How many weeks notice should I give?
A friend and I were recently catching up when the conversation shifted to work situations. He was actively searching for a new job, and was curious how much notice he should give his manager when it came time to resign. Others have blogged about this topic before; here is my perspective.
The facts
This individual has been working for slightly less than two years. He works on a fairly small team (eight people), is a strong contributing member and enjoys a good relationship with his peers and his manager. He also confided that his manager may be blind-sided by his resignation. She has taken my friend under her wing and has been working with him to grow his role for the past while.
My recommendation
I told my friend that he has to remember that he is managing his career. Although he enjoys great relationships, he needs to do what is best for him. People leave jobs all the time and everyone is replaceable. If my friend seriously feels it is time for him to leave and if his relationship with his manager is as good as he claims, she will understand when he tells her he has to go.
With regards to how much notice he should give, my friend is still quite junior in his company. Two weeks notice is sufficient. He is not a consultant working a specific mandate/contract and does not want to send the wrong message to a prospective employer by “dilly-dallying” and postponing joining them.
If my friend held a key role, had an immense amount of knowledge transfer to do, was in a very difficult-to-replace position or had been with his employer 5 years or more I may have suggested differently. This is not the case, however, and by giving a proper, respectful resignation my friend will come out on top.
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I would agree with Aaron, 2 weeks is typically sufficient however you do need to take your role in the company and how long you have been there. If your new employer can give you more than two weeks before you start then it is a nice courtesy to your current employer to give them more than two weeks if you are able to do so. Most new employers will also respect the fact that you want to give your current employer as much notice as possible. It says a lot about your character.
@Jane: Agreed that giving more notice allows you to leave more favorably and speaks on your character. There is still a bit of a line to walk, however. I once told a client that a candidate wanted to give 4 weeks notice rather than two. Their reaction? “Why so long?”
If my friend really wanted to give more than 2 weeks, I would say MAX 3 weeks. You should not feel bad about leaving your job for another, and hence feel obliged to give more notice. Attrition occurs all the time.
I am glad I found this post because I am currently struggling with this issue myself. I have been working in a sales position for a little over four months that isn’t working out for me and I recently received a better offer, which I accepted. I really have nothing I need to transition in my current position other than the a few contacts to my colleagues. I have really been debating whether or not to give two weeks notice since my employment contract states that I am at-will and once I quit there is really no reason for me to be there. I could even seem my manager telling me I could be done that day.
Hi Roland, glad we can be of help. Sales can be a more delicate domain.
Given the amount of time you have been there and the fact that you are not required to give notice, in your place I would offer your manager 1 week. It is courteous and respectful, and will allow for a smooth transition of your accounts.
As you said, he may very well show you the door that same day. At least you will know that you did your part for an amicable separation.
Let us know what you decide to do and how it works out for you.
Regards,
Aaron