How to Resign From Your Job

Logically speaking, resigning from a job is easy. The reality is far more emotional. Giving notice is a precise action that should not be mixed with any others. And though it’s easy to imagine quitting as deceitful and disloyal, it’s important to remember that at the end of the day, your career is of the utmost importance and therefore should be your top consideration. Millions of people before you have given notice and will continue to do so. The following is a list of steps you should follow when offering your resignation to make the process as smooth as possible.

Do it now!

This is the first mistake most candidates make, and it’s usually one of the biggest. Like many other unpleasant things, we like to put them off until the last possible moment. This is not one of those times. As soon as you accept your new offer, you should immediately put in notice. If your supervisor is not in the office, it is acceptable to make a call. Give your company as much time as possible to do what is necessary to find a replacement. Depending on your relationship with your supervisor or your company’s policies, you might consider having a resignation letter prepared in advance. There is a sample letter available below.

Tell your friends

Your colleagues are much more likely to be supportive of your decision to leave, and therefore can provide moral support and additional insights before you see your superior. Additionally, if your supervisor attempts to provide a counteroffer, it’s much more difficult when they know that other people in the office are aware of the course of events.

Keep it short

This is not an exit interview or a chance to rehash the past x years and months you’ve spent with your employer. This is an informational meeting only, and as such should be kept to no more than 10-15 minutes. If the meeting lasts longer than that, then you have reached emotional issues. Your statement should cover the following: you’re resigning effective immediately, you’re giving x weeks notice, and your decision has been carefully considered and is final. Remember that this is a business event and not a farewell!

Never reveal what you know

Feelings of guilt usually prompt candidates to answer their employers when asked where they’re going and how much they’re getting paid. Your new place of employment is your business and no one else’s. Do not provide your supervisor with any ammunition to use against you during the rest of your tenure at your company. This is especially true of compensation packages. While you are still with your current company, that information is not for public consumption. You can begin sharing more information on your last day or at your final company Happy Hour.

Be gracious

Finally, since there is no reason to burn bridges behind you as you move forward, make sure you are accessible and helpful in your remaining time. Offer to help ease the transition and be available as much as possible. In the present market, you never know if you’ll be in a situation where you end up working with your current employees once again.

John Doe
12345 Main Street
Springfield, CA 90000
555-555-5555

July 3, 2007

Manager’s Name
Company
Company Address
Business Phone Number

To NAME:

I recently accepted an offer from another company, so I am formally giving my resignation. My last day with COMPANY will be July 13th, 2007. Thank you so much for the opportunity to work at COMPANY. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experiences here. I would respectfully ask to not receive any counteroffers or objections as my decision is final.

Yours respectfully,

NAME