Mystery Woman

Tell us more for better jobs, advice
and connections

YOUR GROUPS

Discover and join groups with like-minded women who share your interests, profession, and lifestyle.

COMPANIES YOU FOLLOW

Get alerted when there are new employee reviews.

YOUR JOB ALERTS

Get notified when new jobs are posted.

Your post is published!

Anonymous

08/31/20 at 5:41PM UTC

Career

Putting in My Notice

Hi Everyone! Looking for best practices when putting in my notice. I have been with this company for almost 8 years and have never really put in an official notice ever. What is the best way to go about his? I do want to give them ample time to find a replacement as we are a small team. I definitely do not want to leave them hanging.

Join the conversation...

Jennifer, Full-Time Corporate Executive and Part-time Career Advancement Coach

Advance your career and pursue your best life

09/01/20 at 1PM UTC

Agree with the advice above on starting with a template and adding your own personal touch. I'd also recommend reaching out proactively as soon as your manager is ready to announce you are leaving and connect with people you had good relationships with. Drop them an email or schedule a quick virtual coffee. Connect with them on LinkedIn. It's a small world and you never know when you'll encounter each other again.

Kelly Jung

Advanced Practice Nurse, Entrepreneur

08/31/20 at 9:45PM UTC

I agree with the comments above regarding telling your immediate supervisor first, then sending your formal resignation to HR. I would also add to check your HR policies to find out how much notice they require. My most recent job that I resigned from required 3 weeks notice for employees in a salary non-manager position. I considered giving more to help them find a replacement and potentially train but the director had a history of telling people to leave after accepting notice and not keeping them for the full notice period so he did not have to continue to pay them. I needed the insurance so I gave my 3 weeks and worked it all. They did try however, by saying if I didn’t want to work the full amount, I didn’t have to. Just make sure you leave on good terms as you never know when your paths will cross again or if you will need something from them (reference, etc).

Gretchen Skalka

876

Career Coach/Professional Development Consultant

08/31/20 at 8:49PM UTC

Cannot agree more with the suggestions above - especially having a candid conversation with your immediate supervisor first. It's not just professional - it shows a level of respect that will be greatly appreciated. Then you can submit the 'formal' in writing. The length of notice is generally two weeks, as said above, although I once gave three so that I could create a SharePoint 'job aid' repository before I left. Cheers to you - and have a wonderful conversation with your boss. ^5!

Carolina Baez

Operational Chief of Staff

08/31/20 at 8:32PM UTC

In the past what I have done is have a private conversation with my boss and then once he/she knows, I follow up with a formal email to my boss and HR. I have never needed to stay past the 2 weeks customary notice. Once both my boss and HR knows, I then communicate my decision to any team member that would be affected and then train and close any projects outstanding. It shows that you don't leave anything unfinished. As an extra, I also send a goodbye email with my personal contact info in case anyone needs to reach me after leaving.

Sweet Caroline

4.25k

08/31/20 at 8:25PM UTC

I have a conversation with my boss and let them know and follow up with an email just outlining what my last day will be. I keep it short and sweet.

Alisha Johnson

HR Compliance Manager

08/31/20 at 7:15PM UTC

I like to first have a conversation with my direct leader and then follow that up with a formal notice through email or the preferred method of the company. I agree with Queen, it is kind of you to want to give ample notice, but two weeks is customary in the US.

Debbie Lousberg

Career Transition and Job Search Specialist

08/31/20 at 7:10PM UTC

I agree - I’ve seen people want to leave on good terms and then stay too long or have to stay longer than they’d like when it’s not their responsibility at all. What would be a reasonable amount of time for them to find someone? 2 weeks’ notice is always standard and you could offer that while they find your replacement. Set a boundary if you decide to stay longer. Good luck!

Queen N. Smalls

174

Queen City PgM

08/31/20 at 5:51PM UTC

You can find a variety of resignation templates online. Submit, and add a line or two from the heart. It's kind of you to want to help them find a replacement. If that's what you choose to do, fine but it's not your responsibility. Best wishes on your new journey.