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You've decided to leave your new job after a wet week. Whatever your reasons, try to do it properly so as not to scupper any future prospects

So you’ve decided to leave your new job after little more than a wet week. Whatever your reasons, try to do it properly so as not to scupper any future prospects.

When the bubble quickly bursts on that dream job, planning an exit strategy isn’t easy. Whether it’s company culture or a misunderstanding of what the role involved, people leave posts within the first few weeks for a range of reasons.

“In the current market, which is very candidate-short, people often leave because what they were sold didn’t live up to the promises,” says Peter Cosgrove, country manager, Hudson Ireland.

“The first thing you’ve got to be clear on when you’re looking to leave a job is what it is you are leaving and what you want,” he counsels. “Sometimes people can be blinded by big benefits packages or the company gym, forgetting they actually have to work there five days a week.

“Ask yourself if it’s a cultural thing, the location or career progression. Oftentimes that gets lost through the interview process and multiple job offers.”

Those in the enviable position of having several offers should do their homework by investigating issues such as retention rates and speaking to someone who recently joined the company, says Cosgrove.

In a case of being ‘sold’ the wrong job, Cosgrove recommends trying to address the problem before departing. “If the company promises didn’t come to fruition, give the organisation an opportunity to address and try to change that. Some people don’t like to rock the boat but a manager could be the problem. It is best to see why what you envisaged isn’t happening.”

If, however, you chose the wrong job for erroneous reasons, were swayed by overselling or simply didn’t think, there is little point in trying to sit it out for a year because you think it will look better on your curriculum vitae, says Cosgrove. Careful consideration of the next step is vital. “Anyone will forgive one mistake, but not two. You need to demonstrate that this time you’re not just taking the job because it’s there.

“A lot of people take the first job that comes up because it sounds fantastic, but they don’t look around. The next time you go into the job market, you shouldn’t take the first job you come across without thinking.”

Honesty is the best policy for future interviews, according to Cosgrove. He recommends admitting making a mistake but emphasising that you have learned from it and are ready to move on. Taking an upbeat approach rather than displaying negative body language and embarrassment is important.

“Employers prefer people to put their hands up and say they have learned from the experience. What they do want to know is that you have learned from it and that this is now the right road for you.”

Showing sympathy for the employer by remaining until any backlogs are tackled and agreeing a suitable exit time will demonstrate good faith, Cosgrove says. “Companies can be very disappointed when people leave quickly but staying on until a project is finished and someone else is hired can help ensure a favourable reference.”

The right way to go

Going to work on Friday and not turning up on Monday may be the way some disgruntled new employees have staged their exit, but it’s a path not recommended by John Buckley, executive coach with Momentum Business Coaching.

Those unhappy in a new post should examine the reason for their dissatisfaction, whether it’s environmental, political or knowledge and skills-related, Buckley advises.

He recommends trying to resolve the issue and giving the new role complete commitment for at least three months, setting goals to be accomplished.

“However, if you are definite that you want to leave within the first few weeks and were placed by a recruitment agency, you should go back to discuss what may have been a mismatch.

“Otherwise, speak to someone you trust. Ensure you have a safety net. There may have been other employers you spoke to who would still be interested.”

While organisations are wary of candidates who spent very short times in previous jobs, Buckley says preparation can help overcome this obstacle. “Turn it into a positive and explain that your previous job wasn’t what you expected or wasn’t challenging enough.

www.momentumcoach.ie