You got a new job, congratulations! That’s always exciting.
Now you’re faced with the infamous conversation: putting in your notice.
If done incorrectly, putting in your notice can be awkward and scary. But as long as you follow these nifty tips, you should be smooth sailing into the new job of yours:
Should I still put a two weeks’ notice in?
Yes, you should. There are a lot of opinions swirling around out there about two weeks not being requires anymore, especially in a “right to work” state. Honestly, a huge part of a two weeks’ notice is courtesy. Regardless of your role at the company, you are contributing something and as a manager, being able to prepare for your departure is the best case scenario.
Does every manager uphold a two weeks notice? Absolutely not.
Depending on what industry you work in, sometimes keeping you for two more weeks is just not conducive to the business. Especially in sales, where you have follow through and are rewarded after a sometimes long sales cycle, it’s not worth it to you or the company to spin your wheels towards something when won’t see the outcome.
I’m a manager/director at my company, should I put more than two weeks in?
Not necessarily. Unless you are in the middle of a large project or specific internal tasks, there isn’t a real reason to stay an extra week. There’s never going to be a “perfect” time to leave your job; there’s always going to be something more to do or finish. As long as you sew up all of your loose ends and delegate what you are currently responsible for, most of the time two weeks will suffice.
How do I actually put in my notice?
It’s always best to do it in-person. The best bet is just knocking on your boss’s door and seeing if they have a few minutes to talk. Sending them a meeting request or calendar invite isn’t necessary. Every conversation will be a bit different, depending on what your relationship is with your boss, but ultimately you should keep it brief and to the point. Keep the tone positive but express your resignation and when your last day will be. Some companies require a separate resignation letter but most of the time a conversation will work fine.
I’m afraid of how my boss will react…
There are an infinite number of reactions that a boss can have. Some are very understanding and happy about your new endeavor, others may be dismissive or won’t care, and some get very upset or sad. What you DO need to prepare for is the potential of a counteroffer, because whether or not you think you’ll get one, they happen more often than you think….and rarely turn out well in the long run.
Won’t my last two weeks be awkward? I mean, they know I’m leaving.
Honestly, if you have a good conversation and leave the meeting on a positive or at least neutral note, your last two weeks will be fine. Just go about your normal routine, wrap up your work, and end on a high note.
Should I tell my coworkers I’m leaving?
To save yourself any potential gossip, wait to tell your coworkers until after you put your official notice in. No matter how close you are with your team, it’s best that your boss hears about you leaving from you verses Karen in payroll.
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Some final notes to consider when putting in your notice:
- Make sure you wait until you have a firm, WRITTEN offer from your new employer before putting in your notice.
- Double check about any non-competes you may have with your current company.
- If you know you’ll have a replacement following up, do what you can to help them as much as possible by putting some materials together and updates on where you may have left off.
Putting in your notice is definitely bittersweet, especially if you love where you work. Following these tips will make it a bit more seamless and you’ll be well on your way to that new and exciting adventure!
