Hand in Your Notice

How to

The decision to leave your job is a difficult one. Once it has been made, it is important to know how to leave in a professional manner, leaving no doors entirely shut whilst ensuring the process goes smoothly and amicably.

When it comes to handing in your notice, there are some definite dos and don'ts. It can be a delicate, often nervy process. As a leading recruitment consultancy, we have heard some horror stories about this process, so have put together our collective expertise on how to do it right.

Over the next few slides, you’ll find our top 5 tips to follow accompanied by dos, don’ts and important things to remember.

Take a Moment to Reflect• It seems obvious, but take a moment to think about why you

want to leave and talk it over with your partner or a close friend

• You may already have a new job lined up, in which case you have already thought this through, but need to remember to clarify some important details later.

Do• Constructively lay out your reasons for

leaving and then sleep on it. • Approach these reasons again after sleeping

on it and if your decision is still the same then proactively follow our next steps.

Don’tMake a decision after an incident at work, in the heat of the moment, or whilst feeling extremely stressed or angry.

Remember• There may be a chance your employer will

come back with a counter offer. • Reflecting on your reasons for leaving prior

to this will enable you to respond appropriately.

Write a Letter of Resignation• It’s important to have a short & concise resignation letter

ready for when you hand in your notice.

• Don’t linger on the reasons for your resignation; keep the letter official, formal, and professional.

DoClarify your notice period and any additional entitlements (holiday etc.) and include these in your letter

Don’tFeel like you have to give the reasons for your resignation or go into specific detail.

Remember• It’s important to maintain a positive

relationship with the company and staff.• Ensure a personal element using lines such as

“it is with regret” and thanking them for your time there.

Make a Date with your Manager• First rule of handing in your notice: Never hand it in without

having a face to face meeting with your manager or relevant work contact.

• Leaving your resignation letter on their desk or emailing them will both be awkward and come across as dismissive.

DoArrange a meeting as soon as possible in a private location, be it their office or grabbing a coffee together during or after work.

Don’tLose your professionalism during the meeting, know what you are going to say before you begin and ensure that any loose ends such as leftover pay and holiday are clarified.

RememberTo thank them for your time spent with the company and to leave on a good note, ensuring no door is ever left fully closed.

The Counter Offer• Handing in your notice can come as a shock to the company

and they will be sad to see you go.• It can be both costly and timely to fill the position you are

leaving. • To prevent this, you may be made a counter offer. Whilst this

can be enticing, it is important to consider a number of factors.

DoRead our advice on how to handle a counter offer and the things to consider when made one.

www.eligo.co.uk/handle-counter-offer-hand-in-notice

Don’tInstantly change your mind upon being made a counter offer. This may be a knee-jerk decision you will regret.

RememberYou have carefully considered your reasons for leaving. An improved offer from your current employer may seem great but it may affect your future prospects within the company.

Follow Up• You’ve made it this far! Ensure you leave on a good note and

don’t leave your colleagues in the lurch. • Think about who needs to be notified of your leaving and

agree with your manager about who will communicate what and when.

• Plan a detailed handover of the role and be sure to deliver in a professional manner

DoEnsure that any loose ends are tied and you remain positive and productive throughout your notice period.

Don’tRefuse to work your notice period. Your employment contract is legally binding and you don’t want to leave on a bad note.

RememberYou’ve invested a lot of time and energy into your personal and professional relationships, ensure this isn’t wasted. Inform your colleagues you’ll be leaving and exchange contact details, you never know what will happen in the future.

Hopefully these 5 top tips and dos and don'ts prove useful in knowing how to hand in your notice effectively.

Not only will you leave your current job with happy memories (and a good reference), but you’ll be well on your way to new and better things.

If you have any questions, or would like advice on your career, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via a range of social media or the contact details below.

GOOD LUCK!