Job offers always sound fantastic, and often are, but think before you accept. Talk things over with friends or family and your recruitment consultant if you are using one, and listen to their views. It is your decision, but it is surprising how often an 'outside' view can help you see things in a more balanced way. If you are going because you hate your job, fine. But still pause before you go. Do you have another job? What about references? And beware of leaving just for more money: is that the only thing which will make you happy?

Do not resign until you have a written offer of employment, no matter how eager you are. Once you have received your offer in writing and have accepted it, you will need to write your letter of resignation and then arrange a meeting with your partner/line manager. Do not just hand it in and walk away. This is an important topic and one you will both need to discuss. Make sure the meeting is in private so you can perhaps deal with some things that are best not expressed in a resignation letter.


At this meeting, you should hand over your written notice, discuss your reasons for leaving and agree a mutually acceptable leaving date. If you are leaving because you have bad feelings about your employer, do not be tempted to say exactly what you think, in writing or verbally.


Do not feel guilty about resigning - you are entitled to follow your chosen path of employment. It may come as a shock to your employer, but if you keep the conversation professional, show your appreciation for the time you have spent with the firm and keep emotion to one side, you may find sympathy and agreement with your move.


If not, be prepared for an attempt to persuade you to stay. This will not always be immediate; they may try to wear you down subtly during your notice period. These could include a variety of different promises, such as a large salary increase, bonuses, more flexible working arrangements, additional benefits, promotion/partnership prospects, management responsibilities, a change of location and so on. The most important thing to remember at this stage is why you are resigning in the first place. Has anything really changed in your decision to leave?


If you are tempted, remember your reasons for wanting to move. Research by recruitment consultants has found that a large proportion of people who accept counter offers still leave within six months of deciding to stay with their present employer.


Once you have decided to move, keep in touch with your new employer. They will be awaiting your start date as keenly as you and it helps them to know that everything is going to plan at your end.


Mary Stilwell is a partner at Birmingham based legal consultancy MCA Legal