Members
ALP & GLAA
Certified
ISO 2001:2015
Certified
Cyber Essentials Plus

Switching Jobs? How To Eloquently Give Your Notice

Switching jobs is an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience. Whether you’ve found a new role that aligns better with your career goals, discovered a more competitive salary, or simply want a change of scenery, the process of resigning from your current job is a delicate one.

One of the most important steps when transitioning from one job to another is giving your two weeks (or whatever the notice period may be) notice. It’s a step that requires professionalism, tact, and most importantly, respect for both your current employer and yourself. If handled poorly, it could damage your reputation and possibly harm future career prospects. But with the right approach, you can leave on good terms and maintain valuable professional relationships.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to *gracefully* give your two weeks’ notice when switching jobs, ensuring you exit with class and professionalism.

Plan ahead and time it right

Before you draft your resignation letter or even have a conversation with your manager, make sure you’ve thoroughly thought out the timing of your decision. Ideally, you should give at least two weeks’ notice, unless your contract specifies otherwise. However, in some industries or for certain roles, a longer notice period may be expected.

Timing is also critical in terms of your next steps, if you’re planning to leave right after accepting a new role, it’s a good idea to ensure all details, such as start dates and transition plans are settled with your new employer before you announce your departure. That way, you’re not leaving your current job on a whim, but with a clear and secure next step.

Speak to your manager first

When it’s time to hand in your notice, start by speaking directly with your manager face-to-face meeting (or over video call etc if you’re remote). Don’t resign via email or text, it’s impersonal and can come across as very unprofessional.

In this conversation, be brief but clear about your decision. Express gratitude for the opportunities you’ve had in the role and the skills you’ve developed. Even if your experience hasn’t been perfect, try to focus on the positives and avoid getting into unnecessary details about why you’re leaving. For example:

“Thank you so much for the opportunities and experiences I’ve had at (your business name). I’ve learned a lot and truly appreciate my time here. I wanted to let you know that I’ve accepted a new role and will be resigning from my position, with my last working day being (Insert your last day).”

Be prepared for your manager to ask why you’re leaving, and keep your response honest and respectful. If you feel comfortable, briefly explain the reason, but avoid venting or criticising the business if you can.

Write a professional resignation letter

Following on from your conversation, follow up with a formal resignation letter to solidify the process. A resignation letter should be polite, professional, and concise. Here’s what to include:

Gratitude: Thank your employer for the opportunity and mention positive aspects of your experience.

Notice Period: Clearly state your last day of work (i.e. two weeks from the date of your notice). Interested about the statutory notice requirements? Typical Employee Notice Periods | BrightHR

Transition Offer: Offer to help with the transition process, whether that’s training a replacement or helping to wrap up current projects.

Positive Tone: Even if your reasons for leaving are less than favourable, maintain a positive and professional tone.

Below is an example of a resignation letter:

(Your Name)

(Today’s Date)

(Manager’s Name)

(Businesses Name)

Dear (Manager’s Name),

I am writing to formally resign from my position as (your job title) at (business name), with my last working day being (Insert Date- typically two weeks from the date of this letter).

I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude for the support, guidance, and growth opportunities I have received during my time with the company. I have genuinely enjoyed working with you and the team and will always value the experiences I’ve gained here.

working with you and the team and will always value the experiences I’ve gained here.

Please let me know how I can assist in making this transition as smooth as possible. I am happy to help with any ongoing projects and to ensure a seamless handover.

Thank you once again for the opportunity to be part of such a wonderful company.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Maintain a positive attitude during your notice period

Once you’ve given your two weeks’ notice, it’s time to finish strong. You may feel excited about your new opportunity but remember that you still have a job to complete. Maintaining a positive and professional attitude during your final days is crucial.

During your notice period, make sure you:

  • Continue to work hard and meet deadlines.
  • Communicate openly with your team about any outstanding projects.
  • Stay professional when interacting with colleagues and superiors.
  • Avoid discussing your reasons for leaving with coworkers, and steer clear of negativity.

By finishing strong, you leave a lasting impression that you are a responsible and professional employee who values the business even in the final moments.

 Exit with grace

The final step in leaving your current job gracefully is your actual exit. On your last day, make sure to thank your colleagues and managers personally. If appropriate, consider writing a farewell email or card to express gratitude for the time spent working together. The small gesture can go a long way in leaving on a positive note.

Leaving a job is a pivotal moment in your career, and it’s essential to approach it with professionalism and respect. By giving your two weeks’ notice in an eloquent and thoughtful manner, you can ensure that your transition is as smooth as possible when preserving valuable relationships for the future.

At the end of the day, no matter the reason for leaving, how you depart will leave a lasting impression, one that can impact your reputation and future career opportunities. So take the time to do it right, and you’ll be sure to carry your positive image into your next exciting adventure!

Are you ready to make the next move in your career? If you’re considering a job change and need guidance on your next steps, we’re here to help. Our recruitment experts can assist you in finding the right fit for your skills and career aspirations. Reach out today to start your journey! View our most recent live vacancies: Job Search – Zenith People

About the author