Leaving new job after only few weeksAgainst my better instincts about the supervisor I'd be working for, I recently took a position with a company a few weeks ago. I was also in the middle of interviewing with a second company (where it would have been a better fit personally/professionally), but they were not as far along in their search and I had no idea if that would have turned into an offer. My first two weeks confirmed my suspicions about this new supervisor- difficult to deal with, unprofessional at times, etc. I am not a job-hopper, so I figured I'd do my best for the next year or two to tough it out until the timing was right for me to actively start searching gain without causing a prospective employer to wonder why I would "want out" after a short period of time. A few days ago, the second company called and the HR contact said their position was still open, and even though I had removed myself from consideration a month ago, he said I remained the company's top candidate and was calling to see if I was still interested. I explained I took this position reluctantly and it has not turned out the way I had expected; he said if I am still interested, they would like to make an offer for me to consider (salary-wise it would be equivalent if not better than this company and it would allow me to go into a situation that is more positive and professional). Once the details of the second offer get finalized and I can accept it, I truly dread going to my new supervisor and handing in my resignation. People skills are not this person's strong suit, so I expect this will be more unpleasant than usual. Does anyone have any suggestions about how I should handle this in terms of an explanation to the supervising manager and the Human Resources Dept? I would like to say as little as possible and get out of there as quickly as possible (I'm too new to even have any real projects and work responsibilities). Also, when an employee asks to leave after 2-3 weeks, do they usually allow that person to leave ASAP (my preference)? Any of your past experiences would be very appreciated. Thanks! Don't worry about any lengthy expanations and definately don't say anything until everything is finalized. When the time comes, state to the appropriate people that you do not feel as if you are a good fit for the company and, as it happens, you have been offered another position elsewhere and have opted to go for that. Tell them that you are more than happy to clear off what you have on your desk and will leave at the end of the week. Chances are you will be told that you can leave right away. As a matter of fact, given what you know about your supervisor's unprofessional demeanor, he may even create some colorful and less than profound phrases. "I' m so sorry but a position that I interviewed for before I accepted this job has just made me an offer that I have to take. Sorry for all the inconvenience but I just can' t pass it up. Here' s my written resignation and my last day of work will be (date 2 weeks from today)." End of story. HR here. This happens more than you think. I save the resumes for all finalists for a month, just in case the candidate's dream job makes an offer within that time frame and decides that we "aren't a fit". In that case, I can be on the phone to a runner up before the ink dries on your final check. Offer the traditional two weeks notice but understand that at the manager's discretion, I can have you deactivated by the end of the day and have your check mailed to you. Every company is different. All kidding aside, this isn't that uncommon in this job market but understand the flip side of the coin - your dream job? You might not have been their first choice either. Finally, don't make a move until you have a written job offer from your new company. I have seen candidates quit after a week or so only to find that their dream job withdrew a verbal offer. This happens more than you think too. Definitely get that written offer and a start date. Meet with your new employer, your new boss, and fill out the paperwork, so you KNOW you are IN. As for the current place---this is not 1850---you do not owe your soul to the company. While it is polite to give them two weeks notice and an explanation, companies in the 21st century have shown they have no respect for employees and will not shed a tear at your misfortune, I.E., they don' t care. You don' t need to tell them that the competition stole you away. You don' t need to explain that you aren' t fitting in. Just state "personal reasons" and let it go at that. If they press for details, tell them you are following a new opportunity elsewhere. They don' t need to know where, when, or how. All they need to know is when you are gone. I understand you don' t want to make enemies, still up ill will, create a bad vibe that may come back on you, etc.; but there' s no need to spill out your whole thinking process and job-hunting history to a company you don' t like and won' t be working at anyway. Keep it short, tell ' em only what they need to know. If they want you to fill out an exit survey, turn it in blank. Nothing good to say, say nothing. It' s pointless to start a dialogue with them when you are leaving. | |
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