How To Hand In Your Notice

Posted by Niche Recruitment
7th April 2022

What’s the best way to navigate your resignation?

If you’re reading this, then firstly, well done on the new job! So now, it’s time to let your boss and peers know that you’re leaving. This can be a little daunting, so we’ve got you covered.

How to Write Your Resignation Letter

If all goes simply, it’s as easy as writing a letter. You can either construct an email or write a physical letter to your employer. First, check your contract for how long your notice period is to make sure you’re not breaking your agreement. State that you are handing in your notice and document the date of your last day of work. Give a line of thanks to your employer and keep it short, sweet, and professional. You don’t need to write lengthy paragraphs about why you’re leaving, or even mention why at all, this can be covered in a private conversation. Sign your name and your job title and make sure to include the date. We recommend making a copy to have in your own position just in case.

However, if your employer would like to speak to you regarding a counteroffer and you’re nervous about how to approach it, don’t worry we’re here to help.

Boss isn’t happy with your resignation?

In an exit interview you will be asked simple questions about your role, why you’ve decided to leave or other standard practices. However, if your employer is keen to keep you onboard, you could be offered perks to keep you in your current role. This could include a promise of a pay rise, a new office or that one benefit you’ve been hoping for since your last review. However, industry insights show that most counteroffers accepted result in workers resigning within the following 6 months.

Hear your boss out, of course consider your options, but also stay focussed on the original reasons you decided to jump into the job seeking market in the first place. There is no guarantee the new perks will stick around, and all the reasons that pushed you into job hunting in the first place will remain. We know meetings about leaving for a new role can be a little daunting but remember to keep your cool and to remind yourself of the positives of your new role.

Why Staying Isn’t Advisable

It can be difficult to settle back into a role that you’ve mentally detached yourself from, especially if you’ve been through a long hiring process. Think of it as an ex-partner promising to change if you stay with them…we all know how that ends up! Plus, being the office flight risk isn’t the most desirable position to be in. Agreeing to stay and then upping stakes and leaving in a few months’ time will mean you’ve wasted time and needlessly burnt your bridges.

Ease the Transition

Offer to do what you can to make the transition as easy as possible. As long as you’re comfortable with the accommodations, this is a sure-fire way to leave a good impression behind you. This could include helping train your replacement during your notice period or compiling a detailed handover for once you’ve left. As a very final touch, sending a thankyou note once you’ve left the company will ensure strong future connections and a positive reference for years to come.

The team at Niche have helped hundreds of candidates negotiate awkward resignation periods over the years, so if you’re really struggling, give us a call and we will help you through it.

Good luck!