How To Resign From Your Current Job

If you’re reading this the chances are that you’ve secured a new role so congratulations! However, there’s one more big hurdle to jump - that’s handing in your notice to your current boss. It’s often more nerve-wracking than interviewing. We have supported many thousands of candidates through doing this so we’ve put together this guide.

Hand in your notice with confidence

Review your contract to confirm your notice period and work out your final day of employment with your current business.
Check your contract or any other work agreements to see if you need to pay back study support for professional qualifications you’ve been supported with (talk to us if you’re unsure what this might mean).
Work out your remaining holiday balance. Some businesses will pay you for this or ask that you take it as part of your notice.

Tips for Handing in Notice

Now that’s all done, you can focus on handing in your notice. The first thing to do is to draft a letter or email. The business will need a copy of your notice in writing so having this ready to go is always helpful.

In almost all cases, it’s best to hand your notice in in person, however, in a world with remote and hybrid working, this isn’t always possible. Once you are ready, message your manager first thing asking them for some time in person or on a teams/zoom call. Once you’re on the call, try and get straight to the point. Thank them for their support and agree a finishing date. Whilst sometimes difficult, the process of “ripping the plaster off” is often the best.

Send them your email or hand them your letter straight after the meeting and ask for this to be recognised in writing.

Dealing with Counter Offers

Some businesses may try and counter offer you to stay. It’s worth knowing up front that in our experience around 90% of people who stay for a counter offer still leave within 6 months or so as the real reasons they were looking to move have not changed. If you receive a counter offer, focus on the reasons you were looking for a move in the first place. First off – don’t accept it. It very rarely works out. If you are tempted, make sure you speak to your consultant at Macildowie first to discuss the pros and cons.

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Leaving Your Job Gracefully: Tips for a Positive Exit

Assuming all goes well, the next stage is to make sure you leave on your last day in a positive place. The world of work is surprisingly small and it’s amazing how often mutual contacts will crop up again throughout your career. So, to leave in the best possible light:

Agree an action plan with your manager
Communicate with your key stakeholders to inform them (internal and external)
Build a detailed handover with key information for your team and potential successor
Support where possible in hiring your successor (register this vacancy with us)
Say thank you to the people who have helped you during your time with the business (sounds small but it’s one of the most lasting and powerful things people do)
Stay in regular contact with the business you are moving to (try and go to meet them at least once during your notice)
Get excited for your new challenge!

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