After you have formally accepted a new offer of employment, it's in your, as well as your current employer's, best interest to serve notice as soon as possible. Serving notice can be a difficult thing to do, especially if you have worked for your current employer for a long period of time and formed strong bonds with those around you. However, if you follow a few guidelines, you will be able to minimize distress of the situation:

Don't Burn Your Bridges

It is very important that you present your resignation as the logical conclusion to your due diligence on another employer and their subsequent offer, not as a means to bargain with your current employer. You don't want to come across as an opportunist, and certainly don't want to exit your current position on bad terms.

A formal letter of resignation should accompany your verbal notice. A brief, professional and definite letter of resignation will ensure you maintain control of the situation. On most occasions, you will have the upper hand, as your current employer isn't aware of your intent to leave, and may be taken by surprise. Because of this, you must be prepared for a range of reactions, from anger to disappointment. Many times these reactions can lead to emotional appeals or promises of counter offers.

Be Succinct

It is important that you keep your verbal resignation, notice and letter short, to the point and professional. It isn't necessary to give a detailed explanation of your reasons for leaving or how the family could have kept you in it's employ. However, it is also necessary to give enough information to get the point across, and again, stay on good terms.

Here is an example of an effective letter of resignation:

Be Fair

Common practice is to give your current employer four weeks before leaving, or whatever the law is in your country. Make sure the amount of time that you give is fair for both your and your new employer. This time can be uncomfortable to both your peers and subordinates, and should not be drawn out longer than is necessary. It is a difficult time for them to include you in information of a confidential nature.

Also, if your new employer did not have a pressing need for an individual with your abilities, they would not have extended an offer. They are interested in getting you on board as soon as possible. You should not feel guilty in leaving your current employer as soon as you have completed a smooth transition.

Plan Ahead

Prepare yourself for the possibility of an emotional reaction when delivering your resignation. Many employers actually have a policy to immediately terminate anyone who has handed in his or her resignation.

Which leads us to the next scenario: How To Handle a Counter Offer