The Do's and Don'ts to handing in your notice
Handing in your notice can be just as daunting as going for an interview. Making sure that you leave your current role with the right level of professionalism will show potential employers that you’re able to handle sensitive situations, and it can also leave the door open.. Just in case.
Most companies will require a hand written letter of resignation in which they will keep on file. This doesn’t have to be too long (one page max) but the essentials to include are:
“Handing in your notice can be just as daunting as going for an interview. We have a few pointers to help you hand in your notice. “
Address to the most appropriate person (i.e. Line Manager, Supervisor, HR)
Name,
Date
The position in which you are resigning from
When your resignation will take effect
Your signature
You are not obligated to include your reasons for leaving but you can mention if you wish to. You need to remain as professional as possible no matter what your feelings are so positive language (i.e. I’m seeking a new challenge) needs to be used. Alongside this, thanking your employer is another way of being polite and gracious. Something simple such as “I would like to thank you and the company for the opportunities and wish you all the best for the future” will send the right message and will stop you from being too blunt if the relationship has turned sour.
When it comes to handing in your letter, we have a few pointers to help you out:
It’s never a good idea to hand your notice in when you are feeling angry as you may say something that you will regret later. Hand your notice in when feeling calm and it’s best to hand it in face- to-face. It’s easy to just email your letter, but you will look better and more professional by handing it in in person. If you’re asked why you are wanting to leave, give constructive criticism, but keep it relevant and factual. Don’t let personal reasons even if they are the reason why you are leaving get in the way.
You might be presented with a counter offer. Although you should not expect one, it never hurts to prepare for it. There are many pros and cons to a counter offer but remember you’re worth and don’t settle for sake of it.
Finishing off your projects, along with handover notes and/or explanations will be appreciated by your colleagues, especially if they are taking over from you and they have never done it before.
Remember…
Working your notice period is legally binding if it is in your employment contract. If you are not sure on what your notice period is, it is best to check your contract, but employers have the right to ask you to leave on the same day you resign. Depending on your job role, you may find that some employers will pop you on gardening leave for your notice period.
About Zenopa:
Zenopa is a service organisation that offers flexible, rapid and effective recruitment solutions within the scientific and healthcare industry. The vacancies we specialise in include sales, technical support, applications specialist, service engineers, marketing, management & directors in the Scientific, Medical, Pharmaceutical, Consumer Healthcare, Dental and Healthcare Communications markets. With over 25 years’ experience in the industry, we have built strong relationships with SMEs and multi-national healthcare & scientific companies within the UK as well as Europe, and are able to match your specific needs and requirements for both permanent and contractual roles.
Our team of recruiters are experts within their field and are on hand to provide support and guidance to both those seeking a new role, and those looking for the best person to drive the company forward.
If you would like to find out how our recruitment solutions can add huge value to your business, please register your details, send us a message, or call the team on +44 (0) 1494 818 000.
Ian Huggett
Ian Huggett