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Handing in your notice can be a challenging decision to make, particularly when you have built strong relationships with your colleagues and employer. It can also be a stressful experience when you receive a counter-offer from your current employer, making it even more difficult to decide whether to go or stay and accepting a counter-offer. In this blog, we will discuss some tips for handling your notice and dealing with counter-offers.

1. Be Professional

When handing in your notice, it is essential to do so professionally. Ensure that you give your employer sufficient notice and provide a resignation letter outlining your reasons for leaving. You should also be prepared to answer any questions your employer may have and offer to help with the transition process.

2. Stay Positive

It is essential to remain positive and professional during your notice period. This will help to ensure that your colleagues and employer have a positive impression of you when you leave. In most cases, there is hardly ever a reasonable reason for burning bridges between yourself and your employer. Think of it as a mutually agreed and mature breakup; after it’s all said and done, why not meet up for coffee and reminisce about the old days? Who knows, they might even be able to help you in your career in the future by providing glowing references or even another role later down the line if you nurture this relationship.

3. Understand Your Reasons for leaving

Before accepting a counter-offer, it is crucial to understand your reasons for leaving. You should consider why you were looking to leave in the first place, whether it is for career progression, a better work-life balance or a more significant challenge. Consider whether your current employer can genuinely address these concerns. Remember that your employer is offering a counter-offer because there is something to counter. If you’re leaving because the problem is the people you work with or no career progression opportunities, an increase in salary isn’t going to magically fix this in the long run. This is primarily why 52% of people who have accepted a counter-offer end up leaving within 12 months.

4. Consider the Implications of a Counter-Offer

If you do receive a counter-offer, you should carefully consider the implications of accepting it. While it may seem attractive initially, accepting a counter-offer can often lead to disappointment in the long term. It is essential to consider whether the counter-offer is a genuine attempt to address your concerns or merely an attempt to keep you from leaving. It is in an employer’s interest to keep their existing employees from leaving as the recruitment process and the invested time is frequently more costly for an employer than meeting the demands of an employee.

5. Seek Advice

If you are unsure about whether to accept a counter-offer, it is advisable to seek advice. A recruitment agency such as ours can provide impartial advice and help you to make an informed decision. We can also help you to negotiate a counter-offer if you decide to stay.

6. Be Honest

If you do decide to leave, it is essential to be honest with your employer about your reasons for leaving. Not only will this help you to have closure and potentially help cultivate a positive relationship in the future, this will also help to ensure that your employer has a better understanding of why you are leaving and can address any concerns they may have about retaining staff in the future.

In Summary

In conclusion, handing in your notice and dealing with counter-offers can be a challenging experience. It is essential to remain professional and positive when handing in your notice and to carefully consider the implications of a counter-offer. Seek advice from a recruitment agency if you are unsure about what to do. Ultimately, being honest with your employer and understanding your reasons for leaving will help to ensure a smooth transition and a positive impression when you leave. Regardless of what you choose to do in such a situation, feel free to get in touch with us for some professional advice on your next move.

Randy Lamotte

Randy Lamotte is the Head of Marketing for ASC Connections. His love for creative endeavours such as writing and music began when he was only young. Through his current role, he loves to create and share content to help candidates find the best roles tailored to them, and for clients to find talented individuals to suit their needs.