I just accepted a job with a new company.

13 Comments

1. Trie AngelevaMay 13,2022 at 1:10PM UTC

   Curious, after the background check, how soon would be your start date? There may be enough of a window that you then could alert your current employer.

2. AnonymousMay 14,2022 at 9:07PM UTC

   I negotiated 4 weeks before I start my new job. I wanted to give my employer enough time to replace me and to get done what I need to get done before I leave including cross-training. I did alert my employer verbally, but they are pushing for my resignation now and I didn't think it was a good idea until the background check, but wanted to hear if others thought that was best practice as well.

3. Martha Farley BerningerMay 13,2022 at 1:33PM UTC

   I would highly recommend that you hold off until the background check is complete and you've officially accepted the position.

4. Alexis GladstoneMay 13,2022 at 1:45PM UTC

   I agree with Martha. Until everything is official, you shouldn't resign from your current job. I've actually told recruiters in the past that I won't be putting in my 2 weeks until I know that everything is 100% official.

   Good luck!

5. AnonymousMay 13,2022 at 2:13PM UTC

   This is not an issue for your current employer. They can ask you to leave immediately upon notice even when you provide 2 weeks. So like the others, I would not say a word until everything is clear and you know you will be starting a new job for sure.

6. AnonymousMay 13,2022 at 2:44PM UTC

   I was recently in the same situation.

   In my case, I let my employer know that I was in the final stages of interviews and was expecting to get an offer soon.

   Then, when the offer happened, I put in my 2 weeks.

   But this was because of my individual situation.

   I was in a role where I needed to finish up some projects to leave fairly. Telling my employer in advance gave them a heads-up that I needed to prioritize that project work.

   I was also in a role where I mentored others and needed them to transition to other people so they could have a smooth transition.

   For that reason, the more notice I could give, the better and I felt comfortable that if a job did not come through, I would be okay staying until the next one did.

   But, the big 'if' there is how your employer will react. As soon as you announce -- even a soft announce -- you are a lame duck employee and that changes your relationship with everyone.

   A mature employer will be happy for the heads-up, but not all will be.

   As mercenary as it sounds, in this situation, do what is best for you.

   If you are like me and feel 100% safe or have responsibilities that may require more than a 2-week transition, you can give them a heads-up and let them know you are likely leaving.

   But, if there is even one inkling in your gut that your employer may not respond well, wait until you get that background check back.

   Your employers is ALWAYS working in their own self-interest, and in this case, you need to operate in yours.

7. Julia AsquithMay 13,2022 at 3:17PM UTC

   I would hold off until the background check is complete. You only owe 2 weeks notice to your current employer and if your employment at the new company is conditional upon completion and outcome of the BC I would say wait.

8. AnonymousMay 13,2022 at 3:20PM UTC

   Do not give your notice until your background check is complete.

   There have been delays in background checks and it can take longer than 2 weeks. In case anything were to happen you need your current job to fall back on. I also know first hand that your employer can ask you to leave immediately or even before your 2 weeks are up.

9. Tomilyn RichardsMay 13,2022 at 3:26PM UTC

   I always encourage candidates to WAIT... until you get the ALL CLEAR!! =) You just never know.

10. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMay 13,2022 at 6:34PM UTC

    I would never recommend a candidate turn in their resignation until every single piece of the background check comes back clear. Things happen and from experience, I've seen it all go sideways.

    Sometimes it can be something as simple as the specimen for the drug test getting lost. My candidate turned in her resignation too early and was without a paycheck for weeks. Others have had long forgotten about things show up on the background check.

    You could do it - but I wouldn't recommend it.

11. v nelson.rnMay 14,2022 at 12:33PM UTC

    Wait until you get notice of your orientation date. You would be amazed at how long a process goes. There is no rush - have fun at your current job - be upbeat and pleasant, make their day and be rewarded in return. Never burn your bridges.

12. Anita GetzMay 14,2022 at 9:01PM UTC

    Do not give your resignation until you have received your job offer in writing.

13. Annetta MosesMay 15,2022 at 2:41AM UTC

    Do not give your notice until you have a written offer and written confirmation that your background check is clear and you have a firm start date.

    Most background checks take 2 weeks. I have seen them take longer when education verification was slow.