Do I Have to Give Two Weeks’ Notice?

Resigning from a job can be a difficult and sometimes awkward situation. Seldom is it easy to tell your boss and co-workers that you’re leaving – and going out the wrong way can potentially hurt future job opportunities. Let’s now discuss the importance of following the best practice of giving two weeks’ notice whenever possible, and how to leave on good terms.

The Importance of Giving Notice 

While every situation is different, giving two weeks’ notice is generally regarded as the right amount of time for two main reasons. First, it gives your employer adequate time to find a replacement and fill the vacated position. Second, it ensures that your fellow co-workers aren’t put in a difficult position and forced to work excessive overtime hours or put under immense stress to cover the slack if you walked out all of a sudden.

You should also remember that leaving without giving proper notice can be detrimental to your career long term. If potential employers catch wind of it, it’s definitely not going to help you and shows a lack of responsibility, dependability, etc. The bottom line is that it makes you look unprofessional, and other employers may be reluctant to hire you because of it.

Resignation Best Practices

When giving your two weeks’ notice, there are a few best practices to keep in mind that should minimize any conflict and allow you to part ways amicably. For example, inform your boss in person before you tell anyone else. Doing so is a sign of respect and speaks well of your character and communication skills.

Schedule a brief meeting that’s held in private when giving your formal resignation. During the meeting, remember to keep your emotions in check and never engage in any outbursts that could come back to haunt you later on. Even if you’ve been frustrated at your job, you should always take the high road and maintain a high level of professionalism.

Assuming that you and your boss are on good terms, you may also want to ask if they could serve as a reference for future jobs. After this has taken place, explain the situation to your co-workers and let them know that you’ll be leaving soon.

Although the process of resigning from a job may not be the most pleasant thing in the world, you can reduce any friction by following the right etiquette. This way, you can make a smooth transition and leave on good terms.

For more job search tips and advice for accelerating your career, check out our blog or reach out to our experienced recruiters at Encadria Staffing Solutions today!

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