4 of 10

Write now Article Tools

Now I am updating this review today as, having been temping for about five months, I have just been offered a permanent position elsewhere but, as part of the same company. So this subject is current to me and I thought I better check out it's content and maybe add some other points.

It's always worth making sure that your prospective employer really has offered you a definite position in the company before you jump ship. After an interview some firms verbally inform you that you will be offered the job. This happened to me today but although this is great never hand your notice in at this stage of the game. Always wait until you have something in writing and your references and or health checks have been cleared.

Where I work at this time, after they have given you this phone call they then confirm in writing. Even at this stage you are actually advised by them not to hand in your notice. All the letter says is that they are 'Actively pursuing your application' This means that they will be contacting your referees, checking your health status and obtaining a police check. All this can take a couple of months. It can be a pain waiting but, in a case like this, wait you must.

If you don't, even if everything checks out, you may have a gap between leaving one job and starting another. This can be scary and expensive when you have no income. There is always the possibility that may you fail part of their checks and the job offer may be rescinded. It is much better to wait. In my employer's case when everything is clear you are told to contact the human resources team to arrange a start date and then give notice at your old job.

Even without the complications of my employer you are always better to wait. Hand your notice in too soon at your peril. Make sure that the people you have put down to give you references are happy to do so and that you will not get a bad reference from them. Remember there is no obligation to give a reference and they may not want to. Think through very carefully your decision to leave as, once you have put your notice in, you may not be able to withdraw it if you change your mind. Leave your old job in good order and help yourself get a good reference.

Learn more about this author, Ethel Smith.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about How to tie up loose ends before you resign?
We want to hear your view. Write now!