How much notice to give?

Question

There's usually an agreed notice period in your contract for a job (usually one month or one week) but if you know you'll be leaving before this point (due to moving away or going back to college for example) should you let them know sooner as a good will gesture, or wait until the actual notice period?

Also, is it the done thing to let employers know if you're applying for other jobs or keep it to yourself until you get a confirmed offer?

Sorry, I just realised I wasn't clear. I intend to work my full notice period - the question was about letting them know earlier (so you contractually have to give a month's notice but instead opt to give two months.)

Answer 1

To your first question :

Your notice period is contractual. You can't just "let them know" that you'll be leaving earlier, and then leave when you want; you need your employer's agreement to shorten your notice period. If not you'd be in breach of contract. This is a common negotiation though and your employer may well agree to you leaving earlier than your contract allows for.

But I believe from your question that there may be some confusion as to what a notice period is.

A notice period starts on the day you hand in your resignation, and ends at the end of a contractual period (as you say, it's in your contract). So when you ask "shall I let them know sooner [...] or wait until the notice period"; what you should do is decide on the date you want to leave, subtract your notice period and hand in your resignation on that day. Then you'll have no problem (they can't force you to stay longer than your notice period once you've resigned).

Hope that helps.

PS as to the second question; you don't need to let your employer know that your looking for another job. The only reason I would do so is to obtain something from them (maybe a payrise if they want to keep you, or as a goodwill gesture for negotiating an early departure as above).

Answer 2

If you are on good terms with your company then let them know as soon as you know - this will give them plenty more time to find your replacement and get your work in order and will be appreciated!

Keep the new job hunt to yourself until you get a confirmed offer - there's nothing to be gained in telling a company that you are looking to move on without having something sorted. But don't sign a new contract until you have told your old company, they might offer you a better package to keep you when they find out!

Good luck!! Hx

Answer 3

If you are a student then they are pretty aware that you will be leaving to go back to school but it would be great to give them the heads up as soon as you are aware of when that will be.

I recommend that you get that new job before telling your employer. Some companies tend to get rid of people when they feel that they are no longer able to "trust" you, whether it is true or not.

I would give 2 weeks if you are a full time employee, 1 week if you are a part time employee.

Answer 4

The general rule of thumb is related to your pay date, if you are paid monthly, one month's notice is required, and a week's notice if paid weekly.

As for the second part of your question, I rather feel you should have a feel for how your employer will react, in some circumstances they will put you on "garden leave" for your notice period, you still get your pay, but they feel happier as you will not be in a position to pinch all the "secrets" to take to a rival company.

Best to say nothing officially until you have got another job.

Answer 5

That could be a problem-I know of people who have given 2 weeks notice and they are treated like crap because they are leaving their employer. Its the right thing to do to give 2 weeks notice but if you start being treated badly-you would have no choice but to quit on the spot. I see no reason why employers shouldn't know you are applying for other jobs, after all those people are probably contacting your employer anyway to verify you work there. so they are going to know anyhow.

Answer 6

Let them know now so they can start looking for someone to fill your place.