Thinking About Resigning? What to Know Before You Hand in Your Notice

Deciding to leave a job is a big decision. Whether you have accepted a new opportunity or simply feel it is time for a change, there are a few things worth considering before you hand in your notice.

Here are some practical things to think about before making your move.

Check your notice period

Before resigning, check your employment contract and make sure you know exactly how much notice you are required to give.

Notice periods can vary significantly, particularly depending on your level of seniority and length of service.

Knowing your notice period is also important when agreeing a start date with a new employer. Be upfront about your availability from the beginning.

When is the best day to resign?

There is no official "best" day to resign, but Monday can often be a sensible choice.

Resigning at the start of the week gives your manager and the business time to process your resignation and begin planning for your departure.

Friday can be tempting, particularly if you want the weekend to switch off, but resigning late in the day can sometimes mean waiting until the following week for conversations or confirmation around your final working day.

Ultimately, the most important thing is understanding when your notice period officially starts and ensuring your resignation is submitted in the correct way.

Don't resign before your new role is confirmed

If you are moving to a new employer, make sure you have received formal confirmation of the offer before handing in your notice.

Ideally, you should have clarity around your salary, role, benefits and proposed start date.

It can be exciting to receive a verbal offer, but resigning before the details of your new position are confirmed can leave you exposed.

Think carefully about a counteroffer

Being offered more money or a promotion after resigning can be flattering.

Before accepting a counteroffer, ask yourself why you wanted to leave in the first place.

If salary was the main reason, an increase may solve the problem. But if you were looking for progression, a different culture, better flexibility or a completely new challenge, consider whether a counteroffer actually addresses those reasons.

Leave well

Your notice period is still part of your employment, so continue to approach your role professionally.

Complete outstanding work, prepare a thorough handover and support your colleagues wherever possible.

You never know when paths may cross again, and leaving on good terms can be valuable throughout your career.

There is no perfect way to resign, but there is a professional way.

Be clear. Be respectful. Give the correct notice. Leave well.

Your next career move is important, but so is how you close the chapter before it.

At Downey Osborne, we believe recruitment should be about more than simply filling a vacancy. We prioritise people over placements.

If you are considering your next move and want a confidential conversation about your options, our team is always happy to talk.