Handing in your notice - etiquette

So,

Ive got a job interview coming up and im really hoping that I get it. If I do, what is the etiquette (so to speak) of handing in your notice?

My contract states 8 weeks notice so should I just write a formal letter of resignation and hand it in without saying anything? Or should I mention that Im leaving to my boss face-to-face THEN hand it in a bit later? Or should I do both on the same day?

Are there resignation templates you're meant to use or will any old letter do? Are letters of resignation meant to go to your line manager only or to HR as well?

I dont want to leave work on bad terms so was wondering what people thought was the "nicest" way to leave.

Maria

8 weeks!

Mine would be some where along the lins of f**k off i aint workin 8 weeks notice :P

Having actually never resigned my self i cant really be any help, just say i hereby give my notice of 8 weeks and idk say what a "great experince" it was working there.

Originally Posted by Holdup

8 weeks!

I know, long isn't it? I'll probs shorten it by taking all my remaining leave as well.

Maria

Write up your formal letter of resignation something along the lines of, "I hereby give my 8 weeks notice of my end of employment, thanks for the opportunity that this role has given me", pop it in an envelope, arrange a meeting with your boss & present it there.

8 weeks


Good lord, they really stifle their employees from trying to get another job.

MY last employer was my first employer, so it was really hard to hand my notice in I felt really disloyal. Didnt stop me mind still did it, moved on and couldnt be happier with current employer.

The way I did it was:
Took interview, and recived offer.
Took a letter to my employer with notice of resignation.
He had a quiet word (offered more money and told me to keep my letter)
I refused his offer and left the letter on his desk as he wouldnt take it from my hand.
Phoned the new employer to say I'd handed it in and would accept the offer.

Job done. Then you just have to work there for another 8weeks feeling really left out and like your everymove is been watched. If you do something like I do where its client based then sort your admin stuff out ASAP. They took my PC away from me after 2weeks and then told me not to turn up at all for my last week. (I only had to work a 4week period mind you).

Originally Posted by Daimo

8 weeks


Good lord, they really stifle their employees from trying to get another job.

Mine's 8 weeks too. Something in this climate that I'm not too fussed about!

Don't forget - when you're leaving, stuff like that is always negotiable!

Oh and in case you dont already know, if your notice period is 8weeks then they have to pay you for 8 weeks UNLESS you agree they dont. So if they say "fine notice accepted but you can go after 4 weeks" say "no you'll work the 8" (unless your new place is happy to let you start early and you want to go). Then if after 4 weeks they say your no longer required accept that and say ok I'll not be coming in for the remainder of my notice period as you have requested, but you'll still be paying me"
So you'll get 4 weeks paid leave, brilliant!

[Jayneflakes]

Staple your letter to their forehead, push an Ice cream up their nose and do a wee in the filing cabinet!

Joking aside, I spoke to my boss recently about dreams and aspirations and was greatly surprised to discover that I was greatly valued. By being honest with my boss, I was told that I would be given an impeccable reference and he added that my gain would be the companies loss, which nearly made me cry. Your boss is human too and if you have had a good working relationship, you may well find that they also want you to excel and find that one top job. Tell them that you are looking to further your career, you may well find that like my boss, they make phone calls and try to find you a promotion. If they can't they will wish you well.

Good luck and go for it.

It can be difficult, especially if you have a good relationship with your boss. But business is business, and you have to do whats best for you.

Check out http://www.i-resign.com for info & sample letters of resignation.

Dan