Wait For The Offer Letter.
You are in a safer position once this is in your hand.
Writing Your Resignation Letter.
We can assist you with this and have templates available for you to use.
If you write your own, a sensible, to the point and unemotional letter will suffice, along with a sincere offer to work your notice period. Do not gloat, look to settle scores or tell your boss what you actually think of them.
Pick Your Timing.
There is never a brilliant time to hand in a resignation letter, but never do it when they are with a customer, their boss or another employee. Pick a time when you can meet with your boss without interruption. The best advice is to make an appointment, but, don't indicate why beforehand, say it’s a private matter.
Keep It Professional.
Be nice, polite and non-confrontational. You never know, this boss may one day be your new boss somewhere else.
Working Your Notice / References.
Offer to work your notice period and, if need be, to help with handing over to your eventual replacement. Remember, one day they may be asked to do a reference for you.
Ask them to provide a reference for you to take away with you. If they know they are handing it to you, it is more likely to be positive and less inflammatory.
Start Date.
Your new employer will want you to start as soon as possible; ask when you hand in your notice when would be your last working day. Then let your recruitment consultant and new employer know.
Holiday.
If you ask nicely sometimes your current employer will allow you to use any holiday entitlement still owing to reduce your notice period. So ask!
You Need To Be Mindful Of Certain Things Now:
Counteroffer
Some companies have been known to respond to resignations by providing a more competitive salary package. If you have gone through the recruitment process in the hope that you may get a counter offer you are playing a VERY RISKY GAME. The company is now aware of your desire to leave. While the proposal may be attractive, it can affect any future pay rises, promotional prospects and training opportunities.
Defamatory Information / Remarks
Some companies are desperate not to lose staff. If you hear of a worrying piece of information about your new company, please don't jump to any hasty conclusions and investigate further by contacting your recruitment consultant.
Emotional Blackmail
A great deal of pressure can be placed upon individuals. Occasionally employers may threaten to withhold wages or payment of a bonus, provide a bad reference or generally hinder your transition to your new role. Try to recognise these threats for what they are, just threats. However, ALWAYS seek advice as employment laws are protecting your rights.
Magic Promotion
As your company may not want to lose you, they may produce a promotion 'out of thin air'. Although the promotion may be sincere, it shouldn't take handing your notice in for your efforts to be recognised? In this case, it may be best to turn down the opportunity graciously.
Shown the Door
This can often happen where there is a high level of confidentiality entrusted. Some companies feel that making an employee work their notice can upset the rest of the workforce, as he/she may be less motivated and productive. The upside is you can now join your new company much sooner.
What Next?
It will help if you read our ‘Preparation for New Job’ guide
Hopefully you have landed on this page, as you want to know how to Hand Your Notice In. If not, click on the relevant image below to continue on your Job Search Journey:
