Tips on Handing in your Notice

Leaving a job isn’t always easy but handing in your notice should be as simple as possible. If you want to do things properly and ensure you leave your current workplace on good terms, follow our tips below so things go smoothly.

1. Don’t be too hasty

While landing a new job is an exciting time, it’s important not to act hastily and hand in your notice before you’ve signed the new contract. While it might seem like everything will go smoothly, it’s always important to be 100% sure you’ve got a new job to go to before telling your current employer that you’re leaving. No one wants to be in the position of needing to ask for their job back.

2. Put your resignation in writing

When writing your resignation, check that it is in line with your employment contract and that you are giving the correct length of notice period (this varies from company to company)

Your resignation letter should be short, polite and to the point. We recommend hitting these points:

• Your full name and position

• Confirm the exact date and day that you’ll be leaving (in line with your notice period)

• Thank your employer for hiring you, for the experience and for any support they’ve given you.

• State that you are happy to help with handovers or training your replacement.

3. Choose a suitable time to hand in your notice

Whilst handing in your notice is time-sensitive, it’s important to arrange a private meeting with your boss. You want to make sure that you tell them your news face-to-face and not via email.

Although you may feel awkward about this meeting (especially if you’ve never done this before or it’s been a while), your manager is an experienced professional. When the time comes, don’t beat around the bush – inform your boss straight away that you’re handing in your notice.

What they’ll likely ask is where you are moving to and maybe even why. Keep it positive – stick to talking about why your new job is too good an opportunity to miss rather than why you don’t want to stay where you are.

4. Responding to a counteroffer

When you hand in your notice, you might be given a counteroffer with the promise of an increased salary, more suitable hours or more responsibility. Don’t immediately respond to this. Instead, thank them for the offer and tell them you’ll think about it.

Think carefully about this offer and why you wanted to leave in the first place. Consider if it would benefit your career to remain in a position where you are not 100% fulfilled.

Research indicates that 90% of people who accept a counteroffer still end up resigning within 6 months

5. Ask about references

After handing in your notice, it’s a good idea to ask your employer if they would be willing to provide a reference.

Bear in mind that some companies have a policy where only HR is allowed to give out a reference confirming when you worked at the company. However, if you can get a reference then both your line manager and HR are the best people to go to.

6. Remain professional

With your notice now handed in, be sure to remain professional for the duration of your notice period. It’s important to respect your current employer and not burn bridges; you never know what may happen in the future.

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