Telling an employer you're quitting?

I have been thinking about leaving my job for awhile now and am almost 100% sure that I am going to do it soon.

The problem I am having is that I just can't figure out the best way to tell my current place of employment that I am searching for a new job and plan on leaving them shortly. I *think* I have a good enough relationship with them so they wouldn't fire me for telling them, but I am still unsure as to what the easiest way of notifying them and telling them that I am actively seeking a new job.

Has anybody else been in a similar situation that may be able to help think of an easy way to inform an employer that they are planning on leaving?

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Comments

undomiel

The easiest way of doing this is turning in your 2 week/30 day/whatever is requested notice. No matter how secure you feel with your boss and your employer do not tell them that you are searching around. No employer is worth endangering your livelihood over. Don't tell anyone you are looking until you have a job offer in hand and are ready to turn in your notice. When your boss finds out you are looking you will be seen as a liability and will be short listed for replacement.

vCole

undomiel wrote: »

The easiest way of doing this is turning in your 2 week/30 day/whatever is requested notice. No matter how secure you feel with your boss and your employer do not tell them that you are searching around. No employer is worth endangering your livelihood over. Don't tell anyone you are looking until you have a job offer in hand and are ready to turn in your notice. When your boss finds out you are looking you will be seen as a liability and will be short listed for replacement.

+1. Always have a job to fall back on. Make sure everything is in writing, background checks completed and a start date. Most employers will usually escort you out that day.

DigitalZeroOne

The usual way is to write a letter of resignation, address to your manager, and Cc HR.

Your Name
Address

Date
Company resigning from
[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Their address
[/FONT]City, State Zip

First and Last name of manager:
I want to thank Company name for the opportunity and the benefit of working for a wonderful organization; regretfully I am resigning from the position of Position name, I have been offered an exciting opportunity that will benefit myself as well as my family.

My last day will be at least 2 weeks date spelled out October 1, 2011. I will use this time to continue my daily assigned duties, and if need be, to help train a replacement for the position of Position name

Thank you again for the opportunity, I wish the company much success.

Sincerely,

Your Name,
cc: Human Resources

Mike-Mike

sometimes the handbook will say the proper procedure..

or you can pull the move from Half Baked, that's the way to go

Devilsbane

Not easy, but pull your boss aside and let them know that you have found a new job that is going to advance your career and that you would like to put your 2 weeks notice in. It is as simple as that. You don't need to get into details or tell stories if you don't want to.

jmreicha

undomiel wrote: »

The easiest way of doing this is turning in your 2 week/30 day/whatever is requested notice. No matter how secure you feel with your boss and your employer do not tell them that you are searching around. No employer is worth endangering your livelihood over. Don't tell anyone you are looking until you have a job offer in hand and are ready to turn in your notice. When your boss finds out you are looking you will be seen as a liability and will be short listed for replacement.

Thanks, I've sort of been leaning towards that approach. Unfortunately I do not have a new job in hand yet, just a number of leads so I am not sure I want to pull the trigger right away. To make matters more interesting, some of these leads would require me to take time away from work and of course I do not have any vacation time so I would need to take unpaid sick time, which I think might look suspicious. What do you think?

DigitalZeroOne

I forgot to mention, it's probably best to print out the letter, don't email it. Walk it to your manager, or director, hand them the letter and sit down for a few minutes. Tell them it's a great opportunity, blah blah. They will usually provide a copy to HR, or just print out at least 2 copies. Like some have said, DO NOT tell your current employer that you are looking for new for a new job, unless your self employed

If you can give a 30-day notice, that will be even better. Make sure you work right up until you leave, and don't curse anyone on your way out..hehe.

tbgree00

jmreicha wrote: »

Thanks, I've sort of been leaning towards that approach. Unfortunately I do not have a new job in hand yet, just a number of leads so I am not sure I want to pull the trigger right away. To make matters more interesting, some of these leads would require me to take time away from work and of course I do not have any vacation time so I would need to take unpaid sick time, which I think might look suspicious. What do you think?

Resigning without a job offer in hand is a bold move. If you can withstand the chance of a job not working out financially and emotionally then do as you wish. Despite hating my contract job I couldn't leave it because I didn't want to eat savings. If you have an offer resign with grace and don't burn bridges. If you don't a bad job is likely better than no job at all.

As for looking suspicious you're about to resign based on leads. Take the time, tell people you have appointments, and start dressing nice but not in suits. When I was interviewing while working the contract I wore slacks, long sleeve solid button ups without ties, and nice shoes a few days a week as soon as I had my first phone interview. Then on interview days I looked nice as I occasionally did anyway. In my car was a tie and jacket just waiting. My boss didn't mind me taking the time because I would work late to make it up.

Devilsbane

tbgree00 wrote: »

If you don't a bad job is likely better than no job at all.

Not only on the pocket book, but people with jobs are much more likely to be interviewed and hired. What you expect to be a couple week gap could easily turn into a 6-8 month gap and your resume gets filed under T for trash. Thats just the way it is, lot of people on this forum who went without jobs for awhile and found themselves in that group.

Bokeh

Like others have said, NEVER, EVER leave a job on your own accord unless you have another job lined up and ready to start tomorrow if need be. If you have a good relationship with the company and your boss/manager, be prepared for a possible counter offer. The drawback to this if you choose to accept it, is that you will be the first to go if cut backs come down from higher ups.

I've seen companies who were sadistic enough to get someone to accept the counter offer, then can the person a month later just out of spite. It's a dog eat dog world out there. Protect yourself and your family and have the new job in hand before bolting out the door.

Devilry

I'm with the many before me.

Do not tell your employer. I am in management at my current job, if someone tells us that they are looking, we tell them we are immediately hiring someone new and expect them to train and resign within 2 weeks. Employers see it as the employee is putting their focus elsewhere, or on their mind is on 'i'm out of here' mode. We all know its true, once we want out our mind quits.

Get an offer in hand, maybe let your current employer have the chance to counter, if you even want to stay with better pay, and put your 2 weeks in writing.

jmreicha

The theme seems to be "stick with your job until you have an offer in hand" and "don't tell your employer you're looking around". I want to thank everyone for the advice.

tbgree00 wrote: »

As for looking suspicious you're about to resign based on leads. Take the time, tell people you have appointments, and start dressing nice but not in suits. When I was interviewing while working the contract I wore slacks, long sleeve solid button ups without ties, and nice shoes a few days a week as soon as I had my first phone interview. Then on interview days I looked nice as I occasionally did anyway. In my car was a tie and jacket just waiting. My boss didn't mind me taking the time because I would work late to make it up.

I had never really thought of that before, thanks. Building on that idea, what then are some good other good ways of masquerading other interviews? Like I said earlier, I don't have any vacation time left. Would it be acceptable to just tell them I am sick or have other appointments?

Devilry

jmreicha wrote: »

The theme seems to be "stick with your job until you have an offer in hand" and "don't tell your employer you're looking around". I want to thank everyone for the advice.

I had never really thought of that before, thanks. Building on that idea, what then are some good other good ways of masquerading other interviews? Like I said earlier, I don't have any vacation time left. Would it be acceptable to just tell them I am sick or have other appointments?

Can you just take PTO without pay?

ehnde

You probably already have a good idea of how your current employer will react when you put in a two weeks notice. How did they react when other people quit?

Devilsbane

I had a manager who was looking out for me suggest that I set up some dentist appointments to get out. Ironically I was having some dental problems at the time and did schedule several appointments, but never went looking for another job.

At a different job I just took unpaid days off. Didn't give them a reason why.

Let this be a lesson to you, always try and keep some vacation in reserve. For me, we can carry over a week a year so I never intend to use it. That way if I get down to december and need a few days off for being sick or something then its available.

Turgon

Correct. On the two previous occasions I leveled with a previous employer that I was going to look around they were actually relaxed about it and supportive, but it was early in my career I suppose they expected that I would move along in due course. I was even upfront when hired on my second job that I was committed for the next year at least but that I wanted to get on. So it was no surprise when after 12 months I put my cards down with my boss. He took it pretty well and I even discussed my offers with him ( I had two on the table in short order). I wouldn't take this approach today. Be sure to keep your mouth shut at work about 'looking around'. Dont trust your mates. It's nobody elses business and you could get shafted by your employer if they learn you are looking. Let's face it, you might not find what you are looking for and need to stay there 2 more years!!

However well meaning your intentions might be dont tell until you have an offer you want to accept.
Get the job offer, quietly.

DPG

Make sure not to burn bridges with your previous employer. 2 weeks notice is a greatly appreciated. Keep this in mind when negotiating a start date with your new employer.

My policy is it to allow those who give 2 weeks notice to be rehirable. Those who quit on the spot are looked upon much less favorably.

Everyone

I went out to my car on breaks and did phone interviews then. If a company you are interviewing with is close enough, you could possibly do a face to face interview on your lunch break. You can always do interviews after you get off work.

Most places will be willing to work around your schedule for an interview. If they aren't, you may not want to work for them anyway.

Devilry

Everyone wrote: »

Most places will be willing to work around your schedule for an interview. If they aren't, you may not want to work for them anyway.

Very true.

Heero

DPG wrote: »

Make sure not to burn bridges with your previous employer. 2 weeks notice is a greatly appreciated. Keep this in mind when negotiating a start date with your new employer.

My policy is it to allow those who give 2 weeks notice to be rehirable. Those who quit on the spot are looked upon much less favorably.

What kind of notice you give and how you go about quitting are generally the main deciders about whether or not you would be eligible for rehire at the company. Give your two weeks, don't slack or **** around, and leave on a good standing. People move on, turnover happens. It is not like it is some slap in the face to an employer, they expect a certain turnover rate.

jmreicha

Turgon wrote: »

Correct. On the two previous occasions I leveled with a previous employer that I was going to look around they were actually relaxed about it and supportive, but it was early in my career I suppose they expected that I would move along in due course. I was even upfront when hired on my second job that I was committed for the next year at least but that I wanted to get on. So it was no surprise when after 12 months I put my cards down with my boss. He took it pretty well and I even discussed my offers with him ( I had two on the table in short order). I wouldn't take this approach today. Be sure to keep your mouth shut at work about 'looking around'. Dont trust your mates. It's nobody elses business and you could get shafted by your employer if they learn you are looking. Let's face it, you might not find what you are looking for and need to stay there 2 more years!!

However well meaning your intentions might be dont tell until you have an offer you want to accept.<br>
Get the job offer, quietly.

I'm in a somewhat similar situation as you were previously in the fact that my career is still young. So I can't believe that they are expecting me to stick around here for much longer. But you're right, just to be safe I will make sure to have a job in hand before letting my current employer know my situation and will heed the advice of taking unpaid time off/appointments to get out for some interviews.

Version4

I was in a similar situation 4 weeks ago. My previous employer was in the midst of an IT re-structuring. Unfortunately, things did not work out so well for me or my department. I was in the helpdesk for almost 7 years and was hoping to be promoted to a better position based on my track record. That was not the case, the position I was given was a step down. What they offered me was not in my best interest so I gave my manager the standard 2 week notice. My notice was given verbally in person rather than on a piece of paper.

Do take an honest assessment of your situation and mental health before you proceed. Here are some points you should think about:

a) Be sure that you really want to leave and you can afford it financially
b) Under no circumstances should you withdraw your 2 week notice, once you have submitted it, do not turn back
c) Do not accept counter offers or "mercy promotions" - these ploys were thrown my way, the time for bargaining should have been done at review time, reject these last minute efforts to get you to stay with a respectful attitude
d) "This is just business" is an acceptable theme here, remember that your employer does not have your best interests in mind

You know your own financial situation, if you plan it right, you can quit without another job lined up. I quit my last position 18 days ago, I'm unemployed and living off savings. To be honest, I couldn't be happier. Live life for you, not for a "job". Things WILL work out for you and the best possible opportunities are in your future.

Good Luck

Devilry

Version4 wrote: »

a) Be sure that you really want to leave and you can afford it financially
b) Under no circumstances should you withdraw your 2 week notice, once you have submitted it, do not turn back
c) Do not accept counter offers or "mercy promotions" - these ploys were thrown my way, the time for bargaining should have been done at review time, reject these last minute efforts to get you to stay with a respectful attitude
d) "This is just business" is an acceptable theme here, remember that your employer does not have your best interests in mind

I don't agree with this at all.

If you are happy, none of that is good advice.

Lots of people enjoy their jobs and are underpaid. If the employer decides to give you the money voluntarily or
because you put in a notice, either way is good if it makes you and your wallet happy.

Pride doesn't get anyone very far. Business is bushiness, it works both ways, you aren't going to volunteer
overtime every day of the year, so they are not going to volunteer a pay raise constantly.

just my IMHO, nothing against version4, just my point of view.

drew726

What if its a really small company with no HR, does it still have to be so formal? Including a writing a letter etc?

Anonymouse

Devilry wrote: »

I don't agree with this at all.

If you are happy, none of that is good advice.

Lots of people enjoy their jobs and are underpaid. If the employer decides to give you the money voluntarily or
because you put in a notice, either way is good if it makes you and your wallet happy.

Pride doesn't get anyone very far. Business is bushiness, it works both ways, you aren't going to volunteer
overtime every day of the year, so they are not going to volunteer a pay raise constantly.

just my IMHO, nothing against version4, just my point of view.

If they give you a counter offer and you decide to stay do you think there's any breakdown in trust between the employer and you later on down the road?

Turgon

It's always a possibility. A company may be guarded about giving you a lead role on a project that will require commitment and time to execute. I think if you do accept a counter offer and stay you need to have a serious chat with the company about your intentions.

qianlihua

just find a proper excuse

Devilry

Anonymouse wrote: »

If they give you a counter offer and you decide to stay do you think there's any breakdown in trust between the employer and you later on down the road?

I suppose you are correct with some employers. With some, no. Depends on the employer.

I have put in a 2week resignation 3 times with my current company after requesting a raise, each
time I was given a raise and a promotion.

But obviously it can backfire at other employers.

Devilsbane

drew726 wrote: »

What if its a really small company with no HR, does it still have to be so formal? Including a writing a letter etc?

When I left Target, I just pulled my manager aside and told them about the new offer and that I would be leaving. She told me to talk to someone in HR and ask for a form. I didn't have to officially write a letter, just complete the form which stated all of the same things that a letter would have contained.

Talk to your manager, they will tell you what you will need to do.

Ryan82

Do not tell your employer you are looking around and do not let them know that you are quitting until you have signed an offer letter in hand. Trust me your employer will immediately look at you differently the second you do let it be known.

Also, don't accept a counter offer. Just find a job thats worth leaving for if you aren't satisfied with your current situation. Whatever you aren't satisfied with ain't going to change that much in the long run. If its more money or a different internal position you are searching for and you can't approach them professionally and get the results then its probably not worth your time.