Giving notice at your current organization can be stressful; you are excited about your new role but also worried about maintaining a positive and professional relationship with your current employer.
Having spent more than a decade as an executive recruiter, I’ve helped many people discover their next step – and watched them navigate informing their current organization of that change. Here I share some tips to increase the likelihood of a smooth transition.
How much notice to provide…
- In the nonprofit world, a minimum of a month is standard. However, this increases if you are in a senior leadership position. In general, the more advance notice you can provide, the better – especially if it will allow you to help with the recruitment and/or onboarding of your replacement.
- When giving notice, aim to do it in person (or if fully remote, over Zoom) with your direct supervisor. Be positive about the time you have spent at the organization in the conversation. Make sure, too, to discuss with them how and when you should notify staff and key stakeholders (including Board members, committee members, volunteers, etc. as applicable).
- Prepare a written letter which you can send after the conversation for their official files.
