a new opportunity that aligns with my career goals.
Ms. KapoorI see. Congratulations, though we'll certainly miss you. What's your notice period?
RahulAs per my contract, it's thirty days. My last working day would be the fifteenth.
Ms. KapoorUnderstood. Let's talk about a proper handover so the transition is smooth.
RahulI'll prepare detailed documentation and start training my successor this week.
Ms. KapoorThat would be very helpful. I'll also arrange your exit interview with HR.
RahulThank you. I'm truly grateful for everything I've learned here, and I hope we stay on good terms.
Ms. KapoorAbsolutely, Rahul. We appreciate everything you've contributed, and you're welcome back anytime.
Common mistakes
- Saying "I am resigning from company" instead of "I am resigning from the company" — the definite article 'the' is needed before 'company'.
- Saying "give resignation" instead of "submit a resignation letter" or "tender my resignation" — these are the standard professional phrases.
- Saying "my notice period is thirty days notice" instead of "my notice period is thirty days" — 'notice' should not be repeated.
- Saying "do handover" instead of "complete the handover" or "prepare a handover" — 'handover' is usually used with an article as a noun.
- Saying "last day of working" instead of "last working day" — the correct fixed phrase reverses the word order.
- Saying "I will leaving on Friday" instead of "I will be leaving on Friday" — the auxiliary verb 'be' is required in the future continuous.
Quick quiz
1. What does "notice period" mean?
2. Complete: "He prepared a detailed ___ document for his replacement."
3. What is a "successor"?
4. What is an "exit interview"?
5. Complete: "He wants to ensure a ___ transition for his team."
6. What is a "relieving letter"?
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