You’ve signed a job offer for a new opportunity and now all that stands in your way is submitting your resignation letter for your current job. This official letter will set the tone for the next two weeks in the office, so be sure to resign gracefully and professionally. Use this guide to help you when writing your resignation letter.

The first paragraph of your resignation letter should be simple and to the point. State the position you are resigning from and when your last day will be – this is usually two weeks from the date you give notice.
 

The next part of the resignation letter is to thank your employer for the opportunities you have had during your employment. Describe some of the key things you’ve enjoyed and learned on the job. Despite the reasons you may be resigning, it is always best to not include any negative comments about your company or coworkers. You never want to burn bridges as you may need to use former employers as a reference in the future. It’s also a good idea to say that you are willing to help with the transition that your leaving will cause.

In general, keep your resignation letter brief and professional. Be sure to include the position you are resigning from and when your last day of work will be. Thank your employer and don’t include any negative comments. Good luck on your new opportunity!  

Welcome back! Last week we discussed 3 skills employers are looking for when hiring – communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Today we will continue to look at more transferable skills that can be used in a variety of jobs. Here are 3 more skills that employers want:

1.Initiative

Employers are looking for someone who goes above and beyond their job responsibilities by taking initiative. Employees with initiative are able to handle job duties without having to wait on instruction from others. They like to see individuals who can take it upon themselves to do something without being told. It is the ability to see what needs, or can be done in order to improve the workplace. Employers want to ensure the people they are hiring can be independent and have the willingness and drive to get things done without being told.

 2. Strong Work Ethic

Having a strong work ethic means that you have the determination and motivation to do the best job possible. Employers want someone who will take pride in their work, and put forth their best efforts at all times.   This could mean taking on additional challenges, or even working overtime to get the job done. Employers want dedicated, hard workers that truly demonstrate that they care about their job.

 3. Positive Attitude

Finally, one of the important skills employees look for when hiring is a positive attitude. Having a positive attitude at work will reflect on what you do and make you a more productive employee. Employers want someone who has a happy demeanor in the workplace, not someone who is pessimistic and has a negative outlook. This will only negatively affect the rest of the team. Employers want their staff to be happy, and having a positive attitude about your work and company is important.

These are just some of the skills that employers are looking for when hiring. Employers are eager to hire people with a strong work ethic, good communication and teamwork skills, and a positive attitude. Be sure to highlight the skills that you possess on your resume to demonstrate the value you bring as an employee.

To be successful in any role, aside from education and experience, you need to demonstrate skills that can be used in a variety of jobs, known as ‘soft skills.’ These are skills and attitudes that can help you to work well with others and make a positive contribution to the organization you work for. Here is a list of the top 6 skills employers want when hiring:

1.Communication

Everything you do in the workplace results from communication. Therefore, the ability to effectively communicate is one of the top mentioned and most frequently asked for skills by employers. They are looking for someone who has strong listening, verbal, and written skills. You need to be able to express your ideas clearly and confidently with colleagues and clients in the workplace. In today’s world, that also means communicating effectively through various mediums such as email and over the phone.

2. Teamwork

Being able to work with others in a team and achieve a common goal is a crucial skill. Many jobs today require you to work in small groups to complete tasks. Therefore, being able to get along with colleagues to complete projects is one of the main skills employers are looking for. The employer wants to know how you have worked as a team player in the past to demonstrate your ability to work with others effectively.

3. Problem-Solving

Employers want people who are motivated to take on challenges with minimal direction. The ability to find solutions to problems using your own analytical thinking and resources is a skill employers want. Employers want someone who can use problem-solving skills to complete tasks and come up with solutions.

Next week we will take a closer look at three more skills that employers want when they are hiring. In the meantime, be sure to update your resume to highlight the ‘soft skills’ you possess to make yourself more marketable to employers.