Notice Periods – How Long?

You’ve navigated the interview process (whew) and accepted the offer. Now its notice time. How long should you make that notice period? NewCo wants you to start ASAP but you want to be professional and don’t want to leave your current teammates hanging.

Let’s dive into the topic of notice periods and see what’s minimum, what’s appropriate and what is overkill.

💼 According to a comprehensive analysis by Indeed, the standard notice period for most professionals remains consistent with our previous findings. A two-week notice is widely accepted across various industries and job levels. This timeframe strikes a balance between allowing employers to plan for your departure and enabling you to tie up loose ends.

💼 However, the research also highlights that 20% of employees offer more extended notice periods voluntarily. Going the extra mile can be seen as a commendable gesture, particularly when dealing with critical projects, filing deadlines or scarce skill sets.

💼 On the other hand, it is essential to avoid leaving too quickly. The same study shows that 39% of employers view a notice period of fewer than two weeks negatively. Shorter notices can lead to strained relationships, hinder a smooth handover and negatively affect future references.

💼 Career(dot)com suggests that for senior or executive positions, a more extended notice period of three to four weeks is commonly expected. At this level there may be specific guidelines or clauses in employment contracts mandating longer notice periods. Such roles involve complex responsibilities and may require additional time to ensure a seamless transition.

A two-week notice period generally stands as the industry norm for professionals, while executives may benefit from giving a longer heads-up. Remember, understanding your specific situation, company policy, and the nature of your role can guide you toward making a confident decision.

My 25+ year experience in assisting with resignations & notices has shown that absent special projects or circumstances, you will have the same amount of work on your desk at two weeks as you will four weeks. Your (soon to be) former employer will most likely look to get as much out of you as possible no matter the notice period.

Whatever your notice period may be, embracing the process with professionalism and consideration will undoubtedly leave a lasting, positive impact on your career journey. 🚀
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