The Art of Giving Notice
Posted July 14th, 2014
We doubt that any of us has ever not wanted to open a supervisor’s door and shout the title of the popular 1997 Johnny Paycheck song “You Can Take This Job and Shove It.”
But as much as you may want to say this to a boss as you leave his or her employ, it’s far, far, far better to give notice to an employer in a professional way. Doing otherwise can cause a lot more damage to your career than any momentary satisfaction you’ll receive from letting your supervisor know how you really feel.
Instead, read below as we discuss how you should give notice to an employer when you’ve accepted a position at another company.
- As you conduct your job search, don’t talk to anyone at your current employer about your job hunt. And we mean no one! There shouldn’t be gossip going around that you’re on your way out. You want to control to whom and when you give notice, not the office grapevine.
- Once you’ve accepted the new company’s offer, you should let your current supervisor know as soon as possible. Ask to meet with your boss privately.
- Prior to the meeting, type up a short statement. It should be brief and professional, stating something along the lines of a) that you’ve enjoyed working with your supervisor and that you appreciate the opportunity you’ve had at the company but that b) you’ve been offered an opportunity that you just couldn’t pass up (you can give a bit of detail about the position, but you don’t have to) and c) that you have accepted the position and will be leaving your current employer.
- If you and your new employer have already decided on a start date, you can state the date in your resignation letter and give a date that will be your last day with your current employer.
- Most people give two weeks’ notice, and while we do recommend it, two weeks isn’t required. Depending on your position as well as your new employer’s needs, you may give a few days, two weeks or even a month. (If you work as a manager with your current employer, you may want to give a month’s notice.)
- As you meet with your current supervisor, let him or her know that you’ve been offered a great opportunity and that you’ll be leaving. Be professional and courteous.
- Your supervisor undoubtedly will want to learn more about your reasons for leaving and why you accepted the position. Depending on your relationship with your boss, you can go into more detail regarding your reasons, but you don’t need to. As you chat – or just before the meeting ends – hand your boss your resignation statement.
- Let your supervisor give official word about your departure to your colleagues and others in the company. Once your boss has announced that you’re leaving, you’re free to discuss it with colleagues, should they ask.
- It’s still wise to keep any unhappiness you have with your current position to yourself.
- Work as hard in your final days with the company as would if you weren’t leaving.
Giving notice in a professional way can help you in the future: the boss you are now leaving will be someone future employers will contact for references. You want to be sure you’ll receive good reviews. Leaving in a huff or in a disrespectful manner could come back to bite you when you’re gunning for your next opportunity.
If looking for work in the San Francisco Bay area – particularly if you’re looking for employment in the IT sector – send your resume to the recruiters at Bayside Solutions. We look forward to hearing how we can help you advance in your career.
