Giving notice to a current employer can bring on a range of emotions, from fear and anxiety about the exit interview to relief and excitement for the future. For those of you who are a bit nervous, here is some advice that can help you through the ups and downs of informing your current employer that you have accepted a new role.
First and foremost – you aren’t the first person to leave the company, and you won’t be the last. Your focus should be to remain professional and to keep a positive attitude. You want to leave the company on a positive note to be sure that this portion of your career is a solid part of your history and resume.
When giving notice to your current company, always tell your immediate supervisor before telling others and, when possible, give notice in person. When giving notice in person isn’t possible, especially in a remote work environment, it is acceptable to call your boss or even send an email if you must. Be gracious and thankful for the opportunities the company has given you that have allowed you to grow. After all, without the experience you gained at your current position you might not be a candidate for this new opportunity.
There is no requirement for giving two weeks’ notice, but it is regarded as professional etiquette and the expected course of action when leaving your current position. Your goal is to make sure that you leave on a good note and reasonable notice will give your current employer time to plan for your exit. If you have accepted a job at a competitor or another company that is similar in the industry, your company may ask you to leave that same day. This is not unusual and is intended to mitigate any conflicts of interest. If you know of anyone who has given notice at your company, you can reference that and assume that your experience might be similar.
There is a chance that your boss or HR will have questions; use your own discretion as to what information you would like to share. Some advice on messaging is to “keep the message simple”. Some wording you might use in your exit interview could be: “I have found another opportunity that I think will provide me with more career growth (and/or) the opportunity to work in different fields.” This keeps the conversation positive and the focus off any of the negative reasons you might have for leaving. In the actuarial industry you are sure to cross paths with some of the same people in the future so keep the conversation constructive to ensure there are no hard feelings.
If you think a counteroffer is a possibility, review the reasons why you were looking for a new position in the first place. Coming from a recruiter with many years of experience, the truth is that counteroffers rarely work out in the long run. You should not have to resign in order to get the compensation or promotion you deserve, and your employer will now have you pegged as an employee that is open to new positions. This is the time to think about your future and embrace your new position.
As recruiters we understand that leaving your current position is not an easy thing to do, but by proactively preparing for your exit, you can create the smoothest transition possible and focus on the opportunities at your new company.
DW Simpson is here to help you with any questions or concerns you might have about your career journey. You can reach out to your dedicated recruiter today at dwsimpson.com.
Derek Mulder – Partner and Lead Recruiter at DW Simpson