Published: Friday 12 January 2018.
Last reviewed and archived: June 2020. This page is now archived and will no longer be updated.
For the latest advice and information about employment and finding the right job please visit the Citizens Advice website.
We're sharing tips with people who want to change jobs this year, from how to find a role that’s a good fit, to the best way to tell your boss you are moving on.
Past research has found 1 in 5 people consider changing jobs in January, making it the most popular time of year for job hunting.
National Citizens Advice helped with 2,300 problems around applying for jobs last year, with nearly half these issues (1,100) concerning references. Often people can either struggle to get hold of a reference that is suitable, or can’t get hold of one at all.
Other problems workers sought help from Wiltshire Citizens Advice on include when to disclose an illness to a potential employer, or how much notice they’re required to give their boss when nothing is specified in their contract.
In total, Wiltshire Citizens Advice helped 1,900 people with an employment problem last year (2016/17).
Top tips for finding the right role and handing in your notice
Do your homework
Do a bit digging on what the employer offers to see if matches your priorities. Most employers publish their staff benefits on their website, so you can see how much holiday and parental leave you can get, and how much they pay into your pension. If they don’t have a website, contact the person who’s posted the job ad directly.
Disclosing an illness or disability
You shouldn’t be asked about having an illness or disability during the application process, and you don’t need to disclose this unless you want to. However, if you need reasonable adjustments to be made at an interview let the employer know - the law says they have to be accomodating.
Make sure the job fits your circumstances All employers need to consider requests for flexible working, but they don’t have to accept it. It’s your call when to make a request about changes to working hours - you could bring it up at interview or when you’re offered the job.
Get your references lined upAn employer usually only gives a firm job offer once they’ve received one or more references.
It’s best to tell your employer you’ve been offered another job and ask them if they’d be happy to provide a reference. Keep the conversation or email professional and friendly so as to avoid any problems down the line if the job offer falls through.
If your current employer refuses, ask your new manager if they will accept a previous employer. Or you could try a school, college or university tutor if you’ve recently left education, or supervisor from any voluntary work you’ve done.
Handing in your resignationYou should only resign from your current job when you have a definite job offer, preferably in writing, rather than a conditional one. This is when you’ve passed any checks set by your new employer, and they’re happy with your references.
Check your notice period Normally you have to work the notice period that’s written in your contract. If you don’t have a contract or no notice period is specified, by law you only need to give one week’s notice. If your new employer wants you to start the job before your notice period ends, see if you can negotiate with your current boss. However, they have the final say.
Use up any holiday you’ve got left There are usually rules around your remaining leave. Check your contract - if it says you should take your leave during your notice period, you can either take the leave or see if your employer will consider paying you holiday pay instead. If it’s not specified, they may still ask you to take time off - but they need to give you notice to do so.
Getting a bad reaction from your employer Most employers will handle your resignation sensibly, but Citizens Advice has heard reports where rogue bosses sack someone soon after they resign. This is against the law and you may be able to take them to court for unfair dismissal. If this happens, contact your local Citizens Advice who can help you navigate this process.