All of your searching for your next career opportunity has paid off, and you’re excited to begin your new role, but that also means you have to give your resignation at your current employer. With the holiday season upon us, this means many employees will be taking time off, there will be holiday gatherings that are office related, and the overall productivity of the business you work for may take on a “holiday pace.” However, this does not mean that you should walk into work tomorrow because the pace has slowed down, and announce your resignation without notice. Even though Minnesota is an “at will” employment state, meaning you or your employer can terminate your relationship with little to no notice, keep in mind that you will likely want a positive reference in the future from your current boss. Before tendering your resignation, if you have any sort of employment contract, consult that before crafting any sort of exit strategy. Your contract may spell out specific requirements for what sort of notice you are required to give, and other details like how or if you will be paid for any bonuses, unused vacation and personal time.
While giving two weeks’ notice is not required by Minnesota state law, giving at least two weeks will give your employer a chance to start the process of replacing you before you move on to your next position. If you’re planning a week of vacation for the entire last week of December, you’ll want to explain to your next employer the circumstances of your holiday plans, and plan your start date to be the third week in January. This will give your current employer an entire two weeks to adjust to your departure, and formulate a plan to keep things running smoothly after your exit.
When you give your notice, your resignation should come in the form of a written letter. For a professional example of a resignation letter, and suggestions on how to handle counter offers, visit our resources section. We wish you all the best this holiday season, and hope you love your new position!