10 Tips for terminating employment contracts
If you have decided to terminate your employment contract, it can be an emotionally stressful experience. Whether you’ve been terminated by your employer or decide to leave voluntarily, there are many things to keep in mind to ensure the process goes smoothly. In this article, we will share 10 tips that can help you prepare for your termination and ease the transition into a new career phase.
1. Know your rights
Before you cancel your employment contract, you should be aware of your rights and responsibilities. Familiarize yourself with the terms of termination set forth in your employment contract and what other factors need to be considered, such as any severance pay or remaining vacation time.
2. Plan the timing of your termination carefully
Choose the appropriate time to submit your notice of termination. It is important that you allow enough time to ensure that the notice period is met. Be careful not to give notice during a period when important operational decisions are pending.
3. Be professional
Make sure you submit your resignation in a professional manner. Avoid emotional outbursts or accusations against your supervisor or colleagues. Your resignation should not indicate that you speak poorly of the company or are dissatisfied.
4. Write a formal resignation
It is important to put a formal notice of termination in writing. Be sure to include the date of your resignation, your reasons, and if possible, a possible resignation date. A written resignation is a legally binding document that specifies when you will resign.
5. Develop a transition plan
Develop a short and simple transition plan before submitting your resignation letter. Make sure you have completed any important projects or handed them off to other employees. This will help ensure a smoother transition into your next career phase.
6. Use your network
In the current work environment, it is important to maintain relationships with other professionals. If you are quitting your job, use your network to tap into potential career opportunities. Talk to former colleagues or former supervisors to find out about possible jobs.
7. Plan your finances
Don’t terminate your employment contract until you have a financial basis to support that decision. Check that you have a reserve to deal with possible financial shortfalls. It may be advisable to consult with a financial advisor before submitting your notice of termination.
8. Make sure you cover yourself legally
If you are terminating your employment contract, make sure you are legally protected. Review your employment contracts and termination terms carefully and make sure you are in compliance with all relevant laws.
9. Stay positive
A layoff can be a stressful and unsettling time, but it’s important to stay positive. Use this time to refocus and explore new career opportunities. Stay optimistic and open to new experiences.
10. Ask for a letter of recommendation
Although you may be uncomfortable asking your employer for a letter of recommendation, it can be beneficial when looking for a new job in the future. A letter of recommendation can help potential employers get a better idea of your skills and experience.
What is a resignation?
A notice of termination is a unilateral declaration by the employer to terminate the employment relationship. In doing so, the employer gives the employee written notice of the termination and the termination date. A notice of termination can be given for a variety of reasons, including operational reasons, employee misconduct, or the employee’s inability to perform the job.
When a notice of termination is given, the employee has the opportunity to appeal it. This can be done by filing a lawsuit against the termination or by reaching an agreement with the employer. It is important that the employee knows his rights and consults a lawyer if necessary.
- Tip 1: Check the notice period and stick to it.
- Tip 2: Ask for written reasons for termination.
- Tip 3: Check whether the termination is socially unjustified.
- Tip 4: Seek a discussion with your employer and clarify the reason for the termination.
- Tip 5: Consider whether it is possible to reach an agreement with the employer.
- Tip 6: Seek advice from an expert, such as a lawyer or trade unionist.
- Tip 7: Document everything related to the termination, such as conversations or correspondence.
- Tip 8: Check whether you are entitled to severance pay.
- Tip 9: Look for a new job promptly to avoid financial hardship.
- Tip 10: Adhere to all obligations and agreements during the notice period to get a good job reference.
How to submit a notice of termination of employment contract: deadlines and formalities
Termination of employment contract is often a difficult situation for employees. However, there are certain rules that must be followed to make the notice effective. One of the most important rules are the deadlines and formalities that apply in Germany.
If you want to terminate your employment contract, you should know that you must observe a certain period of notice. In most cases, an employee’s notice period is four weeks to the end of the month. However, if you have agreed on a different time period, you must abide by that agreement.
It is also important to submit a written notice stating the reason for termination. It is advisable to send the notice by registered mail with advice of receipt to ensure that it reaches the employer.
- You do not have to give reasons for your termination, but you should still formulate it in a friendly and polite manner
- Talk to your employer before you hand in your notice if you have had problems previously
- Always give notice in writing in order to have evidence

If you follow these tips and comply with the deadlines and formalities, you should be able to submit a termination of employment contract without any problems.
Reasons for termination
There are many reasons why an employer may terminate an employment contract. A common reason is poor performance. If an employee cannot perform his or her job duties or does not meet the employer’s expectations, this can lead to termination.
Violations of work rules can also lead to termination. For example, if an employee is repeatedly late or behaves inappropriately, there may be consequences. Another cause of termination can be a conflictual employment relationship, when employee and employer do not understand each other and fail to find a solution.
Sometimes operational restructuring or company realignment can also result in jobs being eliminated and employees having to be laid off. In these cases, you may be facing termination for operational reasons.
- Inadequate performance
- Violations of work rules
- Conflict-ridden employment relationship
- Business restructuring or realignment
It is important that employees know their rights and obligations in the employment relationship and seek legal advice in the event of termination. With these tips, employees can better prepare for a possible termination and improve their situation.
Tips for negotiating an employment contract
If you are facing termination of your employment contract, there are several negotiation options to improve your situation. Here are ten tips that can help you:
- Check your rights and obligations in the employment contract and the labor law.
- Prepare a list of arguments in favor of your continuation in the company.
- Prepare your financial situation and clarify what benefits you would receive if you were terminated.
- Seek to speak with your supervisor and make an appointment to discuss your situation.
- Prepare for the interview by clearly articulating your arguments and your desires.
- Keep the conversation respectful and constructive.
- Consider alternative solutions such as a severance agreement.
- Take time to think about the offer and, if necessary, seek assistance from counseling services or attorneys.
- Don’t act in haste and don’t sign an agreement without carefully reviewing it.
- Make a conscious decision about how you want to proceed and implement your decision.
Negotiating an employment contract requires preparation and assertiveness. However, if you know the right procedures and prepare yourself specifically, you will have good negotiating opportunities and can improve your situation.
Legal steps to take when terminating an employment contract
Anyone who receives notice of termination of their employment contract should not be afraid to take legal action. Here are ten tips that can help:
- Review the employment contract: Before taking legal action, review the employment contract. Does it contain a notice period and was it respected?
- Seek advice: It is advisable to consult an attorney specializing in labor law. This can help with the assessment of the termination and legal options.
- Check social plan: If the company has a social plan, it should be checked for the clauses on dismissal.
- Appeal: A termination can be appealed. This should be done within three weeks.
- File an appeal: If the appeal was unsuccessful, a wrongful termination lawsuit can be filed. This must be done within three weeks of receipt of the notice of termination.
- Request a reference: after termination, every employee has the right to a job reference. This can be requested if needed.
- Consider severance pay: It is possible to be paid a severance package. Negotiation with the employer is necessary here.
- Check costs: Before taking legal action, it should be checked what costs the employee will incur.
- Avoid statements to the employer: It is advisable not to make threats or angry statements to the employer. This can be detrimental to the legal situation.
- Do not make hasty decisions: Taking legal action should be well considered. It is advisable to take sufficient time to make a decision.
If these tips are followed, the chances of successfully challenging a termination and prevailing against the employer are good.