How to conduct yourself during your notice period

By Swati SinhaPublished April 12, 20245 min read

Updated 20 October 2026.

Excited about your new job which you are going to start soon. You have put in the resignation letter and are waiting for your notice period to get over. While it's obvious that the transition period is not the best time to work at your current job, there are few unsaid rules which an employee should observe. Your notice period is not paid vacation time, or an excuse to not perform, as promoted in the meme culture. This period demands the same level of commitment and productivity, as you would have done before finding the new job.

Many of us turn to the best recruitment agency for our next job when the current one falls short of our expectations. Or you fall short of the employer’s expectations. Either way, it's important to leave on a professional note, following the process and ensuring you have not closed the doors so hard that you can’t open it, if ever needed in future. When we talk so much about networking as an important tool of professional growth, closing an important channel where you have worked and contributed for long does not serve any purpose.

But still, job seekers sometimes get swayed in their enthusiasm and feel employers have no control over them and they can behave in any way they like. A few of the common ground rules which have to be followed are

1. Behave professionally and complete your task on time

Your notice period is not an excuse to underperform, slack in your assigned task and not behave professionally. This transition period is an opportunity to finish off your professional commitment with the utmost sincerity and professionalism. A person is never remembered for their average performance.

2. Don't speak badly about your current employer in front of your existing team members

You may be changing jobs due to dissatisfaction in your current role, no growth, less salary hike or something exceptionally well in your next job but don’t talk ill about your current employer in front of your team members. You have worked here, that has paved way for your next job, don’t be an unthankful person as that will just show you in bad light. Also its never good to leave the current employer on bad terms. Neither its professional to lower the morale of people who will work here post you are gone. Unhealthy gossip is never good for anyone involved.

3. Do the proper training and knowledge transfer to the person filling your spot

Always take great care of giving the finishing touches before leaving your job. Your replacement should feel they are filling an important job and look upto you as a benchmark and strive to come up to your standards. If there was some secret sauce of your role, which helped you deliver well. Do let your counterpart know. It will also make your life easier, as people wont chase you in your new role with their queries.

4. Do your paper work well, don't leave gaps that you are devoid of your incentives or performance bonus

If you have earned any variable pay, bonus or incentives, ensure that you get that on time. If there is any paperwork to be done, complete it during notice period. It’s better to tie all the loose ends before you move ahead in your career

5. ⁠Express your gratitude, be thankful for all that you received in the current role

This may be the time to move in a new job, but being grateful for your past employer, wishing them well, thanking for all the good learning experiences and growth is always appreciated. We should never forget that in our careers we make network at each stage and we should always leave behind a trail to look back and connect whenever we need them in future.

This article has some important dos and donts to take care while serving notice period, but this is not an exhaustive list. We can always act as per the situation and ensure smooth transition to our new jobs. Professionalism, respect, and kindness goes a long way.

Frequently asked questions

How should I behave during my notice period?

Treat your notice period with the same commitment and productivity as before you found the new job. Complete tasks on time, avoid speaking badly about your employer, hand over knowledge to your replacement, finish your paperwork and thank your employer, so you leave on a professional note.

Is it okay to slow down at work during the notice period?

No. The notice period is not paid vacation or an excuse to underperform, whatever meme culture suggests. It is an opportunity to finish your professional commitments with sincerity, because a person is never remembered for average performance and your current employer remains part of your network.

What paperwork should I finish before leaving a job?

Complete any pending paperwork during the notice period so you do not miss out on earned variable pay, bonus or incentives. Make sure these are settled on time and tie up all loose ends before you move ahead in your career, rather than chasing them after you have left.

Notice period basics in India

Your notice period is set by your appointment letter or employment contract. In India it is usually 30, 60 or 90 days, and senior roles often carry 90 days. Read your contract carefully before you resign, because it decides how long you must serve and whether you can leave early.

Can you leave before your notice period ends?

Often, yes, by agreement with your employer. The common options are:

Early release: ask your manager and HR to relieve you earlier once handover is complete. Many employers agree if the transition is smooth.
Notice period buyout: you, or sometimes your new employer, pay the salary for the days you do not serve. Check whether your contract allows this and how it is calculated.
Adjusting earned leave: some employers let you set off pending leave against the notice period. Policies vary, so confirm in writing.

Leaving without agreement can delay your relieving letter, experience certificate and full and final settlement, and your new employer may ask for these documents. If you are unsure about your rights, check your contract and company policy, and speak to HR.

Your notice period checklist

Submit a polite resignation letter and confirm your last working day in writing.
Prepare a handover document listing your tasks, contacts, files and open issues.
Train your replacement or a teammate.
Return company assets such as your laptop, ID card and access cards.
Clear any pending reimbursements, advances or dues.
Collect your relieving letter, experience letter and full and final settlement details.
Thank your manager and team, and stay connected on LinkedIn.

Need help with the letters? See our resignation letter templates and relieving letter format.