Timing letter of resignation

Anonymous

November 9,2022 at 2:56AM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

Timing letter of resignation

Moving from one corporate job to another. New employer’s internal recruiter asked for a start date but I haven’t gone through formal background check, etc. I don’t expect any issues; however, I tend to be cautious and don’t want to put my resignation in too soon. I don’t have a signed offer letter either. When is too soon to put in notice?

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

9 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

9 Comments

Join the conversation

Annetta MosesNovember 9,2022 at 5:25AM UTC
Ask the recruiter how long the background check will take. Add three weeks to that for your start date. Resign after you complete the background check and have a signed offer.
AnonymousNovember 9,2022 at 11:09AM UTC
I would respond to the new,company that you will give notice once you've received your written offer and background check clearance. Tell them " I can't wait to start, but need to know there will be a proper Onboarding before you can risk unemployment "
AnonymousNovember 9,2022 at 1:53PM UTC
I typically communicate the following for start date: after current employer receives a 2 week notice.
Monica Lynn SadlerNovember 9,2022 at 4:15PM UTC
Congratulations for making it this far! It's always an exciting time to know that you're starting a new position. But please don't jump the gun. Resigning prior to completing ALL of your testing and receiving a letter of offer is too soon. Wait for everything to be completed, have your signed offer letter, respond with acceptance and THEN put in your resignation. All the best to you! God bless!
Holly NunnallyNovember 12,2022 at 3:27PM UTC
I never give notice until I have an official offer from the new company. I always play it safe when it comes to my livelihood, and to be honest, I guess I never realized that other people might give notice prior to getting and accepting an offer.
Kate VonDerheideNovember 14,2022 at 2:45PM UTC
This, after the offer letter is executed.
As far as backgrounds, while it does happen that people want to wait to give notice to their current employer until the background is cleared, 1) You’ll be at the mercy of whatever court jurisdiction is providing your information (some are quick and some take weeks), and 2) if you don’t have anything that would cause a red flag, I don’t think you should wait. If something does pop up as a result of mistaken identity, you’ll have the opportunity to contest the information.
Once you have the signed offer in hand, I’d give at least 2 weeks notice. More if you do specialized work would be nice to help transition for whoever is taking over your work (or if you like your team.)
Crystal HowellNovember 12,2022 at 6:44PM UTC
Ask what is the time frame from the hiring manager? I would add a week, so you have time to give current 2 week notice, and still have wiggle room, while awaiting for the signed offer, ask when should you expect it.
AnonymousNovember 14,2022 at 1:37PM UTC
Maybe I’m just a little more direct or blunt but I’d just call it as it is. I’d tell the recruiter that my availability date would be the Monday 2 weeks after receiving a formal offer letter. That removes all doubt.
AnonymousNovember 14,2022 at 4:40PM UTC
I normally have a signed offer letter and a target start date to be finalized to a full two business weeks upon completion of the background check. Once the background clears and the start date is finalized, then I give notice.