You've finally got an offer for the job you really want, the last thing to do is let your current employer know that you are leaving, but you haven't been through this in a formal setting before and want to ensure you go through it in the right manner. This was me in my first job after graduating. I had worked for over 2 years with my manager and built a strong relationship which I wanted to make sure I didn't tarnish upon leaving, but I had no idea of the correct process to follow and ended up asking people for advice who were really only guessing at what to do themselves.
These tips will cover the things I failed to consider when handing in my notice and should have you well prepared for when the time comes to leave a job.
#1 - Face to Face is Best
Some of this article could be taken straight from a "how to break up with someone" post, in both instances, a face to face meeting is the absolute best option.
The reason for this is simply out of respect for your manager. We are making the assumption that you like your employer and get on with your manager as you are reading this post. You want to do right by them and be able to have an open and honest conversation about why you are leaving, and an in person meeting is best for this.
With how common hybrid and remote working has become, this may not be feasible. In these instances a call is fine. The key thing is to ensure you don't just send an email out of the blue - not a good look for you.
#2 - Be Able to Explain Why are Leaving
As part of giving in your notice you should be able to provide some details as to why you are leaving.
Providing a good reason for leaving can help to make the last few weeks more comfortable and your manager understanding of your situation. This is the case if you are leaving to travel, get new experience, move away etc. and can help to plant the seeds that you could return to the company if things don't work out.
In a lot of instances, you might actually be leaving because you are unhappy with your salary. This should also be stated here as it is something that your current employer has a lot of ability to address if they want to keep you. This ties in closely with point 3...
#3 - Don't Sign your New Contract Before Providing Notice
After giving in my notice for my first 2 jobs I was asked 2 questions by both managers. The first of these was:
"Have you signed a contract yet?"
The reason for this question is purely around making a counter offer to you. My first manager told me you should never sign the contract before giving in your notice, and with good reason. Before signing that contract you hold a lot of leverage and you don't know what kind of a counter offer may be presented to you. If you are leaving because of lack of promotion or money they might address this in the counter offer. That isn't to say accepting a counter offer is in your best interest, but receiving the offer and considering it is advised at least.
#4 - Tell Your Manager First
The second question my managers asked me was:
"Who have you told about leaving?"
This is again relating to giving you a counter offer. If everyone knows you are leaving already it weakens your leverage considerably, as a promotion would be seen as being given in response to you handing in your notice, not a message management would want to send. Secondly, if they were to offer more money and you decide to stay it just starts rumours and assumptions among the team about the offer you must have received to stay. For these reasons it is easier and in your interests to keep things quiet until after you have your notice in and have declined any counter offer.
#5 - Other Points Around Leaving
After you have spoken to your manager and declined a counter offer you will have to give in a formal notice. For this I like to send an email to HR with my manager CC'd stating that my notice is being given today and what my finish date will be. This just ensures there is a definite paper trail and your finish date can be locked down.
Another important side of leaving is telling your co-workers. You should ask your manager when they are happy for you to tell your co-workers you are leaving. It is normally left a couple of days so that management can put some form of succession plan in place before everyone starts to ask about what is happening. You should tell the people you are closest to you are leaving yourself, as it is not great news to hear second hand.
So there are 5 tips for providing notice I wish I knew a few years ago. If you meet your manager in person and are prepared to have an open discussion with them you are on the right track to leaving on good terms and ensuring your relationship ends on a good note. If you are not quiet at the stage for leaving your job and want some help finding your next one check out our shop to see how we could help.
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