1. Candidate Interview Guid Creative Financial Staffing Candidate Interview Guide Managed by professional accounting firmste Interview Guide Whats Inside Candidates Guide to the Perfect Interview >> Most Common Hiring Criteria >> Before the Interview >> During the Interview >> Closing the Interview >> After the Interview: Send a Thank You Letter >> Seven Interview Reminders >> Interview Donts Interview Questions >> General Interview Questions >> Behavior-Based Interview Questions >>AnswerstoSomeDifficultQuestions Asking Questions During the Interview >> Questions to Ask the Interviewer >> Questions You Should Not Ask Resignation & Counter-Offer >> Keep Resignations Short, Simple, & Positive >> Oral Resignation >> Written Resignation >> Sample Resignation Letter >> The Counter-Offer >> When You Want to Quit and Your Boss Says Stay! Income Comparison

2. Your Guide to the Perfect Interview Its not fair, but its inevitably true: The best jobs go to the Most Common Hiring Criteria candidates with the best interviewing skills, not necessarily The following characteristics are thosewiththebestqualifications.Tolandthejobyouwant,you commonly used to evaluate potential needtolearnproperinterviewingtechniques.Onlybymakingthe employees.Bepreparedtodescribe right moves before, during and after your interview can you make business situations where you an impression that will advanceyour career.Your performance demonstratedthesecharacteristics. in a job interview is directly proportional to how much time you Leadership spendpreparing.Bepreparedandyoullincreaseyourchances Self-Motivation/Takes Initiative ofgettingthejob. Instrument of Change Sets an Example/Enhancing Before the Interview Others Performance Goal-Oriented For Self and Team Research the Organization Technical Skills/Analytical Skills Employersrespectcandidateswhodotheirresearch. Team Player Know something about an organization and why you want to Decision-Making Skills workthere. Independence Check out its website or search through newspaper or Problem-Solving Skills Confidence periodicalarchivesforanypertinentstories. Business Acumen Knowledgebreedsconfidence.Themoreyouknowthe Integrity betteryoulldo. ConflictResolution Discipline Prepare Your Answers Proactivevs.Reactive Project Management Skills Know exactly what you are going to say about your Organizing and Prioritizing Skills strengths,weaknesses,andgoals. Communications - Oral and Unlessyoureextremelyconfidentinyourspeakingskills, Written write out and memorize your answers, then practice reciting Takes Direction, Willingness to them. Learn Dontoverestimateyourabilitytoad-lib. Arrive Early Know where the interview is and how long it will take to get there. Arriveatleast10minutesearlytofindtherightoffice. Creative Financial StaffingCopyrightbyCreativeFinancialStaffing. Managed by professional accounting firmswww.cfstaffing.com 1

3. Your Guide to the Perfect Interview What to Bring Checklist 2or3extracopiesofyourup-to-dateresume. Listofreferences. Research the Organization Penandnotepadfortakingnotes. Prepare Your Answers Dress Appropriately and Act Appropriately Arrive Early Professionalandwell-groomedappearanceiscritical. Enthusiasm is by far the most important quality in a job Bring Resume & References interview. Dress Appropriately Expressapositiveattitude. During the Interview Go Alone Donotbringafriend,child,etc.Seriousapplicantsdont arrive with an entourage! Remember Names Try to use the names of the people you meet in conversation. Interviewers are like anyone else: they like to hear their own names. Pay Attention to Body Language Smile. Shakehandsfirmly. Makefrequenteyecontact. Situpstraight. Interviewers assume that the way you handle yourself in the interviewisthewayyoullhandleyourselfinthejob.Your goalistocomeacrossasinterested,alert,andeager. Creative Financial StaffingCopyrightbyCreativeFinancialStaffing. Managed by professional accounting firmswww.cfstaffing.com 2

4. Your Guide to the Perfect Interview Be Confident Ajobinterviewisnotatimeformodesty. Yourjobistosellyourself. Check List Dont be shy about your skills or accomplishments, but stop shortofboasting. Go Alone Confidenceisimpressive,butarroganceisannoying. Remember Names Listen Carefully Be Aware of Body Language Concentrateyourattentiononwhattheinterviewerissaying. Avoid asking questions about topics that already have been Be Confident addressed. Listen Carefully Be able to identify those points that can help you make the rightimpression. Speak Positively Speak Positively Respond to the Interviewer Dontknockpastorcurrentemployers. Give Brief Answers Anegativeattitudewillalwayshurtyouinajobinterview. Speakclearly.Donotmumbleyourwords;itportraysalack Ask Questions ofconfidence. Respond to Your Interviewer If he makes a joke, smile to acknowledge that he made one, evenifitwasnotfunny. Give Brief Answers Answerpromptlyandintelligently.However,whenaskedyes ornoquestions,elaborate. Ask the Interviewer Questions Even if he does not ask you Do you have any questions, askhimanyway. Creative Financial StaffingCopyrightbyCreativeFinancialStaffing. Managed by professional accounting firmswww.cfstaffing.com 3

5. Your Guide to the Perfect Interview Closing the Interview Restate the positions requirements and responsibilities as you understand them and ask the interviewer if your Check List conclusionsarecorrect.Ifso,telltheinterviewerthatyou Reiterate why your willbeabletosolvethecriticalchallengesoftheposition.background matches their needs Reiterate the reasons why this is true and show how your backgroundandattributesmatchtheirneedsperfectly. Tell the interviewer you want the job Tell the interviewer that you want the job! If you are interested in the position, ask for it or ask for the next Accept an offer only if you are interviewifthesituationdemands.Youmustshow ready enthusiasmforthepositiontoreceiveanoffer.Itiscommon for a company to miss out on the best candidate for their Dont be discouraged opening because of a perceived lack of interest on the candidatespart. Address remaining concerns Ifyouaremadeanoffer,acceptitonlyifyouareready.You donthavetoaccepttheofferonthespot. Thank the interviewer Dontbediscouragedifnodefiniteofferismadeorspecific salaryisdiscussed.Theinterviewerwillprobablywantto communicatewithCFSfirstorinterviewmoreapplicants beforemakingadecision. Ask the interviewer if you can address any of their remaining concerns. Thanktheinterviewerforhistimeandconsiderationofyou. Creative Financial StaffingCopyrightbyCreativeFinancialStaffing. Managed by professional accounting firmswww.cfstaffing.com 4

6. After the Interview: Send a Thank You Letter (Date) (Interviewer Name) (Title) Sample (Company Name) Thank You Letter (Address) (City, State, Zip) Dear (Interviewer): Send your interviewer a thank you letter within Thank you for the opportunity to interview with you. Our the next 24 hours. discussion about the position and (Company Name) confirmedmydesireforemploymentwithyourfirm.Iwas impressed with (Company Name) and the opportunity we discussed,aswellaseveryonetowhomIspoke. I believe my skills and experience will be an asset to your firm.Furthermore,Ifeelmyworkethicanddedicationwill allow me to excel in any position for which you feel I am qualified. Thank you again for taking the time to meet with me and allowing me the chance to learn more about (Company name).Iwouldwelcometheopportunitytoworkforyour firm.Ilookforwardtohearingfromyousoon. Sincerely, (Name) Creative Financial StaffingCopyrightbyCreativeFinancialStaffing. Managed by professional accounting firmswww.cfstaffing.com 5

7. 7 General Interview Reminders 1. Beenthusiastic. Interview Donts: It may be obvious to some that 2. Prepare questions prior to the interview (research the most of the things you should not company). do are the opposite of what you should.However,somepeopleneed 3. Concentrateonnon-verbalcues(sitforward,smile,firm reinforcing. handshake, maintain eye contact, stand up to greet the Be Dishonest interviewer,etc.). If an employer asks Do you know 4. Listenintentlyandspeakclearly.Avoidacronymsand about....?andyoudonot,admitit. If you say yes, the next question is languagespecifictoyourcurrentemployer. almostalwaysTellmeaboutit. 5. Appearflexibleandopentoopportunitiespresented. 6. Dressprofessionallyandappropriately. Chew Gum Itstackyandinappropriate.We 7. Beontime. would recommend that you do not beforetheintervieweither.Youmay forgettoremoveit. Once Again: The best jobs go to the candidates with the best interviewing skills! Qualifications and references are often Smoke Do not smoke, even if the interviewer not enough to land the job you really want. Through research doesandoffersyouacigarette. and preparation, you can interview with the best of them. Refuse a Job Offer in the Interview Dont ever refuse a job offer until you havehadthetimetothinkaboutit.It maybetheonlyoneyouget. Ramble Make sure your answers are short andtothepoint. Creative Financial StaffingCopyrightbyCreativeFinancialStaffing. Managed by professional accounting firmswww.cfstaffing.com 6

8. Interview Questions Why did you select your college/graduate program? Why did you join/leave your current and previousemployers? Describeyourcurrentpositionindetail. Sample Questions Describe what you have done on your major projects/audits. Describeyourfavorite/leastfavoritesupervisor. Whattypeofpositionwouldinterestyou? Whatareyourstrengthsandweaknesses? Why are you interested in this company/ opportunity? Whatareyourmajoraccomplishments? What are your long-term goals personally/ professionally/technically? Describe in detail top risks and key technical/ businessissuesonyourprojects/audits. How have you been evaluated by your superiors, peers,subordinatesandclients? Describe your favorite/least favorite work assignment. Describeadifficultsituationthatyoufacedand howyouovercameit. Howareyoucurrentlybeingcompensated? Whatareyoursalaryexpectations? Creative Financial StaffingCopyrightbyCreativeFinancialStaffing. Managed by professional accounting firmswww.cfstaffing.com 7

9. Behavior-Based Interview QuestionsMany managers are searching for more detailed examples of work performance, leadership skills, andproblemsolving.Bepreparedforbehavior-basedinterviewquestions.If Theyre Looking For Behaviors that Revolve Around obstacle.Leadership: Tell me about a time when you accomplished If Theyre Looking For Behaviors that Revolve Around somethingsignificantthatwouldnthave Communication: happened if you had not been there to make it Tell me about a time when you had to present a happen. proposal to a person in authority and were able to Tell me about a time when you were able to step dothissuccessfully. into a situation, take charge, muster support, and Tell me about a situation where you had to be achievegoodresults. persuasiveandsellyourideatosomeoneelse. Describe for me a time when you may have been Describe for me a situation where you persuaded disappointedinyourbehavior. teammemberstodothingsyourway.Whatwas Tell me about a time when you had to discipline or theeffect? fireafriend. Tell me about a time when you were tolerant of an Tell me about a time when you had to develop opinionthatwasdifferentfromyours. leadersunderyou. If Theyre Looking For Behaviors that Revolve AroundIf Theyre Looking For Behaviors that Revolve Around Working Effectively with Others:Initiative and Follow-Through: Give me an example that would show how youve Give me an example of a situation where you been able to develop and maintain productive had to overcome major obstacles to achieve your relations with others who have differing points of objectives. view. Tell me about a goal that you set that took a long Tell me about a time when you were able to timetoachieveorthatyouarestillworkingtoward. motivateotherstogetthedesiredresults. Tell me about a time when you won (or lost) an Tellmeaboutadifficultsituationwithaco-worker, importantcontract. andhowyouhandledit. Tell me about a time when you used your political Tell me about a time when you played an integral savvy to push a program through that you really role in getting a team (or work group) back on believedin. track. Tellmeaboutasituationthatyouhadsignificant impactonbecauseofyourfollow-through. If Theyre Looking For Behaviors that Revolve Around Work Quality:If Theyre Looking For Behaviors that Revolve Around Tell me about a time when you wrote a report thatThinking and Problem Solving: waswellreceived.Towhatdoyouattributethat? Tell me about a time when you had to analyze Tell me about a time when you wrote a report that factsquickly,definekeyissues,andrespond wasnotwellreceived.Towhatdoyouattribute immediately or develop a plan that produced good that? results. Tellmeaboutaspecificprojectorprogramthatyou If you had to do that activity over again, how would were involved with that resulted in improvement in youdoitdifferently? amajorworkarea. Describe for me a situation where you may have Tell me about a time when you set your sights too missedanobvioussolutiontoaproblem. high(ortoolow). Tell me about a time when you anticipated Tell me about a time when you made a lasting, potential problems and developed preventative positiveimpressiononacustomer. measures. Tell me about a time when you surmounted a major Creative Financial StaffingCopyrightbyCreativeFinancialStaffing. Managed by professional accounting firmswww.cfstaffing.com 8

10. Behavior-Based Interview QuestionsIf Theyre Looking For Behaviors that Revolve Around priorities.Creativity & Innovation: Describe for me what you do to handle stressful Tell me about a situation in which you were able situations. tofindanewandbetterwayofdoingsomething significant. If Theyre Looking For Behaviors that Revolve Around Tell me about a time when you were creative in Delegation: solvingaproblem. Tell me about a time when you delegated a project Describe a time when you were able to come up effectively. with new ideas that were key to the success of Tell me about a time when you did a poor job of someactivityorproject. delegating. Tell me about a time when you had to bring out the Describe for me a time when you had to delegate creativityinothers. to a person with a full workload, and how you went aboutdoingit.If Theyre Looking For Behaviors that Revolve AroundPriority Setting: If Theyre Looking For Behaviors that Revolve Around Tell me about a time when you had to balance Customer Service: competingprioritiesanddidsosuccessfully. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with an Tell me about a time when you had to pick out the iratecustomer. most important things in some activity and make Tell me about one or two customer-service related surethosegotdone. programs that youve done of which youre Tell me about a time that you prioritized the particularlyproud. elementsofacomplicatedproject. Tell me about a time when you set your sights too Tell me about a time when you got bogged down in high(ortoolow). thedetailsofaproject.If Theyre Looking For Behaviors that Revolve Around Lynda Ford, author of this article, is president of The Ford Group, aDecision Making: consultingfirmdedicatedtoimprovingorganizationsthroughtheir Describe for me a time when you had to make an greatestpotentialresourcepeople. importantdecisionwithlimitedfacts. Tell me about a time when you were forced to makeanunpopulardecision. Describe for me a time when you had to adapt to a difficultsituation.Whatdidyoudo? Tell me about a time when you made a bad decision Tellmeaboutatimewhenyouhired(orfired)the wrongperson.If Theyre Looking For Behaviors that Revolve Aroundthe Ability to Work in Varying Work Conditions (stress,changing deadlines, etc.): Tell me about a time when you worked effectively underpressure. Tell me about a time when you were unable to completeaprojectontime. Tell me about a time when you had to change work mid-stream because of changing organizational Creative Financial StaffingCopyrightbyCreativeFinancialStaffing. Managed by professional accounting firmswww.cfstaffing.com 9

11. Answers to Difficult Interview Questions Howmuchmoneydoyouwant? Only indicate what you are presently earning and that salary is one of severalfactorsyouareconsidering.Emphasizethattheopportunity isthemostimportantconsideration. Tellmeaboutyourself. Emphasis on your recent experience is most important, although brieflycoveringpreviousexperiencesandeducationcanalsobe useful.What are some situations in which your Give only one or two examples and emphasize how you addressed workwascriticized? thecriticismandhowitisnownotaproblem.Ensurethatyoushow thatyouareopentoconstructivecriticism. Whatdoyouthinkofyourboss? Createapositiveimage,evenifthisisnotthecase. How long would it take you to make Realistically speaking, experience and the requirements of the job will a meaningful contribution to our influenceyourmakingameaningfulcontribution. company? Why havent you found the right Explainthatfindingtherightjobismoreimportantthanfindingjust positionbeforenow? ajob.Thiscanbeadifficulttaskasthecurrenteconomymaybea factor. Whywereyoulaidoff? Beaspositiveaspossible.Donotdiscussinterpersonalconflicts, regardlessofhowsympathetictheinterviewermayseem.Discuss economicconditions.Donotgointomuchdetailunlessasked. Whyshouldwehireyou? Explain why this is a logical position for you, sum up your work history Areyouinterestedinthisjob? andre-emphasizeyourstrongestqualitiesandachievements.Above all,lettheinterviewerknowthatyouwillbeanassettothecompany. Whatareyourstrengths? Provide an example of one or two strengths and how it affected yourworkinapositiveway.Stayawayfromidentifyingstandard characteristicswithoutexamples(i.e.Imdetail-oriented,Imahard worker,etc.). Whatareyourweaknesses? Cite a lack of experience in an area largely unnecessary to the job youllbeperforming.Describeaweaknessorareafordevelopment that you have worked on and have now overcome or a characteristic thatcouldbeperceivedaseitherastrengthoraweakness. Creative Financial StaffingCopyrightbyCreativeFinancialStaffing. Managed by professional accounting firmswww.cfstaffing.com 10

12. Asking Questions During the Interview Our experience has proven that Being prepared to ask well thought out questions is critical if you most companies consider this expectyourinterviewtogowell.Whyisthissoimportant?Here phase of the interview to be are a few good reasons: critical. Many of our clients will spend half of their time listening to Common feedback can be: youdescribeyourexperience.Theywillreservethesecond Annwasqualifiedtodothejob, however she didnt seem very interestedinouropportunity. halfoftheirinterviewforansweringyourquestions.Ina 40minuteinterview,thisamountsto20minutes.Thatisa significantamountoftime. Shedidntaskanyquestions. Our people found that to be negative. Most candidates do a good job describing their background, howevertheyfailtoaskquestions.Doingsohelpsyoustand out. Tomwasagreatcandidate.He was well prepared and asked questions which showed he Things to keep in mind: iscloselyevaluatingourrole. Remember, as you prepare your questions, the obvious He appears to be analytical ones will be answered throughout initial conversation and andintuitive.Whereelseishe theirdescriptionofthecompanyandposition.Dontbe interviewing?Wedliketohear hisfeedback.Whatisitgoingto trapped with the response, Youve already answered all of taketogetthisguy? myquestions. Ask good spontaneous questions throughout the interview toshowthatyouarepayingattention. Creative Financial StaffingCopyrightbyCreativeFinancialStaffing. Managed by professional accounting firmswww.cfstaffing.com 11

13. Sample Questions to Ask the InterviewerAbout the Interviewers Background Whydidyoujointhiscompany? Whatdoyoulikebestaboutit? What was your adjustment like upon joining this company? Describe your professional background and your career historywithinthiscompany. Describe some professional challenges youve encounteredatthiscompany. About the Role Whatarethejobsprimaryresponsibilities? (Most Questions You Ask Should What qualities have helped a person be successful in Be Focused on the Position and thisrole? Responsibilities) Whatdoyouseeasbeingthegreatestchallenges? What events have caused this position to become available? Where have other people moved after proving themselvesinthisposition? About the Group What are the professional backgrounds of other membersinthegroup? WithwhomwillIbeinteracting?TowhomwillIbe reporting? With what other internal/external groups does this positionallowmetointeract? About the Company Can you give me examples of new products/services you will be offering to your customers/clients in the near future?Whatpromptedthisinitiative? What have been some successful initiatives you have workedoninthelastyear? Howdoyougrowyourbusiness?Howisbusiness developmenthandled? What characteristics of the organization/product/ services makes you better than the competition/ competitors? Howwouldyoudescribethefirmculturally? Mostfirmstendtobeinastateofchange-Howisthis firmdifferenttodaythan5or10yearsago,andhowdo youthinkitwillbedifferent5yearsfromnow? Creative Financial StaffingCopyrightbyCreativeFinancialStaffing. Managed by professional accounting firmswww.cfstaffing.com 12

14. Questions You Should NOT Ask Do not ask negative questions or questions that should be askedonlyafteranofferismade. NOTE: Whatisyourturnoverrate? Many of these questions are Isthispositionopenbecausesomeoneleftthefirm?appropriate if phrased differently. Be Doyouworkalotofovertimehere? careful how you ask the question. Doyouhavetuitionreimbursement? Canyoutellmethesalaryrangeforthisposition? Whydopeopleleavethefirm? Canyouwearjeans/shortsoncasualdays? WhenwouldIbecomeamanager? Whatdontyoulikeaboutthefirm? Doyouhaveflextime? Doyouofferpart-timeworkarrangements? HowmuchvacationtimewouldIgetthefirstyear? Creative Financial StaffingCopyrightbyCreativeFinancialStaffing. Managed by professional accounting firmswww.cfstaffing.com 13

15. Keep Resignations Short, Simple, and PositiveBy Rick Hornberer Avoid lengthy discussion about your new opportunity with your old employer. Typically,Soonerorlater,mostofusfacearesignation. yourresignationcreatesextraworkforothers.Resigning is never easy, especially when youveworked at a position for several years, and have Chances are, your boss will be caught off-guardbecome part of a team. Some employers and by your resignation, and will not be able to listencoworkers take it personally and accuse you clearly to your explanations due to concernsof abandoning ship. However, handling your about the sudden challenge your leavingresignation as professionally and thoughtfully presents.Becauseyourbossislosingavaluedas you handle your search for a new job can employee and your leaving may create morehelp make your resignation relatively smooth work for him, he or she may express negativeandamicable. opinionsaboutyournewfirmorposition.This will only confuse you. You may find yourselfLeave your employer on a positive note. Your having to justify your personal goals andmoving on does not have to be a time for long decisions or absorb the personal frustrationsfaces.Afterall,youhavejustwonanopportunity of others. If youre dealing with volatile orto advance, an opportunity for which you owe vindictive personalities, it may be best to avoidyour employer sincere thanks. Thank your revealingwhereyouwillbegoing.colleagues, too, for their help in preparing youtomoveonwardandupward. If you feel you may face a hostile atmosphere, resign at the end of your workday so that youIf you have given your best to the job, you will are no longer on company time and are inbe missed - especially by those inconvenienced control of your schedule. Try to schedule anyby your leaving! Let them know that you intend discussions for the following morning whento assist them in whatever ways you can. By everyone can face your departure after time toshowing your boss and firm due respect, you absorbandreflectonthenews.Ifyouhavetoencourage future support you may someday defendyourselfatthisfirstmeeting,orifthingsneed. begin to get out of control, ask to re-schedule themeetingforamoreappropriatetime.When you resign, keep your conversationssimple and concise. The more you say, themore questions you may have to answer. Creative Financial StaffingCopyrightbyCreativeFinancialStaffing. Managed by professional accounting firmswww.cfstaffing.com 14

16. The Oral ResignationResigning orally may place you in the arises. Even if favorite aspects were, say, thecompromising position of having to explain great lunches, or humorous stories told overyourdecisiononthespot.Wordsarepowerfully coffee, better to mention such things than tocharged when you reveal a decision, which has harp on disappointments or shortcomings.such an impact on your organization. Choose (These, you are addressing by moving on toyour words with care. Your boss may want to greenerpastures.)probeforfactors,whichledtoyourdecision.Youmay be asked who or what is the reason for your You want to be perceived as a positive,leaving, or may be invited to offer suggestions constructive individual in forward motion.to help make the organization more effective. People will remember your last impression.If you have had a close relationship with your Makeityourbestperformance.Youmaywanttoboss,youmayfeelobligedtoanswercandidly. tell your boss something like: I need to discuss somethingwithyouifyouhaveamoment.IveDont fall for this trap! Use your head and been made an exceptional offer by anotherdiscuss personal, heartfelt matters outside the firm,andIvedecidedtoacceptit.Mywifeandoffice.Remember,yourinterrogatorisstillyour Ihavegiventhisopportunityalotofthought.boss.Whateveryousaywillbeviewedasbiased As much as Id like to advance within this- after all, you have severed your relationship company, we feel the new opportunity is in ourwith your organization - and may eventually be best long-term interest. We deeply appreciateusedagainstyou.Atthispointyouarenolonger all you and the firm have done for me here. Iconsidered a team player, nor viewed as having dont think I would have been presented thisthecompanysbestinterestatheart. exceptional opportunity if not for your support and leadership. I want to thank you. I hope IToo often, resigning employees come to regret canleavewithyourgoodwishes.Youvebeenatheir comments when they are misinterpreted friendaswellasaboss.or exaggerated in the re-telling. Constructivecriticism is no longer your responsibility, and If probed for more information, you may wantcarries a high cost, which could jeopardize your to claim that there is nothing else to say rightgood references. Instead, offer sincere praise now.Simplycommunicatethatyouareleavingforthefirmandthosewithwhomyouworked. a good opportunity for an even better one,Prepare yourself beforehand by focusing on whichsuitsyouraspirations.several positive aspects of your workplace, andmention them liberally when the opportunity Creative Financial StaffingCopyrightbyCreativeFinancialStaffing. Managed by professional accounting firmswww.cfstaffing.com 15

17. The Written ResignationWritten resignations give you the time to effectively me,andIgenuinelyappreciateallyoursupport.Iprepare what you wish to communicate, and give you wish [Company] continued success, and I want togreatercontroloveryourdeliveryofthemessage. thankyouforallowingmetobeapartofyourteam.You cant be thrown off-track by an unexpected Please feel free to contact me at any time if I canremark as can happen during a confrontational be of further assistance in helping with a smoothconversation.Awrittenresignationalsoreinforces transition.the fact that you are really leaving and are notsimply threatening in order to re-negotiate your Lettersgetfiledandpassedaroundtoexplainwhatposition. Also, there is something permanent happened, reducing the call for endless orations onabout the written word, which often circumvents the same subject.They also dispel any perceivedinterrogation. ambivalence in your behavior during this delicate time.Under no circumstance should you state anydissatisfactions with the firm or individuals. Notonly is it good manners to stress the positivewhenleaving,butitemsinyourpersonnelfilemaylong outlast the individuals and circumstancesresponsible for your dissatisfaction. You neverknow when your path will cross those of your formercolleagues.To keep your resignation short, simple, and positive,you may want to write something like: I want tothank you for all you have done for me here at[Company].Itsbeenapleasureworkingwithyou,andrepresentingthecompanyasyour[jobtitle].Ihaveacceptedanofferwithanotherfirmandhavedecidedtotendermyresignationasoftoday.Thisdecision has nothing to do with the exceptionalopportunity you have provided for me here. Youand the company have been more than fair with Creative Financial StaffingCopyrightbyCreativeFinancialStaffing. Managed by professional accounting firmswww.cfstaffing.com 16

18. Resignation Letter (Date) (Company Name) (Address) (City, State Zip) Sample Resignation Letter Dear (Employer Name): This letter is to inform you that I wish to terminate my employment with (Company Name) effective (Date). I have accepted a new positionandhavedecidedtomoveonwithmycareer. I want to express my gratitude for a rewarding opportunity with (CompanyName)andwithyoupersonally.Mydecisiontopursue another opportunity was not an easy one, but it is right for me asIworktowardfulfillingmygoals.Ihopeyouwillrespectmy positioninthismatter. My efforts until my end date will be to wrap up my products here andturnovermyresponsibilitiesassmoothlyaspossible. Sincerely, (Your name) Creative Financial StaffingCopyrightbyCreativeFinancialStaffing. Managed by professional accounting firmswww.cfstaffing.com 17

19. The Counter-Offer 10 Reasons for NOT accepting a Surveys show that eight out of ten employees who accept counter-offer counteroffers dont complete the following year with their 1. You have now made your employer employer. Why shun counteroffers? Because the factors that awarethatyouareunhappy.From caused you to seek or entertain a better offer are likely to remain this day on, your loyalty will always beinquestion. inforce.Besidewhich,yourcurrentemployerwillprobablylose 2. When promotion time comes trustinyourloyalty.Acceptingacounteroffermaypermanently around, your employer will damageyourreputationwithyourwould-be-employer. remember who is loyal and who isnot. Your prospective new colleagues may conclude that you were 3. When times get tough, your merely using them to gain leverage; you werent in earnest as employer will begin the cutbacks a candidate. Never underestimate the value of your perceived withyou. 4. Accepting a counter-offer is an integrityinthissituation.Thebestresponsetoacounterofferis insult to your intelligence and a tolistenpolitely,perhapsevensleeponit,butdecline.Ifyour blowtoyourpersonalpride;you current firm denied you advancement before you secured an werebought. outside offer, it will probably thwart you next time you feel ready 5. Where is the money for the toadvance.Whatsmore,yourfirmmaystartlookingtoreplace counter-offercomingfrom?All youthedayyouacceptthecounteroffer.Yourplansforleaving companies have wage and salary may not be forgotten! guidelinesthatmustbefollowed. Isityournextraiseearly? 6. Your company will immediately Leave On the Right Note start looking for a new person at a Before leaving the firm, take time to speak with each of your cheaperprice. support staff, peers, executive personnel, and others with whom 7. The same circumstances that youveworked.Totheextentpractical,clearupanyunfinished now cause you to consider a business. Be sensitive to others reactions and keep your change will repeat themselves in the future, even if you accept a conversations positive and constructive. Some people may counter-offer. naturally express their own discontentment, and may egg you 8. Statistics show that if you accept ontoagreewiththem.Dont!Instead,expressyourappreciation a counter-offer, the probability of andtellyourcolleaguesyoullmissthem. voluntarily leaving in six months or being let go in one year is A little time spent nurturing relationships before leaving for your extremelyhigh. newjobwillgoalongwaytobuildsupportforyourfuture.Also 9. Once the word gets out, the relationship that you now enjoy keep in mind that it is professional courtesy to give your employer with your co-workers will never ample notice to help them prepare for your departure - typically, 2 bethesame.Youwilllosethe weeks.However,youshouldtrytogetoutassoonaspossibleto personal satisfaction of peer group avoid recurring invitations to tell your story, and to avoid having acceptance. todealwiththefrustrationsandpressuresatthejobasthefirm 10. Do you want to work for a company adjuststoyourleaving. at which you have to threaten to resign before they will give you whatyouareworth? Copyright2000,ThomasJ.Dougherty&Associates Creative Financial StaffingCopyrightbyCreativeFinancialStaffing. Managed by professional accounting firmswww.cfstaffing.com 18

20. When you want to quit and the boss says: StayYouve landed a new job, composed a discreet demonstratedalackoffidelity.Youarenotateamresignation letter and broken the news to your player. You will henceforth be regarded withboss.Hegoesintoshock. suspicion.I thought you were as happy with us as we are with What kind of future can you expect at a companyyou, he says. Lets discuss it before you make thatdoesnttrustyou?yourfinaldecision. Chances are your boss didnt make that counterofferSoon,youfindyourselfbeingofferedasubstantial becausehewantstohaveyouaroundforevermore.raise, with promises of great things for the future Hejusthasntgotanyonewhocanfillyourshoesatif you stay. It seems the company that had been themoment.Onceasuitablereplacementisfound,taking you for granted has suddenly realized it cant youllbepersonanongrata.getalongwithoutyou. The time to leave is when youre ready to go, notHowflattering!Howtempting!Howdangerous! whenyourbossisreadytogetridofyou.You have just received a counteroffer: an inducement But it would be so much easier to stay in the oldfrom your current employer to lure you back into the nest. Like any venture into the unknown, a jobnestafteryouvedecideditstimetoflyaway. changeistough.Its a delicious moment, and you have every right to Thats why, says Hawkinson, bosses know theysavorit.Butdontstopcleaningoutyourdesk. can usually keep you around by pressing the right buttons.Career-planning experts say that accepting acounterofferisalmostalwaysabadidea. Donttearupthatresignationletter.It never works out, not for more that a month or Ask yourself why you wanted to leave the job in thethree, so forget it, advises Burton E. Lipman, first place. Chances are, those reasons still exist.authorofTheProfessionalJobSearchProgram. The counteroffer only temporarily cushions the thornsinthenext.Career suicide is Paul Hawkinsons two-wordopinionofcounteroffers.In20yearsasanexecutive Conditions are just made a bit more tolerable inrecruiter, Hawkinson says he has seen only isolated the short term because of the raise, promotion orincidents in which an accepted counteroffer has promisesmadetokeepyou,Hawkinsonsays.benefitedtheemployee. Counteroffers are only made in response to aCounteroffers are usually nothing more than stall threattoquit.Willyouhavetosolicitanofferanddevices to give your employer time to replace you, threaten to quit every time you deserve betterHawkinson wrote recently in National Business workingconditions?EmploymentWeekly. Who wants to work for a company where you haveBut theyve just offered you a raise to make you to get an outside offer before the boss will come upstay.Whywouldtheywanttoreplaceyou? witharaiseorapromotion?Because, little bird, you are a loyalty risk. Bythreatening to fly to another company, you have 2000RightSource,Inc.Allrightsreserved. Creative Financial StaffingCopyrightbyCreativeFinancialStaffing. Managed by professional accounting firmswww.cfstaffing.com 19

21. Income Comparison Current Job New Job Element to Consider $ $ Base Salary $ $ Bonus, Commissions $ $ Car Allowance $ $ Tuition Contribution $ $ Other Perks $ $ Profit Sharing $ $ Stock or Equity $ $ 401(k) Contribution $ $ Defined Benefits $ $ Reimbursed Expenses $ $ Cost of Living $ $ Commuting, Parking $ $ Moving Expenses $ $ Travel expenses $ $ Insurance Premiums $ $ Property Taxes $ $ State, Local Taxes $ $ $ Difference (+/-) Creative Financial StaffingCopyrightbyCreativeFinancialStaffing. Managed by professional accounting firmswww.cfstaffing.com 20