Have you ever been in a situation whereby you just accepted a job offer, and after a short while, another company offers you a job you would rather take, and now you are left wondering how to quit a job you haven’t started or just started?
This mostly occurs when the period between the time you were hired for the job and the time you have to resume work is long.
Well, in this scenario, you can’t afford to lose a better offer, and at the same time, you don’t want to soil your reputation as you don’t know where and when you may need the help of your previous recruiter.
In this article, we will discuss extensively how to quit a job you haven’t started or just started in a timely and respectful manner.
Let’s get right into it.
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The Best Way To Quit A Job You Haven’t Started Or Just Started
It’s safe to say that I am about to tell you how to deliver seemingly “bad news” in a pleasant manner.
That’s by the way, in this section, we will be looking at how best to inform your employer of your decision to quit a job you haven’t started or just started.
1. Give Them Prior Information
The first point you must note is that it may not sound pleasing to them that you are quitting a job that was just given to you, however, it’s worst to keep quiet until after they have expended much time and efforts in preparing your paperwork, training you, setting up your desk or work area, and so on.
In order to save them the time, you must inform them as soon as you are clear and sure that you want to quit the job.
2. Be Sure Of Your Decision
You will agree with me that it will be a foolish thing to lose a job over a course that isn’t worth it.
This is why you must first of all, consider your decision critically, and also weigh your options without bias.
You can do this by carrying out your research to be sure your new job is a better option such as having a better offer, environment, responsibilities, boss, and so on when compared to the job you are about to quit.
Most importantly, ensure that you have a signed offer letter in hand before taking any action.
3. Be Clear, Direct, And Apologetic
Having established the fact that working for the new company is the right decision, you can now inform them in a clear, direct, and apologetic manner.
You can do this by either writing or calling the hiring manager at the original company, however, the ideal option would be to call them as emails can be misinterpreted.
The truth remains that phone calls demonstrate a certain professional maturity, and also gives you the opportunity to have firsthand information about the reaction of the person responding to you.
While at it, make sure that you keep your message clear, short, polite, and professional by simply explaining that you’ve been offered another opportunity.
Also, try as much as possible to add an apology for any inconvenience that your decision may cost the company.
Follow this with the fact that you want to provide as much advance notice as possible so that the company can resume its search in the employment market for alternative candidates.But you can make the situation a lot better by being clear, direct, and apologetic.
I advise that you get ready for whatever reaction you may get from the hiring manager, and you can also expect a renegotiation.
If you have no legal obligation to work for them, you may maintain your stand, especially if you are still not impressed with their negotiation terms.
Read Also: Why Do You Want To Leave Your Current Job?
Sample Letters On How To Quit A Job You Haven’t Started Or Just Started
Explained below are some of the samples of how a resignation letter for a job you haven’t started or have started should be written:
Sample 1 (For a job you haven’t started)
Dear (Name),
I won’t be able to accept the post of . I’m sorry, but I’ve made the decision to change the focus of my job search and accept a position that better fits my long-term professional objectives. I regret the change and any inconvenience it may have caused.
Best regards,
Your name
Sample 2 (For a job you have started)
I’m sorry, but I’ve been offered a job for a position that is more closely related to what I studied in college. I believe it’s the best step for my career, and if I didn’t take advantage of the opportunity, I would never be able to forgive myself. Today, I’d like to hand in my two-week notice. I’m sorry for the trouble, and I understand that this isn’t the best solution for you.
Sample 3 (For a job you have started)
Dear (Name),
I’ve been considering my career alternatives and have come to the conclusion that I need to change the focus of my job hunt and will not be able to begin in the job title> position as scheduled. I’m sorry for the inconvenience and change, but I have to do what I believe is best for my profession. And once more, I apologise for not realizing earlier. I hope you understand. I’m hoping you can find a fantastic candidate to fill the role.
Best regards,
Your name
Simple Mistakes To Avoid When Quitting A Job You Just Started
There are certain mistakes you must avoid when leaving a job you just started so as to ensure you resign on a clean slate.
1. Don’t Spill
Make sure you don’t go about telling your coworkers about your intention to resign before informing your direct manager.
It would be bad for your manager to hear that you are leaving the company from another source other than you as news travel fast, especially in a work settings.
2. Don’t Go Unprepared
Don’t attempt quitting without preparing what you tell your employer.
Having said that, you should have answers to the following questions before you approach your boss:
– Will you provide a two-week notice when you resign?
– How will you respond if your manager wants to make a counter-offer?
– How much information will you share about your new job, if any?
– What is the main reason for leaving that you’ll provide?
3. Not Being Sure Of Your Decision
Before you go ahead to leave your job, you should note that there is no going back in case you change your mind.
This is the major reason why you should be sure that the new opportunity meets your expectations.
How can you ensure this? By completely carrying out your research about the employment contract/job offer at your new company.
Always have ir in mind that once you tender your resignation letter, you can’t be accepted back.
Conclusion
A lot of people have issues on how to quit a job they haven’t or just started, and so that’s why we have taken out time to pinpoint everything you need to know ranging from the precautions to take to the mistakes to avoid as well as sample answers on how to pass the information to your original employer.
Having said that, do you have any questions? Feel free to ask in the comment section.