Resigning tactfully from new job after less than a month and giving reason.

[ComtesseDeSpair]

I started a new job recently and was already considering resigning from very early on (having joined and seen things on the ground, I don’t think the culture or the role is quite right for me); but have recently received an offer and contract from another job I interviewed for when hunting.

I’m wavering between being honest and telling the current job I’m resigning for another offer; or making up an excuse about personal circumstances which mean I’m not going to be able to commit and think it’s best I resign.

Maybe it’s just my awkwardness fighting inside me, as resigning so early on is going to be terribly awkward however. Everybody is nice enough, and whilst I won’t be using this job as a reference, I also don’t want the bad feeling of them thinking I wasn’t even committed when I joined (I was, until I realised it’s not for me); and I don’t want to explain why I think it’s not for me and essentially criticise a workplace based on my subjectivity. And “personal circumstances” seems a bit more understandable, somehow. I’m relatively senior, and it’s financial services if that makes a difference.

Tell them you got an offer for a dream job. But then don't come back in 2 months asking for your old job. I've had 2 people do that recently and its very annoying.

I don't think you have anything to gain by fibbing. Personally I would probably say something along the lines of very grateful for the opportunity but once I joined I wasn't sure I was the right fit and tine in role has confirmed that - I've since had an offer for a more suitable role and think it's best for all of I take that up.

Honestly, it happens all the time!

I'd keep it brief and say your personal circumstances have changed and here is your notice. Thanks for opportunity, best wishes for the future etc.

Just resign and don’t give a reason?

Leave them off your CV going forward as you’ve only worked there a month.

What’s the notice period?

If its the same industry then I think it's best to tell the truth - unless the other job is better hours / significantly shorter commute

Otherwise, your reason won't stack up

It's always best to leave on good terms as you don't know when you will encounter people again so if you can't say it's better hours / commute then I would just apologise and say it was your dream job and you can't pass it up

Nobody cares about reasons for leaving. Just tell them you are and that your last date will be X.

Just tell the truth. You have realised that it isn't the right fit for you and have decided to take up another offer.

Why can’t you say exactly what you wrote? You were excited about the job but you have come to realization that it isn’t the best fit for you. In the meantime you have received another job offer, and so you wish to thank them for this opportunity, but you will not be continuing.

don’t fib, stay calm and be professional throughout.

I would tell you it’s not the right fit for you

Yes that’s good especially as new job will ask for a reference

"John, I'm afraid I'm going to have to hand my notice in, as my circumstances have changed all of a sudden. I'm very sorry about this. I'll be leaving in 4 weeks"

Aren't you still in the probation period? Just tell them it's not a good fit and leave. That's what that time is for. It goes both ways.

This is good.

As Duckie says, be professional & keep your integrity - you don't need to start spinning yarns about personal circumstances to employers.of one month.

Why lie? Having a better job offer is pretty much the most legitimate reason you could give surely?

Personal circumstances sounds unnecessarily wishy washy. And surely you want a reference.

Just say you appreciate the experience of your time there but this role you've been offered is the step up I've been waiting for for a long time. And then give notice.

Nobody can hold it against you in any way other than their own internal feelings about having to do recruitment again. Which isn't your problem.

I would take this approach but clarify that it is you that doesn't fit the role rather than it is the company culture or workplace that you don't like.

What @Topseyt123said, you don’t have to elaborate

Thanks all. Yes, I know deep down that being honest is the better option here, and that’s it’s just me feeling incredibly awkward about it and wanting to dispel that! I think I will be honest - which genuinely was that I was excited to join but it’s very different to my expectations and I’m not the right person for them.

I won’t be expecting a reference - I was with my company prior to this for several years, likewise the one before that, and will be giving those as references - but whilst it’s a large industry what I do is relatively niche and I suppose there is the potential for word to go around that I’m flighty and jumped ship for “a better offer” in terms of chasing more money - which the newly offered role isn’t, it’s just much more aligned to my professional history.

Just be polite and honest if they ask. You don’t need to give a reason in the letter as to why you are resigning . If they ask just say you don’t feel the role is a good fit for you and you are going to take another role. I would not say where. Don’t feel bad - they wouldn’t hesitate to ditch you if they wanted to!!

This. I have had new employees say that to me and I said well better to know now and thank you for being honest.

I think this. Fit goes both ways and it’s in everyone’s interest that someone both is able to do the job to the required standard but is also happy there and mutually feel the person/role/team/company is the right fit. It’s just a fact of life that you can’t always fully tell that until you start, but far better to realise that now and resign than spend time doing a role you know isn’t right for you.

If it’s a close knit industry I’d be more concerned that if I said it was for personal reasons and I couldn’t commit, then this message would reach my new employer. I think you just need to say you are leaving for a more suitable role (focus on what a perfect fit the new one is for you whilst not criticising the current one).

This!
what is to be gained by making up an excuse?

Exactly this

No need for excuses about "personal circumstances" or anything else - simply tell them that the culture isn't for you and you don't feel it's working out, so you're going

After all this is how they'd almost certainly phrase it if things were thhe other way round, and there's no reason whhy you shouln't do the same

100% this

Lol