Workplace Culture

» fortytwostars - So I got the job! Now, how do I get rid of this one?

What are the best ways to give notice?
The worst?

Am I obligated to give two weeks? Can I give, like, 12 days instead? What happens if I already have a doctor's appointment made for the last week I'm supposed to be here? Do I cancel the appointment out of respect to the Almighty Two Weeks? Do I go ahead and take the afternoon off of work, anyways, even though it will be my last week?

And when it comes time to give notice, how honest should I be? Tell them that this job made me CRAZY? Or just that I found a job with better compensation?

-- posted by fortytwostars

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» Melissa Dylan - So I got the job! Now, how do I get rid of this one?

In response to So I got the job! Now, how do I get rid of this one? posted by fortytwostars:

Congrats on the new job! As far as notice is concerned, here are a few guidelines:

Two weeks is standard out of courtesy. It gives them a chance to start finding a replacement, and will help you tie up loose ends on any project you're working on. As far as the doctor appointment is concerned, I say keep it—you'd hate to have to reschedule during your first week at your new job, wouldn't you? And if they already know about the appointment I don't see where your current employer would begrudge you the hours. (And if they do? They are jerks and good riddance to them.)

When you give notice feel free to be as vague as you like. A "better opportunity" should do the trick. If they pry for details you aren't obligated to tell them anything, unless you think it would help them to hear it. For instance, I once left a job as a travel agent and was contacted by HR for details as to why. I wish now that I'd told them my concerns about the current manager, because that may have helped them in the long run, and they seemed to welcome the feedback. If the job simply wasn't for you, don't bother. They'll get the idea, and the information won't really help them because the same job could be perfect for someone else. (Not a dig on you, the same way the next travel agent may have simply LOVED the micromanaging guy in charge.)

Good luck at the new position!

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» Melissa Dylan - So I got the job! Now, how do I get rid of this one?

In response to So I got the job! Now, how do I get rid of this one? posted by fortytwostars:

I forgot to add that if you're reluctant to give notice in person, writing a brief note, memo, or e-mail is fine. Keep it brief and to the point. The fact that you're leaving, your last date, close with best wishes and something kind and polite (whether you mean it or not), and hit send.

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» fortytwostars - So I got the job! Now, how do I get rid of this one?

In response to So I got the job! Now, how do I get rid of this one? posted by MelissaDylan:

Thanks so much for the reply!

-- posted by fortytwostars

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» duckierose - So I got the job! Now, how do I get rid of this one?

In response to So I got the job! Now, how do I get rid of this one? posted by fortytwostars:
Actually, I would recommend giving notice in person, but having written out (well, typed out and printed) a document stating

"I, soand so, hereby give my two weeks notice, effective on (date) given.

Thank you
(signature)"

Why? They're going to need to have it on file.

Do not say anything bad about the company, unless you never ever plan on ever mentioning you worked there to any future jobs. And, what if you list off all your complaints, and later in life you find yourself applying for a job with the sisterinlaw of you old boss? Bad idea. Do not burn bridges, no matter how tempting, unless you're fleeing the country, or only worked there for like, two days.

And, most importantly, never put anything bad in writing.

Also, for the last two weeks, try to be a model employee. Do NOT badmouth the old job or talk about how much better the new job will be anywhere on the internet. They may, at this point, be totally watching you. And, once again, you don't want to burn bridges and say bad crap about them, you know?

So, key points:
1) give resignation verbally, and in writing. Email a copy of the written resignation (as an attachment) after you give your verbal, so they have a hard copy.
2) No matter how tempting it is, do not burn bridges. Don't bitch to coworkers, or via email, or even here, after you have given your notice. Don't tell your boss exactly what you think of him.

Now, you can feel free to make some constructive criticism. Like "it might be easier for my replacement if __________" (suggestions: it's more clear cut what she'll be doing the first few weeks. Bonus: "Would you like me to write up a guide on how to do the job well?")

Also, don't feel like you have to be MEGA punctual for the last two weeks. That is way different than talking smack about the job. Go to the appointment. Take long lunches. Hell, goof off at your desk.

Just don't talk negatively about the company on company property or company time.

-- posted by duckierose

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» duckierose - So I got the job! Now, how do I get rid of this one?

In response to So I got the job! Now, how do I get rid of this one? posted by fortytwostars:
Also, this would be a good time to pick out two or three coworkers/superiors you actually enjoyed, not as people nec'ly, but as workers, and let them know personally you will be leaving. Ask if you can take them out to lunch over the next two weeks, or maybe grab coffee together, before you leave. Compliment them on how they helped you/ brightened your day, while you worked there. Compliment them on how they do their job.

It will never hurt to have *good* contacts at an old job.

-- posted by duckierose

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