There seems to be some momentum in my recent job search, so I could be changing employers in the near future. I don't have a lot of experience with this process and the financial industry has its own set of norms. If I were to leave, at what stage should I communicate my resignation? Immediately after signing the contract, or is it better to wait to make sure there are no hiccups with screening/references, etc? Is it necessary to identify one's new employer? I am not sure if I would be placed on garden leave, I suppose it would be necessary to identify the competing firm for this to happen? Does HR or the direct manager have more influence on the garden leave decision?
What is a reasonable amount of time to expect between receiving offer & response? Any other advice in terms of negotiating terms with new employer (especially this late in the year)? Roughly what would you consider a "good offer" in terms of pay comparison, bonus situation, etc?