Handing In Your Notice - The How To

You’ve got that new role, the dream job, happy days. Now all to do is tell your current boss that you’re leaving….great fun. Handing in your notice can be very nerve racking, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Below are some top tips on how best to approach it.?

Make Sure This Is Right?

If you’re doubting your decision, there is probably a reason for this. Are you really ready to move on? Or did you take that other role because you were annoyed about something that has since been resolved? Ask yourself, am I really ready to do this? If the answer is yes, great. But, if you have any doubt about it, sit down and think things through. Often, if your gut is telling you something, it is right. It’s not too late at this stage and it can save you a lot of hardship down the road.?

Fail To Prepare, Prepare To Fail (Thanks Roy Keane)?

Handing in your notice is not something that you do on a whim - you need to sit down and have a plan as to how best to approach it.?

• Firstly, put in some one on one time with your boss - no one needs to see this happen in an open office space, that’s awkward for everyone involved.?
• Secondly, have your reasons prepared. Is it due to lack of career progression? An opportunity to get broader exposure? The chance to move closer to home? Whatever the reason, make sure it is clear in your head, and make sure it is clear to your employer as to why you are making this decision.?
• Thirdly, be grateful. Yes, you have decided to move on, but that doesn't change the fact that you have spent time with your colleagues and have more than likely learned from them (whether good or bad). Even if it wasn’t a great experience, it is an experience that has helped you to learn more about what you don’t want and that’s something that is very valuable.?
• Finally, don’t burn bridges. The accounting world is quite small, and you never know when you might cross paths again, who knows who, etc. Try to leave things on a positive note, thank your employer for the experience and always leave the door open for the future - you never know what might happen!?

Counter The Counter?

Counter offers are becoming more and more common in the global war for talent, so be ready for this. More often than not, employers will do whatever they can to keep you. This is why it’s important to make sure you know why you are leaving. If your driving factor is a lack of progression, why is there suddenly an opportunity to move up when you are leaving? If you wanted broader exposure that wasn’t possible before, why is it now? Employers often promise the world to keep someone, but it is rare (not impossible) that this transpires. That’s why almost 50% of those who accept counter offers leave within 6 months.?

Handing in your notice is daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Keep to facts, be sure of your decision and always do it amicably.?

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