1. careers
2. job search

MOVING ON
This factsheet provides information on the right way to leave a job, what you need to do before
leaving, timeframes for notice and how to ask for a reference.
THE FACTS
CHECKLIST
Employers, particularly small business owners, are always impacted
when an employee leaves but there is a way to leave a job without
‘burning your bridges’.
No matter how negatively you feel about your job, it’s always
important to try and leave on good terms.
It’s particularly hard if you didn’t leave by choice - for example, if your
employer let you go or your contract ended. Remember to keep
in mind that any work experience helps to build your skills base
and will give you an edge for future job applications.
Regardless of why you left, remaining fully committed to your job
until after your very last shift will benefit you when a potential future
employer asks for a reference from a previous employer.
I have found a new job and have agreed my
start date with my new employer
I know the minimum notice I need to give my
current employer
I have provided my current employer with a
formal resignation letter
I have asked for a written reference and know
whether my employer is happy to act as a verbal
referee in the future
I know what paperwork I need to complete
before leaving and my employer knows where
to send my Pay-As-You-Go payment summary
(also called a ‘Group Certificate’) at the end of
the financial year
Prospective employers will discuss your reliability, attitude,
attendance and conduct with past or current employers.
I know how to keep track of my superannuation
when I change jobs
WHO CAN HELP?
IF YOU ARE A
IF YOU ARE A
STUDENT
REGISTERED
JOB SEEKER
you could talk to career
advisors, teachers or
other staff at your school,
university, TAFE or training
provider.
approach your employment
services provider.
THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS THE GENERATION SUCCESS INITIATIVE
ANYONE
who has had more than
one job can help you.
HELPFUL TIPS
1
2
3
Never quit in anger. You may wish to shout it from the rooftops (or on
Twitter!) and tell everyone what you really think of your employer and
co-workers. However leaving a job in a negative way or speaking negatively
about previous jobs (particularly on social media or during an interview) can
actually damage your chances of getting future jobs. Potential employers
will do their research and won’t want to hire someone who speaks
negatively about past employers.
Always tell your boss first. Don’t tell your co-workers you are leaving until
you have spoken face-to-face with your boss.
Give as much notice as you can. The minimum notice period you need
to give depends on what is specified in your employment agreement and
is often based on the length of time you have worked for your employer.
zz
4
5
Even if you don’t technically have to give any notice (e.g. if you are a
casual) do try to give at least a week’s notice so your boss has some time
to find a replacement.
Don’t slack off at work. Continue to act professionally and do your job
to the best of your ability during your notice period.
Ask for a reference. Remember to ask your employer or manager for
a written reference (if possible) and ask whether you could list them as
a verbal referee for future job applications. You may not think you will need
a reference but it is important to ask. If they say no, you might like to ask
a senior co-worker or another manager in the business to act as referees.
HAS YOUR
EMPLOYMENT
BEEN
TERMINATED?
If your employer has terminated your
employment, there are some rules
about this. If you were a permanent
(part-time or full-time) employee,
your employer must give you
notice, unless you are terminated
for serious misconduct. The notice
has to be in writing.
The Fair Work Ombudsman can
give you more information about
what happens if your employment is
terminated. Visit them at
www.fairwork.gov.au/endingemployment/notice-and-final-pay.
If you think you were unfairly
dismissed, you can find out more
information from the Fair Work
Commission at www.fairwork.gov.au/
ending-employment/unfair-dismissal.
Remember there is a time limit
of 21 days to apply for unfair
dismissal action with the Fair Work
Commission.
USEFUL LINKS
The Fair Work Ombudsman’s
Visit the Victorian Government website
GUIDE
FOR YOUNG
WORKERS
for general information on leaving a job,
including how to write a resignation letter.
provides information on your rights
and responsibilities as an employee.
YOUTH
CENTRAL
(www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au)
(www.fairwork.gov.au/find-help-for/
young-workers-and-students)
MoneySmart provides information on
budgeting, tax and super.
MONEYSMART
(www.moneysmart.gov.au)
Disclaimer: The content of this fact sheet is intended as general information only and does not replace professional advice. It is derived from a variety of sources and has been
prepared without taking into account your individual objectives, situation or needs. You should consider your personal circumstances, and if appropriate, seek independent legal,
financial or other professional advice before acting. The Department has endeavoured to ensure the currency and completeness of the information in this fact sheet at the time
of publication; however, this information may change over time. Provision of links to external websites are provided for convenience only and should not be construed as an
endorsement or approval of the third party service or website by the Department. The Department expressly disclaims any liability caused, whether directly or indirectly, to any
person in respect of any action taken on the basis of the content of this fact sheet.
Visit us at www.employment.gov.au/generationsuccess