Resigning from a job is very emotional, no matter how long you have been with a company. The best advice I can give anyone is resign immediatly, do not wait for a perfect time, you will be so much happier once you have given notice. Your mind will be at ease, you can focus on preparing for your new role!
Some employers may pressure you to tell them where you have accepted. You have every right to keep that information confidential – and you should! Just stay professional, inform them that once you are settled you will send them an email with your updated contact information.
When giving notice do not go into too much detailed information. You may feel that it is necessary, but it really is not. It is important to tell them that you enjoyed your time with the company, you have learned a great deal but you feel this is the right decision and you are very happy with it.
When giving notice you should try to speak to your immediate supervisor, if they are not available either speak to their supervisor or human resources. It is also perfectly acceptable to give notice via a phone call or an email.
At the point where you have accepted another offer, your loyalty should be to your new employer. Whatever requests your current company asks of you it is very important to remember not to agree to anything that could ruffle feathers with your new company. An example is your current company asking for you to stay longer then the standard notice period. Remember people give notice every day and companies survive.
When you resign, typically one of three things can occur. One is that the company congratulates you on your new role, thanks you for all your time and wishes you luck on the new chapter of your life. They may even offer to throw you a going away party. That would be considered the best case scenerio! The second thing that can happen is that they can become angry with you, make you clear out your desk immeditely, and escort you put of the building. That can be hurtful, but remember that you have a great job waiting for you on the other side of the door. The third thing that can happen is that your boss will try to counter offer you. It is never in your long term best interest to accept a counter offer. Staying with a company once they know you are looking is a bad idea for a few reasons. They can offer you the moon and the stars, but the reality is nothing will really change. Also they are likely just keep you on long enough to find a replacement. At that point you will be out of two jobs! Once you make a decision to give notice, stick with it no matter what comes up. Be excited about what your future holds!
Samara Appelbaum Chopra
EXECUTIVE RECRUITER – Healthcare
