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With a Good Resignation Letter, You Might Get a Good Reference
In the land of opportunity, such as Hong Kong, there is an endless business base in the city. That will eventually lead to job opportunities that may be your dream job. The hunt for a dream job never ends because you never know when you land and fall in love with it. Nevertheless, if you have received an offer for a new job, your next move will be tactful when resigning from the current one. Besides informing your immediate superior of your leaving in person, the resignation letter is a courtesy call to your employer and shows your professionalism right to the very end. Let’s get to the part where you have to write a resignation letter in Hong Kong.
Resign to Start
After accepting the new job offer, you have to initiate the resignation process with the current employer. You can do this a few ways, but ultimately, you still need to write a resignation letter in Hong Kong. For starters, if you have a good rapport with your immediate boss, you can schedule a private meeting with him or her. Your boss must be the first to know of your resignation intention. For example, when you are meeting your boss in person, tell him or her that you are resigning for specific reasons. Be brief and keep any details of your new job opportunity to yourself. Your boss may be genuinely happy for you, but deep down, they have to train a replacement all over again.
Employment Contract
Next, read up on your employment contract with your employer again. Be mindful of the termination clause. Check with your human resources if the clause may mean anything other than what is intended. This is to ensure your resignation letter will be accepted and serve its purpose as a notice of terminating the employment contract. For companies that may not have a termination clause in the employment contract, an employee can refer to the necessary notice period from the Hong Kong Employment Ordinance. The regulation states the following:
- In the first month of the probationary period, there is no notice period and no payment in place of notice.
- Within the next months of the probationary period, the length of notice is as stated in the employment contract but not less than seven days.
- After the end of the probation period, the length of notice is as stated in the contract, but not less than seven days.
- After the end of the probation period, if the contract states no notice period, it shall be not less than one month.
The Ultimate Letter
First, address your boss and relevant parties, such as human resources. Followed by the subject of your letter. The subject should be straightforward, so the following information is as expected. You can now start to write a resignation letter in Hong Kong. The first paragraph must always contain your desire to resign from the position and its effective date. The second paragraph can be as short as a gratitude statement to the company or providing details of your resignation. Avoid any emotional statements, even if you have grudges against the management. End the letter with good wishes for the company’s future.