How do you quit your job in an orderly manner?
If you are going to quit your job, there are both formal requirements and practical considerations to take into account. With the right approach, you ensure an orderly conclusion to the employment relationship and avoid misunderstandings or conflicts in the process. We give you the answer to 7 important questions about quitting your job.
1) How do you write a proper resignation letter?
A dismissal must always be in writing. This ensures that there is no doubt or disagreement that you have actually resigned, or when the resignation took place.
A professional resignation letter should include the following elements:
- Your full name and contact information
- Employer's name and address
- Date of termination
- A clear statement that you are resigning from your position
- Your current job title
- When you plan to have your last day of work (based on the notice period)
- Any information about outstanding vacation or bonus
- A Short, Polite Ending
- Your signature
Avoid vague wording that can create misunderstandings about the fact that you are actually resigning, or about the end date.
Sample Resignation Letter:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Employer's Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Termination of position as [your job title]
I hereby resign from my position as [job title] at [company name]. My last day of work will be [date based on notice period].
I have [number] of days remaining holiday that I [want/do not want] to take during the notice period, by further agreement.
Thank you for your cooperation during the time I have been employed and the opportunities I have been given with you.
Sincerely
[Your signature]
[Your Name]
2) How do you ensure that the resignation has been received?
If you have the opportunity to deliver the resignation letter in person to your immediate manager, we recommend it. Then you have the opportunity to take some clarifying questions there and then.
Alternatively, you can send the resignation by e-mail, but then make sure to get a confirmation that the resignation has been received.
In today's digital world of work, electronic signatures and digital delivery of resignation are increasingly common. Check if your employer accepts this, and make sure to use secure electronic signature solutions if you choose this method.
It is also an option to send the resignation as a registered letter. This is a way to ensure documentation that the letter has been received, but was more common before.
3) When does the notice period start to run?
The notice period for engineers and technologists is usually three months. However, it can be both shorter and longer, depending on seniority and what is agreed in the employment contract.
During the probationary period, the notice period is normally 14 days from date to date, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Check your employment contract carefully to be sure what applies to you.
The main rule is that the notice period starts to run from the 1st of the month after the employer has received the notice. This means that the timing of when you submit your resignation can have a major impact:
- If you cancel on 30 April, the deadline runs from 1 May
- If you resign on 1 May, the deadline does not run until 1 June
During the notice period, you have the same rights and obligations as before. This includes:
- Full salary and other allowances
- Same tasks and responsibilities
- Right to take holiday (with certain limitations)
4) Can you take holiday during the notice period?
You have the right to take already stipulated holiday during the notice period. You can also claim up to three weeks' holiday during the notice period if you have a notice period during the main holiday period (1 June - 30 September). Please note that if you cancel after 15 August, you are not entitled to three weeks of holiday before 30 September unless it has already been agreed.
If you have a shorter notice period than three months, your employer cannot without your consent order you to take holiday during the notice period.
If you are not able to take holiday with your current employer, you have the right to have it taken with your new employer. Then you take holiday in a new job, with holiday pay from the old job. Accrued holiday pay must be paid in connection with the last salary before the employment relationship ends.
5) What happens if you are on sick leave during the notice period?
If you are on sick leave during the notice period, the same rules apply as elsewhere in the employment relationship. You are entitled to sickness benefit, and your employer has a duty to arrange the work if possible.
Sick leave during the notice period does not extend the notice period. This means that your end date will remain the same, even if you are on sick leave for part of the notice period.
If you are on sick leave during the notice period, you should inform your employer as soon as possible and follow normal routines for sick leave.
6) How do you transfer knowledge to colleagues?
The notice period can be challenging to navigate, not least for engineers and technologists who are often involved in complex projects. An important part of the notice period is to transfer both documented and undocumented knowledge to colleagues. It may be a good idea to talk to your employer about how you prioritize this.
Document ongoing projects with status, technical specifications and contact information for partners. For technical roles, it is particularly important to ensure that passwords, access and location of important files are handed over in a secure manner.
Feel free to schedule some dedicated sessions with the colleagues who will take over your tasks. Here you can review systems, processes and project documentation, as well as share experiences and introduce external contacts. Good documentation and knowledge transfer make the transition smoother for all parties.
7) How do you end the employment relationship in an orderly manner?
Even if you have resigned, it is important to continue to do a good job. Continue to meet on time, complete tasks on time and quality, and contribute constructively in meetings and discussions. Your efforts during the notice period can affect both references and future job opportunities.
How you terminate an employment relationship may have an impact on future references. Make sure to:
- Thanking colleagues for their cooperation
- Attend farewell lunches or other celebrations if arranged
- Avoid negative comments about the workplace or colleagues
- Update contact information for future contact
The academic communities are often small, and you will probably meet former colleagues in future contexts.
NITO's support when changing jobs
NITO-advokatenes avtalesjekk
Har du mottatt et jobbtilbud og skal se over arbeidsavtalen? Prøv avtalesjekken før du signerer.
Juridisk rådgivning
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Karriereveiledning og CV-hjelp
NITO tilbyr karriereveiledning som kan hjelpe deg med å planlegge neste steg. Dette inkluderer:
Disse tjenestene kan være spesielt nyttige hvis du sier opp uten å ha fått ny jobb først.
Nettverk og faglige muligheter
Gjennom NITOs fagnettverk og kurs kan du holde deg oppdatert på utviklingen i bransjen og utvide ditt profesjonelle nettverk – noe som kan være verdifullt når du søker nye muligheter.