Moving jobs: a guide to breaking the news

Moving jobs a guide to breaking the news

It’s never easy telling your colleagues that you’re moving jobs. Here’s a guide to help smooth the transition

By Ernest Richardson

The days of the job for life are well and truly behind us. The average UK worker will move jobs every five years, and some top executives only last three years before finding new employment.

The average UK worker will move jobs every five years,...  

As a result, most of us need to have tricky conversations about moving jobs with our colleagues on a fairly regular basis. And even though such conversations should get easier the more you practise, there’s never a straightforward way to tell the people around you that you’re jumping ship.

To help make things as painless as possible, we asked our highly experienced staff at Just Recruitment Witham office for their top tips. Here’s what they had to say.

Jody Collings, Business Manager: “My advice is to be completely honest with your colleagues. Tell them why you’ve decided to leave. If you hate your current job, they’ve probably noticed a lack of motivation. They may even be glad to see the back of you!

Moving jobs: a guide to breaking the newsIt’s different if you love your current role and feel like you’re working among friends. You may feel a bit gutted to be moving jobs if that’s the case. But there must be a reason for your decision. Is it because the money’s better, or you’re relocating? Or do you feel like there’s more chance of promotion in the new place? Whatever your reason, tell people. They’ll respect your decision, and most probably wish you all the best for the next chapter in your working life.”

Bridie James, Business Manager: “If there’s one thing I don’t think you should ever let on about a career move, it’s your new salary. Most people change jobs to earn more money, and your (soon-to-be former) colleagues may feel a bit envious of your newfound wealth. My advice is to keep details about your earnings under wraps. Tell them you’re moving jobs for better prospects, or because the working conditions are better. If you lord your pay rise over them, it may make them feel less motivated in their roles. Your current boss won’t thank you for that.”

Jody Collings, Business Manager: “Always leave the door open for a return to your existing employer. That’s the best advice I’ve ever received about moving jobs. Unless you’re leaving under a cloud, you should work hard to retain relationships in your current workplace. Tell your boss and colleagues how much you’ve appreciated working with them. Provide helpful feedback on your experience in the job. Ask if it’s okay to keep in touch. That way, if you get three weeks into your new position and can’t stand it, you know you have somewhere to go back to. And even if you don’t return, it’s always good to leave on a positive note.”

Remember, the people you’re leaving behind are the ones who have got you to the point of making your next step.  

Bridie James, Business Manager: “You’ll undoubtedly feel pretty chipper about your new opportunity, but my advice would be to temper your enthusiasm in your current workplace. If you seem too self-congratulatory, it could backfire. People may resent your success, or feel as if you’ve got too big for your boots. If you’ve enjoyed a good reputation with your existing employer, it’s a shame for that to be undone by other people’s envy of your success. Human beings are funny things: we can’t help but feel irritated when people around us do well at something. It’s your job to mitigate that, for the sake of leaving on a high.”

Emma Kershaw, Director, Just Recruitment Group Ltd: “We deal with people who are changing jobs every day. It’s what we do. So we know all about the emotions that get stirred up when people make the move, both for them and their colleagues.

Our advice is always to handle a job change sensitively, even if it’s within your current company. Now is not the time to tell Betty from accounts that you’ve always hated the way she makes a cup of tea, or to reveal your boss’s shortcomings in the exit interview. Nor is it the time to boast about your stellar career. Sure, you feel excited. Yes, you’re going places. But your workmates will grasp that for themselves. You don’t need to spell it out.

I’d always recommend telling your line manager before you tell anyone else. It’s a simple matter of professional etiquette. Then you can tell your colleagues, if your boss gives you the okay. Word will soon spread, and people will start to congratulate you, even if you haven’t told them directly. When they do, look grateful, humble and sorry to be leaving.

Remember, the people you’re leaving behind are the ones who have got you to the point of making your next step. Be sure to show them your appreciation. Even if it’s not sincere, it will ensure you leave strong relationships behind. You never know when you’ll need to call on those people again.”

 

If you enjoyed this article, you may also like:
Five goals to achieve within your first year at a new job
Five ways to secure promotion

 

Published: 17 March 2025
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2025

Jobs currently available

New job
Field Service Technician – Twickenham / Kingston Upon Thames
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Twickenham, Kingston Upon Thames
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913709
About the role

Due to continued growth, a world-leading provider of vehicle washing technology is recruiting a Field Service Technician to service a customer base in the Twickenham / Kingston Upon Thames area.

The role involves servicing and installing car and commercial valet equipment. You will be involved in all aspects of planned maintenance, breakdown repairs, equipment servicing, and general repairs. Responsibilities also include maintaining van stock levels and completing job sheets.

Role requirements include:

  • Having an Electrical or Mechanical engineering qualification
  • Be willing to travel and stay out overnight as and when required
  • Be willing to take on additional training and relevant courses, including evening courses that the company may pay for
  • Working on your own initiative or part of a team, and have problem-solving skills
  • Have a valid, clean UK driving licence
  • Good people skills, presentable and able to liaise directly with customers
  • Being punctual and able to keep accurate and timely documentation
  • IT literate with Microsoft Office and Outlook experience
  • You will be required to work within Health & Safety guidelines as set by the company

Benefits on offer include:

  • Company vehicle
  • Mobile phone
  • Pension scheme
  • Death in service benefit
  • Uniform and tools provided#

Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week plus 1 in 3 weekend cover.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Field Service Technician – Chelmsford / Ilford
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Chelmsford, Ilford
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913708
About the role

Due to continued growth, a world-leading provider of vehicle washing technology is recruiting a Field Service Technician to service a customer base in the Chelmsford / Ilford area.

The role involves servicing and installing car and commercial valet equipment. You will be involved in all aspects of planned maintenance, breakdown repairs, equipment servicing, and general repairs. Responsibilities also include maintaining van stock levels and completing job sheets.

Role requirements include:

  • Having an Electrical or Mechanical engineering qualification
  • Be willing to travel and stay out overnight as and when required
  • Be willing to take on additional training and relevant courses, including evening courses that the company may pay for
  • Working on your own initiative or part of a team, and have problem-solving skills
  • Have a valid, clean UK driving licence
  • Good people skills, presentable and able to liaise directly with customers
  • Being punctual and able to keep accurate and timely documentation
  • IT literate with Microsoft Office and Outlook experience
  • You will be required to work within Health & Safety guidelines as set by the company

Benefits on offer include:

  • Company vehicle
  • Mobile phone
  • Pension scheme
  • Death in service benefit
  • Uniform and tools provided#

Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week plus 1 in 3 weekend cover.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Field Service Technician – Bromley / Redhill
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Bromley, Redhill
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913710
About the role

Due to continued growth, a world-leading provider of vehicle washing technology is recruiting a Field Service Technician to service a customer base in the Bromley/Redhill area.

The role involves servicing and installing car and commercial valet equipment. You will be involved in all aspects of planned maintenance, breakdown repairs, equipment servicing, and general repairs. Responsibilities also include maintaining van stock levels and completing job sheets.

Role requirements include:

  • Having an Electrical or Mechanical engineering qualification
  • Be willing to travel and stay out overnight as and when required
  • Be willing to take on additional training and relevant courses, including evening courses that the company may pay for
  • Working on your own initiative or part of a team, and have problem-solving skills
  • Have a valid, clean UK driving licence
  • Good people skills, presentable and able to liaise directly with customers
  • Being punctual and able to keep accurate and timely documentation
  • IT literate with Microsoft Office and Outlook experience
  • You will be required to work within Health & Safety guidelines as set by the company

Benefits on offer include:

  • Company vehicle
  • Mobile phone
  • Pension scheme
  • Death in service benefit
  • Uniform and tools provided#

Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week plus 1 in 3 weekend cover.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Flexi/Bendi Driver
Sector: Transport, Logistics and Shipping
Salary: £12.75 per hour
Location: Witham
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary
Job ref: 16797466
About the role

Just Temps is seeking Flexi/Bendi Drivers for a company based in Witham.

This is an immediate start, temp-to-perm opportunity role!

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

About the role:

This is a varied role where you will support the Team, Coordinators, and Warehouse Manager in the daily operations of the warehouse, helping to ensure compliance with Health & Safety regulations while maintaining the highest standards of customer service and operational efficiency.

Duties will include:

  • Loading and unloading goods from deliveries
  • Checking for damaged or missing items
  • Accepting incoming goods and comparing them with the shipping document (material number, description, quantity)
  • Storing goods in warehouses using manual processes or MHE
  • Making sure any loads are safe and secure
  • Tidying and stacking empty pallets
  • Picking and packing orders for dispatch
  • Moving stock around either by hand, using lifting equipment or a forklift truck
  • Loading goods for dispatch
  • Inputting data regarding stock and inventory into a computerised system
  • Carrying out stock counts as and when required
  • Managing, completing, and keeping paperwork to the required standards
  • Operating safely and in full compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations to ensure your own safety and the safety of others
  • Keeping areas of work clean and tidy to ensure safety and operational efficiency
  • Making recommendations to aid efficiency and add value
  • Other general warehouse duties as required

Role requirements:

  • Ideally, you will have an accredited licence, although the company will consider in-house certificates
  • Demonstrates a hands-on commitment to getting the job done whilst adhering to deadlines

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Warehouse Supervisor
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: Competitive
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913695
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for a growing organisation, based on the outskirts of Colchester, looking to add another Warehouse Supervisor to their team.

The key purpose of the role is to work closely with the senior management team, supervising the warehouse and completing all associated tasks as expected.

Duties include:

  • Manage employees’ day-to-day activities to ensure they are meeting their goals and deadlines
  • Supervise employees and direct work as they undertake activities related to returns, re-works, order fulfilment and order management
  • Monitor employee performance to ensure they are meeting company standards
  • Work closely with the General Manager to monitor staff levels and adjust accordingly
  • Perform regular Quality Audits, documenting the results
  • Work closely with the Customer Account Manager to ensure any issues are resolved quickly and effectively with minimal disruption to both the customer and the company
  • Ensure all Health & Safety regulations and relevant laws are adhered to
  • Monitor depot housekeeping, ensuring a clean and safe work area is maintained
  • Work closely with the Senior Management Team to ensure that work tasks are completed on time and within budget
  • Supervise the training of new employees
  • Coordinate with colleagues on the retrieval of stock replenishment and outsourced stock

Key requirements for this role:

  • Have previous warehouse experience or proven experience with a leadership position in a similar role
  • Have excellent communication and problem-solving skills
  • Have proven leadership and employee management skills
  • Have knowledge of warehouse management systems (WMS)
  • Hold a valid Forklift Licence

This role is located in a great working environment with free parking available on-site.

Please note that due to the company’s location, you will need to have access to your own transport.

Working hours:

8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
You are required to work 2 x Saturdays out of 4 (with a day off in lieu that week).

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more