Resigning From a Job? Leave on the Right Note.
Accepting a new opportunity is exciting, but resigning from your current role can be one of the more uncomfortable parts of a career move. A clear plan can help you navigate your resignation, respond to a counteroffer, and leave professionally.
Prepare before you have the conversation.
Once you've decided to move on, a little preparation can make the resignation process much smoother and help you leave your current employer on professional terms.
Confirm Your Decision
Make sure you're comfortable with your next step before formally resigning from your current position.
Review Your Obligations
Check your employment documents and company policies for notice, confidentiality, benefits, or other transition requirements.
Plan the Conversation
Decide what you want to say ahead of time so you can be clear, appreciative, and confident when you speak with your manager.
Think About a Counteroffer
Consider how you would respond if your employer asks you to stay before you're in the middle of the conversation.
How to resign professionally.
Your resignation does not need to be complicated. Keep the conversation direct, respectful, and focused on making a smooth transition.
Tell your manager first
Whenever possible, speak with your direct manager before sharing the news more broadly with coworkers or your team.
Be clear and direct
Let them know you've decided to resign without turning the conversation into a long explanation or list of frustrations.
Show appreciation
Acknowledge the experience, opportunities, or relationships you valued during your time with the organization.
Discuss your notice period
Communicate your intended final day and work with your manager on reasonable transition priorities during your remaining time.
Stay engaged through your last day
Finish strong, document important work, and help create a clean handoff where possible.
Resignation letter example
Your resignation letter can be short. Its primary purpose is to formally communicate your decision and your intended final day.
You don't need to explain every reason you're leaving. Save the details for a conversation when appropriate and keep the written resignation clear and positive.
Hi [Manager's Name],
Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as [Position Title] at [Company Name]. My intended final day will be [Last Working Day].
I'm grateful for the opportunities and experience I've gained during my time here. I've appreciated the chance to work with the team and contribute to [optional project, team, or experience].
I'll do what I reasonably can during my remaining time to help support a smooth transition and handoff of my responsibilities.
Thank you again for the opportunity.
Best,
[Your Name]
What if your employer asks you to stay?
A counteroffer can make an already difficult decision more complicated. Before responding, revisit the reasons you started exploring new opportunities in the first place.
Consider the full picture rather than focusing only on a salary increase or new title. Think about what is actually changing and whether those changes address what matters most to you.
Why did I start looking for another opportunity?
What specifically would change if I decided to stay?
Does the counteroffer address the reasons I wanted to leave?
Am I evaluating more than compensation alone?
Which opportunity better supports the work and growth I want next?
Would I still want to stay if there were no counteroffer?
What to avoid when resigning.
Even when you're ready to move on, how you handle your departure can affect the professional relationships and reputation you take with you.
If you're working with a recruiter, keep them in the loop before you resign. They can help you prepare for the conversation, understand next steps, and think through how you want to handle a potential counteroffer.
Planning your next career move?
Explore open opportunities or find more resources to help you navigate your job search and career transition.