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Original poster

When do I resign and how do I suggest a start date for new job?

15 replies

newstarterrr · 04/08/2021 06:45

I received a written job offer recently. They want me to suggest a start date to put into my contract. Pre-employment checks (references etc) are still being carried out.

My notice period is currently 1 week until the 10th August when it will then be 4 weeks.

When do I hand my notice in?
How do I respond to their email? I can't really give a start date until I know roughly when I will hand my notice in.

I know in the interview they said they wanted someone to start ASAP.

I've never resigned from a job before so no idea what the protocol is.

Thank you

OP posts:

DarlingCoffee · 04/08/2021 06:53

I would always want to read the new contract before you resign from the old job. Four weeks notice is pretty standard. Also you may want some time to do a handover in your old job and prepare yourself for your new role. So my advice would be tell the new employer you are on four weeks notice, read and review their contract and then resign from your job (in writing and also notifying your manager in person) in that order. Good luck in your new job.

onthinice · 04/08/2021 06:57

If it were me I'd ask the new employer the earliest possible start date taking into account how long they need for pre employment checks. I'd then hand in my notice, preferably before 10th Aug as that would make it easier for you if you want to start within the next few weeks. In my resignation letter I'd say I am handing in my notice and my last working day will be xxxx. You have to give one weeks notice but my understanding is you can give longer than this if you need to. Also consider if you have any annual leave to take and whether you'd like a break between jobs and if so you can say my last working day will be xxx but due to owed annual leave I have calculated my last day of employment will be xxx (basically saying I'm leaving on this date but please can you pay me until xx date).

LongTimeMammaBear · 04/08/2021 07:37

Go back and advise them then you’ll be resigning once you have had the contract. Start date will be after one week’s notice if contract is provided before 10 August however if contract is received after 10 August, notice will be 4 weeks from receipt of contract due to upcoming change in your current contract of employment

You do not resign until you have the new contract of employment.

The ball is then in their court as to your start date.

LegalUtopia · 04/08/2021 10:22

Go to the new employer and ask for a contract/ a copy of it to sign showing you are under new employment. after read your old contract and make sure your notice is one week, if it is, then put your notice in immediately and work that week. then join up with your new employer and work for them. But do tell them when your available to start so they know you can start after your notice has been put in.

Original poster

newstarterrr · 05/08/2021 10:45

I replied saying I wanted to start 4 weeks after as I have a 4 week notice period. I think they are frustrated as they want me to start ASAP. I think they may have remembered that I have a 1 week notice period for another week until my probation ends at my current role (it was asked in a screening call with HR). I feel really awkward about it and don't know what to do.

I want a chance to have a good handover at my current job and to tell people in person rather than send a sudden resignation email before I have had a chance to talk to my manager and colleagues/work friends (I'm on annual leave at the moment). If I gave my notice in today (I'm receiving my contract today) I would never set foot back in work again.

OP posts:

BeaBeaBuzz · 05/08/2021 10:49

It can be one week, if they can get you a contract to sign by the 10th of august.

Ball is in their court

BeaBeaBuzz · 05/08/2021 10:51

Just read the end of your last post. Why can’t you hand in notice on Monday either via video call or in person then start a week later?

I wouldn’t piss off new employers for the sake of seeing people that it sounds like you haven’t known very long

LordOfTheOnionRings · 05/08/2021 10:54

Don't resign without a contract!

Original poster

newstarterrr · 05/08/2021 11:09

@BeaBeaBuzz

Just read the end of your last post. Why can’t you hand in notice on Monday either via video call or in person then start a week later?

I wouldn’t piss off new employers for the sake of seeing people that it sounds like you haven’t known very long

Should I send them another email saying on further consulting my contract my notice period is currently only a week as I am still in probation so I would be able to start sooner, on X date? Or just let it go and start at the start of September?

I would prefer to start at the start of September but, like you said, I don't want to give a bad first impression...

OP posts:

Original poster

newstarterrr · 05/08/2021 11:10

Also I'm on annual leave next week too as is my manager so I'm not able to speak to her.

OP posts:

iwannascream · 05/08/2021 11:23

How badly do you want this new job ? Is there a much bigger pay incentive to move ?
If I was in this situation, I would call and speak to my Manager to let her know that I will be formally handing in my resignation and working my weeks notice starting Monday 9th of August and finishing on Friday the 13th August.
I would then either take a week to myself for a break before starting the new job on the 23rd of August or if I didn't need the break I would start the new job on the 16th August.

Original poster

newstarterrr · 05/08/2021 11:24

Also if I hand in my notice on Monday I will have to work on Monday on a night shift 6pm to 6am. I don't know what to do.

OP posts:

iwannascream · 05/08/2021 12:25

You can use your annual leave as your notice period, Just speak to your manager and let them know that you will be emailing your resignation letter over using your annual leave as your week's notice. I've done that before and its been fine.

Original poster

newstarterrr · 05/08/2021 12:40

@iwannascream My current role is not Monday to Friday, it's a shift pattern so if I gave my notice in on Monday I would be working nightshifts on Sat, Sun and Mon anyway.

I will hand my notice in on Monday and tell new job I can start working sooner than expected and tell them a new date.

Should I just tell new job I had misunderstood my notice period and it's actually only a week so I can start sooner? How do I phrase it in a way that doesn't make me look unprofessional?

OP posts:

iwannascream · 05/08/2021 12:47

Hmm well you would give your notice period starting on your 1st shift of your working week.

Once you have verbally spoken with your manager and she has agreed your resignation then I would again verbally speak to the new company and mention that you have been able to shorten your notice period and can start on what ever date is after your last shift at your existing job.

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