What is the etiquette for handing in notice

[asd99]

Apologies it sounds a bit stupid, but I’ve never left a job before.

Is it acceptable to do it via email?
When googling, it seems most sites recommend handing a letter to your manager (not really feasible now as WFH)

Also, if I do it via email would you attach it as a separate PDF/document or write it in the actual email (hope that makes sense)
From googling templates it seems many write their managers address, which seems overly formal for an email - so maybe it’s best to attach as separate document?

Finally, was wondering if it’s acceptable to send a resignation email without previously ever bringing up leaving or any hints that I’m unhappy at work

I hope I’m not committing a social faux pas by never bringing up that I want to leave, and then randomly handing in my notice out of the blue... 😬
That being said I think I’d chicken out of mentioning it via zoom an email seems much less scary for the first step imo
(I’d be polite enough to say last goodbyes over a call)

I handed in my notice on Tuesday this week! I asked for a quick Zoom call with my manager and told him I’d been offered another job. I was so scared in the call though I could barely get my words out. He was nice about it though.

I then sent him an email with a resignation letter attached (so it’s easier to send to HR). I didn’t include addresses etc, I just started with Dear Manager’s Name...

The body of the letter I pretty much copy and pasted from one of the templates.

Good luck!

If not working from home then bring letter to conversation with your manager.

Remember you might need to work there again one day so good idea not to burn your bridges unless you know there is no way you will go back.

If its possible see you manager first and tell them your intention to resign, then you can follow up by email .

I handed in my notice a couple of weeks ago. I dropped my manager a message and asked if she had time for a call. I handed in my notice ‘in person’ (virtually), followed up with an official email where I thanked them for the opportunity and also stated my final day of employment.

I have a good relationship with my manager so I wanted to do it in person.

Surprised by people saying call first! I’ve left a few jobs - fairly senior marketing manager type roles - and I’ve always just emailed directly or left an actual physical letter on the desk. Usually I’d be leaving because I had issues with crappy management etc so there’s no way I’d want to have an awkward chat with them! I guess if you get on really well with them it might be different.

It is never a good idea to burn bridges unless you really, really have no choice. I have left roles previously because of issues with the management, but I always offered constructive feedback about these and left on good terms.

I think it reflects really badly on the individual leaving if they don't at least have the courage and the courtesy to have a direct conversation before sending a resignation letter.

The only person who has ever submitted their resignation to me without having a conversation first did so because she was having a hissy fit about being called out on the way she was interacting with colleagues. She subsequently regretted it and tried to withdraw it. We did not accept!

Please do it by a phone call to your manager followed up by an email or letter, assuming you cannot do it in person. Even if your manager is an overpromoted idiot or micro-manager or just someone you have little time for, be the better person and leave with dignity.

Agree a conversation is best as you never know about the future. My last line manager started out in the company as a graduate trainee, left but then came back as manager, so it's possible you may want to go back.

But also if your new employer hasn't taken up references, it's probably best not to burn your bridges before this.

I’d phone your manager, then email the letter.

I'd phone first but it depends on your relationship with your manager. You seem keen to follow the correct etiquette so your relationship must be ok. If that's the case then just sending an email or letter and nothing else would make your notice period very awkward.

Plus if I want a reference off them then I'd usually contact beforehand anyway to let them know.

I resigned from a job at a big corporate in 2019. I wrote a brief e-mail the night before stating that I was resigning, giving notice and including some appropriate platitudes about the company & my colleagues. Then I approached my manager first thing the next morning and set up some time for a brief, private meeting. At the meeting I told her I was leaving and explained why, then I sent the email to her immediately afterwards.

It all went well and everything was perfectly amicable. Hope this helps.

Yup face to face or zoom/call to tell them theb immediately follow up with email notice. Keep your letter brief, its a formality about dates not 2 pages on why you're leaving! Use an exit interview for that.

Never burn bridges. Regardless. I was once told “you never know who you’ll end up asking for a job one day”. Even if you don’t like your manager you don’t know who they know etc. And people talk.

Email asking to arrange a quick call/zoom. Then follow up in writing. It just needs to say 'Dear xx, I am writing to formally give you my notice of resignation. As per my contract, my last day at xxx will be xx. Sincerely, xx"

Don't just email! That's really bad form.

Won't people in the new job ask your current line manager for a reference so probably not good idea to burn bridges?

I would ask for a short phone call and follow up in writing. Our workplace also has an online HR portal and you have to go there to "hand in notice" so worth finding out your company policy.

I'd be fine just emailing and saying, but I am a lowly retail assistant and I don't think my big high street store would care to much, specially as I know one of my old colleagues resigned with a 'sorry for your loss card' with I quit written inside and apart from a few huff's from the big boss (who doesn't do the hirings) no one else really cared