Giving proper notice when resigning from a job is an important part of maintaining professional relationships and leaving on good terms. The amount of notice you need to provide depends on several factors, including legal requirements, company policies, job level, and industry standards. Providing adequate notice allows your employer time to prepare for your departure and begin the process of hiring your replacement. Quitting without sufficient notice can burn bridges and lead to poor references in the future.
What is the Typical Notice Period?
The most common notice period is generally 2 weeks, though 1 month is also fairly standard. However, notice periods can range from several days up to 3 months or longer. Here are some general guidelines on typical notice periods based on job level:
| Job Level | Typical Notice Period |
|---|---|
| Hourly/entry-level jobs | 1-2 weeks |
| Professional/mid-level jobs | 2-4 weeks |
| Managerial jobs | 1-2 months |
| Executive/C-level jobs | 3+ months |
For example, an entry-level customer service rep would typically be expected to give 1-2 weeks’ notice, while a CEO may need to provide 6 months’ notice or more. The higher up the organizational chart you are, the more advance notice is generally expected.
Notice Period Requirements
There are a few factors that influence the required or expected notice period when you resign:
Minimum Legal Notice
Some places have laws dictating the minimum notice employees must provide when resigning. For example, under the Employment Standards Act in Ontario, Canada, the minimum required notice is:
– 1 week, if employed between 3 months and 2 years
– 2 weeks, if employed between 2 and 4 years
– 3 weeks, if employed between 4 and 6 years
– 4 weeks, if employed 6 years or more
Make sure to check if any legal minimum notice requirements apply where you work. Failing to provide sufficient required notice could make you liable for financial penalties.
Company Policy
Many companies have formal policies around notice periods written into employment contracts and employee handbooks. Always check your contract and employee policies first, as those will dictate the notice period you are obligated to provide. Some companies require as much as 3 months’ notice in writing before resigning. Policies generally depend on seniority level, with more notice required the higher up you are.
Industry Standards
Beyond legal and company requirements, there are also informal industry norms that shape expectations around notice periods. Some sectors like finance, government, and academia tend to have longer notice standards, while startup and retail environments may accept shorter notice. Do some research on standard notice periods for similar roles in your industry.
Job Level
As mentioned earlier, more senior roles generally require longer notice to quit. The reason is greater responsibilities and more difficulty finding a replacement. Managers and executives are expected to provide several weeks’ or months’ notice to ensure a smooth transition. For higher level jobs, you may want to err on the side of a longer notice period.
Employee Circumstances
Personal circumstances can also impact the notice you’re able to provide. For example, if you’re resigning due to an illness, family emergency, or active military service, a shorter notice period may be understandable. Just make sure to clearly communicate your situation to your employer.
Some employees choose to provide longer notice than required as a courtesy, especially if they want to maintain positive relations with the company. However, employees in unhealthy or hostile work environments may want to provide the minimum notice possible. Do what makes sense for your needs and situation.
How to Deliver Your Notice
When you’ve decided on an appropriate notice period, here are some tips on professionally submitting your resignation:
- Notify your direct manager first, before wider announcement.
- Submit your notice in writing (email, letter) – verbal notice is risky.
- Include your final intended work day and make the length of notice clear.
- Offer to help transition your work during the notice period.
- Express appreciation for opportunities you’ve had.
- Provide the reason for resignation without negativity if asked.
- Offer to return any company property before your last day.
Giving notice in person and in writing is the most professional approach. Avoid resigning over chat, text, or phone if possible.
What If You Want to Leave Sooner?
Sometimes circumstances demand you expedite your departure, for instance a family emergency or sudden illness. How can you shorten your notice period?
- Ask if your company can waive some of the notice as a special exception.
- Use any unused vacation time to end employment sooner.
- Offer to help hire and train your replacement in less time.
- Propose going part-time or shifting to consulting during notice.
- Be willing to compromise on a shorter but still adequate notice.
Most companies will try to accommodate reasonable requests to reduce notice, as long as you provide context and make the ask professionally.
However, if you signed a contract requiring lengthy notice (e.g. 90 days), the company may hold you to it. Contracts allowing for large damage claims or forfeited compensation for insufficient notice are rare but some industries use them.
Can a Company Reject Your Notice Period?
Yes, companies can reject an employee’s notice and speed up their departure. Some reasons they may want to include:
- Concern you’ll damage operations or steal clients/trade secrets.
- Belief you won’t work productively during notice and prefer a clean break.
- Wanting you to hand off work sooner to a new hire or existing employee.
- Dislike the notice period length you provided.
If let go early, employees must be paid for the full notice period given. For example, if you give 3 weeks’ notice but are released after 1 week, you must be paid for the full 3 weeks. Any company property should be returned immediately when released.
Getting pushed out early can feel disheartening, but it’s usually not personal. Focus your energy on your exciting next opportunity.
Can You Still Get a Reference?
Even if a company cuts your notice period short, you can still request a reference if you departed on good terms. Most managers will provide basic employment confirmation and won’t mention you were let go early.
Poor performance, misconduct, or failure to provide any notice would justify refusing a reference request. Mention any disputes over notice period to your new employer discreetly to provide context on the reference.
What If the Company Counteroffers?
Some companies will make counteroffers to get employees to stay after resigning, like:
- Promotion
- Raise
- One-time bonus
- Flexible work arrangement
- Change of department
Think carefully before accepting counteroffers. Unless the underlying issues motivating your departure are addressed, a counteroffer rarely improves the situation long-term. Promises made may fail to materialize.
Accepting a counter also signals you’re willing to use threats of quitting as leverage. This can damage working relationships going forward.
However, in some cases, a counteroffer may genuinely resolve concerns. Not all counters should be rejected outright – listen and evaluate objectively.
What if You Need to Quit Immediately?
Quitting on the spot or walking off the job is extremely risky professionally. Here are the potential consequences:
- Burning bridges at that employer
- Losing ability to use them as a reference
- Forfeiting eligibility for unemployment
- Losing out on unused paid time off
- Potentially violating contract, needing to repay costs
- Harming reputation in your industry
However, there are rare situations where quitting immediately may be necessary:
- Unsafe, hostile, or abusive work environment
- Unethical employer activities
- Constructive discharge or deeply demeaning treatment
- Sudden major family emergencies
If you need to resign on the spot, be calm, firm, and brief in explaining why. Stick to facts and avoid emotional outbursts or insults. Contact an attorney if you have concerns on legality or liability.
Conclusion
Providing adequate and professional notice when you resign is crucial for maintaining positive relationships and reputation – typically 2 weeks to 1 month depending on position. Review legal, company, and industry standards to determine what’s suitable for your situation. Clearly communicate your intended last day, but be willing to compromise if needed. How you resign can have lasting impacts, so make choices thoughtfully.