Has your company asked you to quit?

If you are a working professional you have to be equipped with handling forced resignation.

Very few of us are. The pink slip, forced early retirement, retrenchment, getting booted in a merger … It all boils down to getting the sack.

It is natural to get hurt. It is rejection. But in the work environment today, world wide the hire and fire line of employee treatment is the reality of the times. So it is wise to straighten out your perspective of the problem so when you get derailed you can get back on the rails fast and successfully.

The first shock of “Why, what is wrong with me? – has to be handled. Worldwide thousands of good, efficient people get laid off their jobs. It does not mean that suddenly you got proved a wrong or inefficient person, sometimes the nature of the business climate changes, or the company changes, or the nature of management changes and you become a casualty of change. Or maybe your boss tells you to your face that you are sacked because of poor performance, it may hurt you but definitely it is not the end of the earth. There is always another place to prove your worth.

This is the best time to examine and reset your goals. What do you want to do? What aspects of the job or the company you worked for were positive – or negative? Do you want to change your line? Or the job function? Is this the time to upgrade you skills, or go for higher education?

This is also the best time to examine your feelings? How much jobs satisfaction am I getting out of what I do? Do I feel stuck in a rut? Maybe this is a good time to branch out on my own? Should I start my own business? Should I relocate to get better opportunities?

This soul searching is extremely important.

Once you clear your thoughts and take a decision on what course your career should take, you reach the next stage of getting a game plan together.

You decide to look for a job …. Then follow a positive course of action …

Make a good resume – with a focus on your achievements. There are plenty of free resume templates on the internet which can be used to make a good resume.

Have a positive speech ready. The reasons for getting sacked or laid off are not as important as focusing on your achievements and contributions in your last job. Be confident, not defensive. Have a positive reason prepared as to the reason why you lost your last job. If you decide to resort to White lies, be sure that you call pull them off successfully and it bears the scrutiny of a reference check.

This is the time to network. Talk to your friends, even ex colleges and bosses if need be, spread the word around that you are looking for a job.

Talk to the placement consultants, market yourself actively. Make a list of those who are specializing in your line of work and interact with them. Remember that most companies use the services of placement firms today. Keep an open attitude; go for all interviews that they call you for. It is a great way to get interview practice and who knows what may turn out where. This is not a time to fuss, go with it.

This is also not the time for passive half measures like resume blasting on the net, or fussing about not getting the perfect opportunity. The crucial step is to go for interviews find a job as soon as possible. If you have to compromise then take a job as a breather to get you into the next one.

It is important to actively network. Make a list of contacts you have in your line of work. List even people who have been your competitors. Your social contacts of family and friends are important too. Make a plan of action for interacting with them.

Make a list of companies that you would like to work for. Check them out through their websites if they have a system of direct recruitment that you can use.

Constantly fight your negative feelings which may be lurking inside. Only when you fight with a positive attitude that can you win.

Posted under Articles by Lima Sehgal, Articles from Jobnet Magazine

How to Resign From Your Job

If written the wrong way, a resignation letter can cause all kinds of  problems. Think of it this way, your letter to your boss is your written legal agreement that announces your intention to quit that will probably be filed in his/her file cabinet for future reference. And let’s face it, in today’s world of business, a corporate lawyer can really screw up your future plans.

Are you prepared?
Some companies have policies in place that require you to be removed from the office immediately. Have you considered what that means to you?

Have you gathered all of your personal files from your computer? Have you cleared your computer and desk area of any questionable material that your boss may use against you? What if they decide to ask you to leave that day, have you explored the possibility that you may not receive a paycheck for the next few weeks?

Think about what loose ends you need to tie up before you send that letter. You may thank yourself in the long run.

Legality
First, you need to make sure your letter says all the right legal things. Does your letter include today’s date, as well as your official last day as per the terms of your notice period? This is very important.

Why? You have no legal obligation, unless otherwise specified in your employment contract, to stay for longer than you want after you resign.
However, it is a common “courtesy” that you give your company a period of time they may need to find your replacement

Similarly, your boss has no legal obligation to keep you on for longer than the notice period stated in your appointment letter. It is the company’s discretion really. They decide whether or not they want you stay or not, you have no choice in the matter. This is usually a company policy that dictates this action.

Your resignation letter is your official written document that seals the deal. Any future questions come up about your last day, just pull out the letter for reference.

Keeping A Cool Head
You’re angry, and you really want to stick it to your boss with a scathing letter that makes his/her head spin.

Bad idea. Sure, you may hate your job, and your boss. However ask yourself, what do you really gain from making them angry with you.

Lots of bad things can happen if you make them angry. For example, you can most likely forget about receiving any severance pay, or you may even have trouble attempting to collect your final paychecks. Also, don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth. Your boss may have friends in high places in your community.

Chances are, if you’re quitting because you’re upset at your boss, then the best thing you could possibly do is break all ties with him/her and start fresh. Avoid the exit interview and giving information about your future plans

Posted under Articles from Jobnet Magazine