Resumes

	Industry specific guidelines
	Modified Academic format
	Keys to a superior Academic CV

	Technical Resume format
	Ten keys to a dynamite resume
	Resume design tips and template
	A stronger resume to increase your odds
	Choosing a resume format: Summary vs. Chronological
	Beefing up an anemic resume
	The dangers of resume overkill

Interviewing

	The secret to interview success
	Don't talk yourself out of a job
	How to answer interview questions
	What to ask the interviewer
	Four classic interview questions - and how to prepare for them
	Discussing the subject of money

Career decisions

	How to evaluate a job offer
	What does the new job really pay?
	Salary negotiation techniques
	Intelligent job-changing strategy
	Career strategy: It pays to diversify

Transition

	The proper way to resign
	How to leave a job gracefully
	Resignation or Retaliation?

The Proper Way to Resign

Once a new job has been accepted, you need to consider is the timing of your resignation. Since two weeks' notice is considered the norm, make sure your resignation properly coincides with your start date at the new company.

Try to avoid an extended start date. Even if your new job begins in 10 weeks, don't give 10 weeks' notice; wait eight weeks and then give two weeks' notice. This way, you'll protect yourself from disaster, in the unlikely event your new company announces a hiring freeze a month before you come on board. By staying at your old job for only two weeks after you've announced your resignation, you won't be subjected to the envy, scorn, or feelings of professional impotence that may result from your new role as a lame-duck employee.

Some companies will make your exit plans for you. I know a candidate whose employer had the security guard escort him out of the building the moment he announced his intention to go to work for a direct competitor. Fortunately, he was still given two weeks' pay.

Your resignation should be handled in person, preferably on a Friday afternoon. Ask your direct supervisor if you can speak with him privately in his office. When you announce your intention to resign, you should also hand your supervisor a letter, which states your last date of employment with the company. Let him know that you've enjoyed working with him, but that an opportunity came along that you couldn't pass up, and that your decision to leave was made carefully, and doesn't reflect any negative feelings you have toward the company or the staff.

You should also add that your decision is final, and that you would prefer not to be made a counteroffer, since you wouldn't want your refusal to accept more money to appear as a personal affront. Let your supervisor know that you appreciate all the company's done for you; and that you'll do everything in your power to make your departure as smooth and painless as possible.

Finally, ask if there's anything you can do during the transition period over the next two weeks, such as help train your successor, tie up loose ends, or delegate tasks.

Keep your resignation letter short, simple, and to the point. There's no need to go into detail about your new job, or what led to your decision to leave. If these issues are important to your old employer, he'll schedule an exit interview for you, at which time you can hash out your differences ad infinitum. Be sure to provide a carbon copy or photocopy of your resignation letter for your company's personnel file. This way, the circumstances surrounding your resignation will be well documented for future reference.