How to hand in your notice?

Question

I know that sounds daft, but how do you go about doing it?

I've been offered a job placement, starting asap, but I need to give 6 weeks notice,  ideally my new job will wait 4 weeks but 6 is a little too long.

In my current job, we do have too many staff and not enough children. A previous colleague gave only 3 weeks notice as she were relocating (as am I) and I'm hoping they would accept 4 weeks.

What do I write on the letter?  Do I initially give 6 weeks amd then ask to leave at 4? Or just give 4 weeks notice?

I don't wamt to annoy my current employer as I still need good references and a placement transfer (I'm studying for a nvq)

Thanks in advance.

Braveheart-A fallen hero · Accepted Answer

Aimee, Without sounding at all technical you need to check to your contract of employment. By law all employees should be given such a document on their commencement of work. A period of notice should be clearly printed showing the number of weeks that the employer is required to receive. Check to see if it reads 6 weeks? Is their an additional statement or mention ( or by negotiation).

If such wording is printed then you have the opportunity to discuss the possibility of a departure date inside that time frame. As an aside 6weeks is an unusually lengthy period to effect a written notice.

You are correct in trying to ensure that you leave on amicable terms particularly when you require good references and a straight forward placement transfer.

You will know best will your notice be a 'bomb-shell to your current employer? Whilst you indicate the ratio to staff and children is in imbalance, you might very well be a key-worker and your current employer will be loathed to lose you.

I think you need to speak quietly and confidentially to your line manager or departmental head (I hope that you are on good terms?) and to state your position. You need to give a genuine and positive reason for leaving and you must thank her for the time and knowledge you have gained in your current position. You need to ask her to be your spokesperson and will she handle your resignation with the company's personnel Department. If it is necessary to put your notice in writing, you should write at that point of leaving "At a mutually convenient date, to be confirmed."

Aimee, leaving a job is always a difficult thing to navigate but the best advice is not to become aggressive in anyway but to stay cool and calm.

I hope everything goes Ok and that your new job proves the perfect position for you.

With best wishes for the future and I hope that my points covered herein prove worthwhile.

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How to hand in your notice?

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