Leave your job on a high note
Handing in your notice is something that you will probably do a few times in your life, so it's worthwhile to know the correct way to approach the task.
Most people will have resigned at some point in their careers, including your manager. You may feel guilty about leaving, but try not to: despite the fact you may have been a valued member of the team, the company will manage without you.
Leaving an employer for a new job has its own etiquette and following protocol should leave them with a good final impression, which bodes well for getting the ever important good reference. Here are a few tips:
- As soon as you are certain, let your manager know as they will appreciate as much notice as possible.
- Keep it confidential – your boss will appreciate being the one to decide who else to tell, how and when to break the news
- While the letter of resignation is a your legal requirement, ideally give this to them after you've told them privately in person, if it's at all possible
- Be sure of your reasons for leaving and if necessary, rehearse them
- Find the right moment; just before your manager is about to make a presentation to the board of directors is not a good time
- If you don't want to reveal where you're going, you're perfectly within your rights to keep this to yourself
- Be prepared for a negative reaction or even anger, but remember you have done nothing wrong; you're simply resigning and the initial shock will pass
- If there is likely to be a handover period to a colleague or new person, reassure your boss you'll be helpful and cooperative
A simple resignation letter is a legal requirement so deliver it on the day that you resign. It should include details of the person to whom it is addressed, the notice of termination of employment, your last working day and your signature, if you are printing it out rather than emailing it.
If you're leaving on good terms you could add an extra few words to express your appreciation for the opportunities they've given you, but if you've had adverse working conditions or a clash of personalities, it's best not to elaborate; just satisfy the legal requirements.
Second thoughts
If your employer offers you a counter offer, consider it carefully. Give some thought to the following:
- What are the pros and cons of your present job? And the new one?
- Have you pursued all avenues for advancement within your current firm?
- Think back to your motives for seeking new employment in the first place. What made you unhappy? Are those circumstances likely to change?
- Don't be put off by imagining people saying, 'It wouldn't be the same without you' or 'I had you in line for a promotion next quarter'. They will actually move on without you, faster than you probably think.
Be positive and don't underestimate your capabilities. If you have goals and ambitions, don't be hampered by negative thought. We all spend a significant part of our day and lifetimes in the office, so make sure it's time well spent.
When you are offered a new job, there's a degree of etiquette to each stage of finding landing a new job, and that includes the acceptance stage. Observing these details should instill confidence in your actions and help you to move onwards and upwards in your career.
You have probably verbally accepted the job offer, but if you have received a written offer, ask for it to be sent to you by post or email so that you can formally respond to it. If you're transferring from another job, it is likely that you will have to work a notice period. If your new employer is keen for you to start as soon as possible, the offer letter should arrive promptly.
- Structuring your letter
- Include all relevant details such as names, addresses, and dates
- Thank your new employer for offering you the position
- Tell them you are delighted to accept the offer
- Confirm your start date (if not confirmed, say you will notify them as soon as possible)
- End on a positive note, saying you are looking forward to joining the team
Starting a new job
A month is a long time to wait to start, and the more you can learn about who's who in your department during that time, the easier it will be on your first day. You may want to keep in touch with your new employer in the period before you start. They may even invite you to the office or for a team drink to meet your future colleagues. If so, make an effort to put in an appearance.
Although your employer should have an idea of what you can offer from your interview, your first few days in a new position will have an even stronger bearing on how they will perceive you. Similarly, on your first day, one of your line managers should create a welcoming and supportive environment and should be keen to make a good impression on you.
If your are having second thoughts on your first day
If, on the first day, you feel that you have made a mistake or that you just won't gel with your new colleagues, don’t panic. This is very common. It often takes time to settle into a new organisation and many people have initial reservations, which they quickly overcome. Before you raise any concerns with your manager, you should complete at least one full week, but preferably two.
It could well be that you started at a time when everything has gone wrong, and it would be unfair to instantly judge your new company and its employees under these circumstances. To put it into perspective, you would expect your new employers to give you at least one or two weeks to settle before forming an opinion on you, so it’s only fair that you do the same with them.
Ask for a meeting
If, however, you are still feeling uncomfortable after the first two weeks, you should email or write a letter to your manager rather than say anything out loud, which could be overheard and misconstrued. Spell out your concerns and ask whether they will be able to meet with you to discuss them.
Don’t do anything rash like hand in your notice. Any manager worth their salt should take time out to make a new employee feel comfortable, and it could be that they didn’t explain the role properly, or that you misinterpreted them. Once you have voiced your concerns and your manager has responded to them, you'll be able to make an informed decision as to whether or not you wish to stay.