How do I write a resignation letter in Cameroon?

Make it brief and formal. Ensure that you state, in your resignation letter, the last date of your notice and do not go into details of why you are resigning. Finally, hand it in officially and if you are serving your notice period, give your job the very best and leave on good terms.

How do I resign from my immediate effect in Cameroon?

If you are resigning with immediate effect in protest at how you have been treated, a verbal resignation is enough, but it is better to put it in writing. Most employment contracts in Cameroon will require you to resign in writing – so, your notice period will not start to run until you give your employer written notice.

What does Labor law say about resignation in Cameroon?

An employer is allowed by Cameroonian law to terminate an employee without notice. However, an employer is required to pay you a sum equal to the salary you would have received during the notice period.

How to Write a Resignation Letter in Cameroon Legally

Introduction

In any work situation, there comes a time when you need a change, and that may mean a career change or just a new path. The professional way to inform your Employer is through a resignation letter.

Resignations are typical in most organizations. As such, don’t feel you are committing a crime when writing your resignation letter. Instead, be honest and earnest in your words. Resignation is not easy, so here are some critical steps to consider and reflect on before quitting your job to ensure a smooth transition.

Pause and Reflect

Why are you leaving? Is it a fit of anger that will end a fantastic opportunity to grow your career? Is it about a coworker who you cannot stand? In this case, you should think of yourself. First, they will be noticed, and their exit will come with time.

Or maybe it is a toxic situation you feel has no remedy? Always remember, however, most cases have a cure, even if you don’t know what it is yet. Ideally, if your resignation comes from a new opportunity, that means financial and professional growth. Reflect on lessons learned at your job and how you will behave in the future, how you will use your instincts or keep good records, or whatever your game plan is to improve your work situation or to get yourself into your dream job.

Your Transit Plan

If your resignation is due to a current crisis, think hard about where you are going, what you will live on, and how you will pay your rent. Do you have a freelance job or a consultancy to cushion your transition? Have you called your trusted friends to find out if there are openings you can get into? Attend events and network like crazy. It is usually harder to find a job when you are not in one, so do your best to find something while in a job.

Find a recruitment consultant with job openings that interest you; use online sites such as BrighterMonday to scour for jobs; practice job placement exams in readiness for the interview. Target to send out about 4 applications daily and make time to do them. Tell people what you do and that you are open to new challenges.

It is not about the sheer volume of applications but ensuring that they are tailored to the job you are applying for. Save your income carefully for several months as an emergency fund for your exit strategy so that you will have a grace period and resources to seek another job.

Get Your Story Straight

Consider whether you want to tell your ex-employer where you are going. Tell no one of your plans before you formally announce them; a friend at work is still a colleague and may accidentally spill the beans before you are ready. Being honest about why you are leaving will maintain the relationship if you have a good relationship.

If you are leaving on frosty terms, instead, ‘returning to school to gain your Master’ or ‘going into the family business should be as far as they are concerned. Whatever you choose to say, think it through, stay close to the truth and prepare a few speaking notes just in case there is a formal meeting or conversation about your departure.

How To Write A Resignation Letter in Cameroon?

Follow The Standard Procedure When Handing in A Resignation Letter

Are you planning to give 1-month notice, or are you choosing to compensate your Employer for the month? Decide your game plan and map it out; this will help you get prepared. Write a brief resignation letter, insert a date, print it, and place it somewhere safe in your house. This will get you in the mindset of transition and get you going.

Mark it on your calendar and start a countdown. E.g., If you give yourself 6 months or 90 days, whatever the timelines, plan what activity will happen each month and mark it off on the calendar as it happens, much like a well-planned project.

This will keep you motivated and prepared for your transition. The resignation must be formal in the form of a letter and/or an email. Do not resign on a voice call or on social forums like text, Whatsapp, Facebook, or other social platforms. You must double-check your employment contract and ensure that all details of the notice period comply with your resignation letter.

This is because submitting your resignation and leaving immediately without serving your notice could leave you liable for the notice period being deducted from your terminal benefits, according to the current labor laws. After submitting the resignation letter, you may be required to follow specific procedures for ending your term, including returning assets and handing them over to another person within the company. As much as possible, comply and leave your current Employer on a positive note.

Keep the Letter Brief and To The Point.

Employers are human too. They do need to know the reason for your leaving for their own peace of mind. The simple rule is that the less detail, the better for everyone. If it is a new opportunity, just say, “I have found a new opportunity.” However, if the reason for the resignation is negative, it is also advisable to stay brief and positive in your senses for leaving.

Never Vent Your Frustrations in The Resignation Letter

Restrict yourself from venting your anger as much as your job might have been hell on earth. You may say more than you intended and ruin any sympathy that you may have from well-wishers. Your emotional attachment to issues could again likely lose you valuable support in the future.

Handing Over The Resignation Letter Matters A Great Deal

Always be mindful of your notice period terms and conditions. You begin serving the information the day you present your notice to your immediate boss or the HR Department by hand or email. How and where you present it doesn’t matter; you must show it and confirm its deposit.

You should also get a return confirmation from the Employer that they have noted your resignation and how they wish you to serve the notice. The Employer can decide if they do not want you to fill in the information in the office.

Sample Resignation Letter in Cameroon

Dear (Your Direct Reports Name & Human Resource Manager),

I am now handing in my resignation letter, effective immediately. I will serve the company until 15th January by the 30-day notice period stipulated in my contract.

I am resigning because I have found a new opportunity. I am thankful for the time I served the company as the Public Relations Officer and the skills and experience I gained.

Kind regards,

Bernard Mbah

Before You Leave

Ensure that you have received your letter of recommendation from the company after your resignation. This could play a vital role in the future, as it is essential to have as many references as possible. Make sure to add your team on LinkedIn or at least get their contact details; they could give you valuable contacts for your career in the future.

Your resignation should be carefully planned and executed. Do not be in a hurry to leave and leave in bad faith. Make it brief and formal. Ensure that you state, in your resignation letter, the last date of your notice and do not go into details about why you are resigning. Finally, hand it in officially and if you are serving your notice period, give your job the very best and leave on good terms.