welcomewiki has just posted in the Career forum of Wiki Newforum under the title of Personal Development.
This thread is located at http://www.wikinewforum.com/showthread.php?t=16476
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*Making the most of your notice period* You may be offered a shorter notice period in return for fewer benefits, or be offered a pay-off to leave quickly. Either could be worth consideration, depending on when your next employer needs you to start.
Alternatively, if you are moving to a direct competitor or you are a senior executive with access to strategic information you might be offered "gardening leave". This is definitely a boon as you work out your notice on holiday, at home or wherever you fancy other than work. The only restraint is that you are prevented from working for anyone else during that time.
It inevitably unsettles the team when anyone leaves so your employer may ask you to refrain from telling your colleagues, regular guests and suppliers for a while. What's crucial is that when you do tell them, you are positive about the company and clear about your reasons for leaving so there is no scope for gossip.
It's not rocket science - the contacts you make in any job will be useful throughout your career so you want colleagues, suppliers and even guests to remember you on a high note. Remember, you will almost certainly be bumping into them at industry events and they will be useful when you need advice, support, references and so on.
It's also important that you don't become sloppy and let your professionalism slip. It's more than likely that your colleagues have friends and family in senior positions at other hotels or restaurants so as bad news travels fast you could be putting you whole career in jeopardy.
If you are a chef, you could build on relationships with suppliers by telling them that you will contact them once you've settled in at your new workplace.
*Tying up loose ends*
You need to make sure you get any outstanding bonuses, commission, holiday pay, time off in lieu, or other benefits you're due. Liaise with your HR department and discuss any discrepancies as soon as they arise.
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It's worth noting that if you work your notice, you should get all that you are due, but if you break the terms of your notice period, you put everything at risk.
*Top tips:*
·Don't burn your bridges – you never know when you might need a good reference or a job with the company a few years down the line
·If you're leaving because you are being treated unfairly and are considering legal action, don't discuss it publicly - gather your evidence and look for a solicitor
·Ask a colleague in the company to act as a referee
·Keep in touch with your business contacts and mentors, not just your friends
·Respect any request to keep your resignation quiet to maintain morale
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