Handing in your notice
Generally, you shouldn’t give your notice until you have managed to secure a new job in writing with all the terms and conditions clearly detailed. If you are uncertain about any of the conditions or they come across vague, you should have them ironed out by speaking to the HR manager.
Review your terms and conditions of employment.
When planning to hand in your notice, you should carefully look at the terms and conditions of your current job position and in particular, the notice period that is required. Your notice period requirement could be as little as a few weeks or as long as a a few months. It depends on the current employment contract and the company you are working for. The general rule of thumb is the more senior of a position you hold, the longer the notice period will be.
If your new employer has asked you to start with them before your notice period is fulfilled, tell them that you would never leave an employer without doing the entire notice period. Say that you will ask your employer if they would be okay with you doing a shorter notice period and that you will get back to them as soon as you can. By doing this, you will prove to them that you are reliable.
Most likely they will not have a problem if you cannot accommodate them sooner. Keep in mind, when the discussion has gotten to this point, it is clear that you are good as hired. It is unlikely they will want to go through the entire recruitment process again.
If your new employer has asked you to start with them before your notice period is fulfilled, tell them that you would never leave an employer without doing the entire notice period. Say that you will ask your employer if they would be okay with you doing a shorter notice period and that you will get back to them as soon as you can. By doing this, you will prove to them that you are reliable.
Most likely they will not have a problem if you cannot accommodate them sooner. Keep in mind, when the discussion has gotten to this point, it is clear that you are good as hired. It is unlikely they will want to go through the entire recruitment process again.
Be Professional.
If you get on well with your manager, ask them if you can have a chat with them when it’s convenient. When speaking with them, say that you would like to leave, hand in your full notice or attempt to negotiate a shorter notice if necessary. Just remember not to stop being friendly during this process. It is also your opportunity to ask for a reference.
Each company has a different policy regarding references with some having to take place on the phone and others having to be written. With all that being said, try to get some reassurance that they will speak favourably of you. In addition, it is crucial to get the name of the person who is giving you a reference if they are not your manager. It is a good idea to try and get all of this sorted in the one meeting and before you leave as going back to them months later may not be practical.
Each company has a different policy regarding references with some having to take place on the phone and others having to be written. With all that being said, try to get some reassurance that they will speak favourably of you. In addition, it is crucial to get the name of the person who is giving you a reference if they are not your manager. It is a good idea to try and get all of this sorted in the one meeting and before you leave as going back to them months later may not be practical.
Write your letter of resignation.
The next thing to do is to write your letter of resignation. You should keep this short and professional, mention why you are leaving and thank them for the opportunity. Ensure the tone of the letter is polite and does not speak poorly of the company or its staff.
Arrange a meeting with your manager to hand in your notice. Ensure you have a couple of copies of the letter and give one to the manager. Once you have given your resignation letter to your manager, you will begin working your notice period.
Whilst you should restrain from outright insulting anyone, you should also be honest and share the actual reasons you are leaving the company. It may give your manager honest and helpful feedback that can be used to improve the work environment.
Ensure you write the resignation letter before the conversation takes place. Make sure to print the signed copy afterwards and follow up with your supervisor via email.
Arrange a meeting with your manager to hand in your notice. Ensure you have a couple of copies of the letter and give one to the manager. Once you have given your resignation letter to your manager, you will begin working your notice period.
Whilst you should restrain from outright insulting anyone, you should also be honest and share the actual reasons you are leaving the company. It may give your manager honest and helpful feedback that can be used to improve the work environment.
Ensure you write the resignation letter before the conversation takes place. Make sure to print the signed copy afterwards and follow up with your supervisor via email.
What should you do once you have handed in your notice.
When working your notice period, it is crucial to not allow your performance to drop simply because you are leaving the company. You should still work at your normal performance because you are still working for the company. Do not speak poorly of the company to any of your managers or team members.
If you have negative reasons motivating your leave, you may be tempted to express your views. However, this will just result in you getting into trouble. The best way to behave once you have handed in your notice is to remain dedicated to your work and be professional.
If it is necessary to do so, you should create a document that details the work you have completed and what you are currently working on, your day to day and week to week tasks. If possible, you should help to train the individual who will be taking over your post.
If you have negative reasons motivating your leave, you may be tempted to express your views. However, this will just result in you getting into trouble. The best way to behave once you have handed in your notice is to remain dedicated to your work and be professional.
If it is necessary to do so, you should create a document that details the work you have completed and what you are currently working on, your day to day and week to week tasks. If possible, you should help to train the individual who will be taking over your post.
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