The notice period is a sensitive and high-risk phase. Itβs often when candidates begin to second-guess their decision, miss colleagues, or get bored β making them vulnerable to counter offers or new interviews.
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Keep the Notice Period Short
β’ Encourage the candidate to negotiate their notice down. π£οΈπ
β’ Explore the option of the candidate working their gardening leave with their new employer (βdouble payβ) β run this past the client. π±π΅π
β’ Advise discretion β the candidate should not openly mention plans to work their notice elsewhere. π€β οΈ
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Daily Communication is Key
β’ Speak to your candidate every day. ππ
β’ Ask how theyβre feeling, reaffirm their reasons for leaving, and celebrate their move. πππ
β’ Schedule regular check-ins with the client and candidate too β the client needs to make them feel part of the new team before Day 1. ποΈπ₯πΌ
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Maintain Excitement and Engagement
β’ Get the client to include them in drinks, team calls, training prep, or small project work. π·πππ§©
β’ Give the candidate visibility of whatβs to come β start dates, onboarding plans, first week goals, etc. πππ
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Watch for Warning Signs
β’ If the candidate is going quiet or vague, jump on a call. ππ
β’ Revisit their push/pull factors. Remind them what theyβre leaving and what theyβre gaining. π§π¬π
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The Psychology of Delay
β’ The longer their old employer keeps them, the more likely a wobble will occur. ππ¬
β’ Encourage the candidate to push for clarity and firm timelines. β
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Avoid Counter Offer Traps
β’ Remind them of the real reason for their move. π―β¨
β’ Share stats: 80%+ of people who accept counter offers leave within 12 months. ππ«
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Post-Resignation Loyalty Guilt
β’ Reassure them: itβs normal to feel loyal. But loyalty doesnβt mean standing still. π§ββοΈπ
β’ They are making a professional decision, not a personal betrayal. πΌπ‘π€
Help them finish strong, but keep their eyes on the future. ππ―
The more involved and visible their new journey feels, the less chance theyβll look back. ππ€οΈπ£