In previous generations, there was a time when you had a job for life. This has changed now with more people job hopping and moving companies for different opportunities every few years.
One of the downsides with accepting one of these new opportunities, however, is that you have to hand in notice to your current employer signalling your intention to leave. Even if you are looking forward to leaving the company, this can be a difficult moment.
One of the best pieces of advice that we can give is ensuring to hand in your resignation in a professional manner and ensure that you do not burn any bridges with your current employer – you never know, in a few years your dream role could open up with them!
How much notice should I give?
Your notice period will be outlined in your contract of employment. The most common timing is one month in Ireland however the statutory minimum (shortest period allowed by Irish law) is one week. If there is no mention of a notice period in your contract, then you can follow the statutory minimum.
When should I give in my notice?
Make sure not to jump the gun when handing in your notice. If you have been offered a new position elsewhere, ensure that you have your new job offer in writing before telling your current employer that you will be leaving the company.
Decide whether you want to take some time off before starting in your new position as this will determine when you hand in your notice. If your new position starts in 6 weeks but your notice period is 4, figure out if you would like to hand in your notice straight away and take two weeks off before starting in your new role!
Be aware of any clauses in your contract to do with resigning and also know that if you are going to a direct competitor of your current employer you may be placed on Gardening Leave and have to leave the premises almost immediately.
Book in a meeting with your manager and use this to resign. Keep it short and polite and ensure that you are not side-tracked during it. Tell them that you are leaving to take up a new position and that you are giving in your notice and then hand them your resignation letter which will confirm the date that you will be finishing up on in the company.
When is the best time to resign?
Most people find that resigning on a Friday is the best for both them and the employer. It allows you to not carry the burden of having to hand in your notice over the weekend and also allows the employer time to consider what you have said and make a plan of action on how to continue.
My resignation letter – what should it contain?
Try not to go overboard on details when writing your resignation letter. You have no obligation to tell your current employer about the position that you have taken up or what it will pertain. Instead state the date that you will be leaving the company and give a short thank you to the managers for the experience that you have gained in the company.
Reassure your manager that you will make the transition as easy as possible for all parties involved. Let them know that you are happy to help in the training of your replacement and the creation of a handover document for them to work from.
How to react to a counter-offer?
We have a handy article all about counter offers here but a quick synopsis is that in the long term they almost never benefit those that accept them. While you get a short term high with a pay rise or a promotion, the fundamental reasons you were looking for a new role will still be there. Whether that is to do with career progression, culture fit, or something similar, you won’t find a massive difference and the relationship with your manager is probably damaged from the experience. Don’t let the safety blanket of your current role make you stay – venturing into the unknown could have unexpected benefits!
What should I do once I have resigned?
When you are working out your notice it is important to not let your performance drop just because you know that you are leaving. Work as though you have another review coming up with your managers.
Make sure not to bad mouth the company to any of your colleagues or managers. If you do have a few negative reasons motivating your move, you may be tempted to let your opinions loose on the team but this will just lead to trouble. The best way to work out your notice period is to remain professional and dedicated to your work.
If it is necessary, create a comprehensive handover document the details of the work that you carry out on a day to day, week to week, month to month basis for your replacement to use and ensure that they excel in your role. If you have the option, help to train your replacement.
We know it can be daunting handing in your notice. It is the final step in accepting a new role before walking through the door of your new company! Just remember that you are taking this next step to further your career and experience and it will benefit you in the long run.
If you are looking to start the job seeking process, send in your CV today and one of our consultants will be in touch shortly.
