I need to resign today but there's a problem - help!

[Lizzie523]

I found a job through a recruiter and after the process I have been offered the job. I negotiated a better salary but said I want to see the overall package.

The recruiter said he would send the offer letter by close of play yesterday but I've received nothing. Just emailed this morning and got an on annual leave response!

I would need to resign today to start when they want me. I have the details of the hiring manager who interviewed me. Should I just email him directly?

@CherryRedDMs

I personally wouldn’t want to burn bridges at a former employer by resigning after normal working hours by email. If you’re in a professional job it’s irrelevant that you won’t be working there any more, people in a field talk to one another.

I have received the letter. All looks fine except they need references from 5 years and the last 2 years I worked in a foreign country. That might be an issue.

The issue I now have is that the main bosses are now out of the office and will only return for a staff lunch briefly. So how am I going to do it now, while starting on the intended date and not burning bridges?

Personally I’d text them if you can and ask for 5 minutes just before or after the lunch. You don’t need much time.
Then put it in writing before the end of the day.
That’s assuming that what you have in hand feels enough for you to resign, I don’t have any idea whether it is or not, you just have to feel confident in it.
A phone call is better than a cold email if you don’t manage in-person.

@Lizzie523 are they willing to employ you before they check the references? If they are, tell your boss now.
If they're not, wait and delay the start date.

In this situation the intended start date will have to move. The issue is theirs, you have a notice period to work that they are aware of and you cannot give notice until you have the offer in writing and have accepted. Do not resign until you have this in place. It’s awkward but you have to protect your interests above all.

I wouldn’t resign without the new employer’s reference checks etc and a firm offer.

What Sittingonabench said.
You need to get the new contract sorted BEFORE you resign, either verbally or in writing. It's on the new company to sort out. But it's your responsibility to protect yourself.

@Dozer

I wouldn’t resign without the new employer’s reference checks etc and a firm offer.

This.

They haven’t got the correct documents to you so you cannot resign today so you cannot start on the intended date. New employer needs to wait a week.

Will a week be a dealbreaker? It would be unusual, in my experience.

Don’t resign yet until you have a firm offer and the references are sorted out. You don’t want there to be a problem with obtaining the references and then them saying they can’t offer you a job. If it takes longer that’s not on you and the new employer will know you have to work a notice period.

I spoke to them and they have said starting slightly later won't be an issue.

They also said the overseas reference won't be an issue.

They want a reference from my current employer which is fair enough but I have been using my ex line manager who left 2 months ago as as a reference. So that is annoying as the directors don't know me on the same level.

And they have sent the offer.