How to Hand in Your Notice
When moving on from your current role, it’s always good to do so professionally to maintain a positive relationship with your employer. Handing in your notice can be daunting and anxiety-inducing for both people who love the job and those who can’t wait to leave. To make sure you’re doing it properly, here’s our guide to handing in your notice gracefully:
- Prepare a formal resignation letter: This should state your intention to leave and your proposed last day of work, adhering to the notice period in your contract.
- Schedule a meeting with your manager: It is professional to tell your manager before submitting your resignation letter. Sometimes, it can be a difficult conversation, but that’s an excellent skill to work on.
- Be ready for a counteroffer: Your employer may present a counteroffer to retain you. Consider this carefully and stay true to your career goals. If you think a counteroffer will come, write down your WHY for leaving before you hand in your notice period. If it’s financial, it may be enough to make your stay. But, if you’re WHY was career progression, culture or something equally nuanced, ask yourself why your salary had stayed the same before you handed in your notice.
Negotiating a Shorter Notice Period
Sometimes, you may need to leave sooner than your notice period allows. You might want some time before starting the new role, or your new employer may want you in their business ASAP. Here’s how to approach this negotiation:
- Discuss with your employer: Explain why you’re requesting a shorter notice period and be open to compromise.
- Offer to help with the transition: Propose a handover plan to train a replacement or document your work processes.
- Be professional: Maintain a positive tone and express gratitude for the opportunity to work with the company. Save the honesty or critique for your exit interview.
Handling Common Questions
When resigning, you may face questions from your manager. Here are some of the common ones and how to address them:
- Why are you leaving?: Be honest but diplomatic. Focus on the positive aspects of the new opportunity rather than the negative aspects of your current role.
- What can we do to make you stay?: If you’re open to staying, discuss necessary changes. If not, politely decline and reaffirm your decision.
Leaving with a Strong Personal Reputation
Your final days at a company can leave a lasting impression. Here’s how to make sure it’s a positive one:
- Fulfil your responsibilities: Complete all outstanding tasks and leave a handover you would be happy to receive.
- Express gratitude: Thank your colleagues and superiors for the experiences and opportunities you’ve had.
- Stay connected: Leave your contact information and stay in touch with the people you’ve met.
Leaving a job is a significant career step, and handling it with professionalism can ensure you leave on good terms, preserving valuable relationships and your reputation in the industry. Remember, every ending is a new beginning, and how you conclude one chapter can significantly influence the start of the next.
Good luck!