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Should you give notice?
Pattie Hunt Sinacole suggests how to professionally resign from a job
Q: I finally received a job offer after a four-month process of applying and interviewing to many posted jobs. For this job, I had three interviews, and then I got it. I think it is a great match for me.
I was lucky enough to work with a great recruiter to get this job. Applying to every posted job did not work out well for me.
I am working with a recruiter at a well-known placement agency. The recruiter said they wanted me to start ASAP. I thought I should give “notice.” From what others say, resigning with a letter and letting your manager in advance is the recommended. Now, after talking to my friends, they are saying that I should give at least two weeks’ notice to my current employer. The recruiter told me that two weeks’ notice is really not necessary anymore. I was told (by the recruiter) that I would show commitment to my new job, and that leaving my old job now, would tell my new manager that the new job is important to me. The recruiter said that other candidate said they could start immediately. What you say?
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A: Congratulations on your new role! I always enjoy hearing success stories like yours! It is encouraging to learn that candidates are accepting offers and that companies are hiring.
My sense is that you know what you should do, but you are looking for validation. I think the recruiter is not providing sound advice to you. I think the recruiter is probably driven by the fee he or she expects to receive based on your placement in the new role. A recruitment agency often issues their invoices after a candidate starts a new job. The sooner you start, the sooner the recruiter gets paid.
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I think offering two weeks’ notice is what is expected of most professional roles. Leaving your role in an honorable and ethical way is important. My first reason is that it is simply the right thing to do. Secondly, professional circles are often small ones, particularly in specific industries. You may be working with one or more of your current colleagues at some point in your career. We never know what the future holds for our careers. Depending upon your career path, you also may need a professional reference from your current supervisor or a colleague. Separating from your current company in a professional way can only work to your benefit. Stay firm in your conviction.
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