How to Properly Resign From a Position

There are endless reasons why people choose to quit their job, both positive and negative. Regardless of the underlying factors, it is important to submit your resignation in a professional manner.

Prior to submitting your resignation, be sure to have a written job offer from your new employer with a designated start date. Unless the circumstances are dire in your current job, secure another position before you resign. Despite the dynamic between you and your manager, you want to be as professional and direct as possible when submitting your resignation. Go to your manager first before sharing the news with your co-workers. 

Prepare a written letter of resignation to have with you when you speak with your manager. In the letter, state a particular date that you are resigning from your current position. A two-week notice is standard professional courtesy, but not legally required. Some people even give a 30-day notice if conducive to your schedule and accepted by the employer. Note, though not common, the employer may ask you to pack your desk immediately and leave the premises. In the United States, most people are employed ‘at will,’ meaning you can quit your job at any time for any reason. Under this law, employers are legally obligated to pay you only for days worked, no more, no less. They may allow you to work through your effective date, but they are not required to do so.

In your letter, it is fine (but not required) to share that you have accepted another opportunity, but it is not necessary to provide details about your new position or company. You want to thank the employer for the opportunities that you have had while working for them (include a few specific things that you appreciate, for example, spearheading a project, leadership opportunities or professional growth). Communicate that you will do whatever you can to make the transition as smooth as possible. The process of giving notice to your employer can be a scary and stressful time. Be sure to keep the dialogue clear, concise and positive. Don’t burn any bridges.

The Elements of a Resignation Letter

Congratulations! You have carried out a successful job search and have accepted a new offer.  Now comes the often-uncomfortable situation of informing your current employer.  Quickly schedule a face-to-face meeting with your supervisor, since ideally you will want them to hear the news from you and not through the office rumor mill.  No matter what the situation surrounding your departure, this meeting needs to set the wheels of motion in place for a positive, smooth transition. Prior to the meeting, prepare an official letter of resignation.

The first paragraph of the letter will state that you have accepted another position and list your last day of employment. It is not necessary to disclose your new employer.  A two-week resignation is still considered a minimum courtesy with some employers requesting up to a month.  Keep in mind that in some situations, employers will consider your resignation effective immediately and possibly may require a security escort to the door. Although it is hard not to take this type of treatment personally, it is often simply company or security protocol.

The second paragraph or body of the letter will thank your supervisor. In many situations, this will be easy. In other situations, you will have to stretch, but always find something(s) positive. Examples of things to thank your supervisor for could include: serving as a mentor, giving you leadership, training or skills development opportunities, recommending you for special committees or stretch assignments.  Lastly, reassure them that you will do everything possible to make this a smooth transition offering some specifics. Oftentimes, employers will ask you to train a temporary or replacement, leave explicit notes, or get projects in good standing.

Clients have shared that when they go into the meeting with a resignation in hand, it makes the meeting proceed in a more business-like manner and less emotionally driven. In some cases, the supervisor may beg you to stay, offering more money. Mentally, be prepared if this happens. Remember why you are really leaving. Money is seldom enough to truly rectify a poor fit or unchallenging role. Ideally, if you were unhappy, career management conversations would have already occurred that could have made the job continue to work for you and your career path. The enticement of more money seldom is a cure all.

Before approaching your supervisor with the announcement, here are some additional things to consider: make sure you have contact information of key people that you would like to remain in your network and remove any personal files or materials from your office. If you have your LinkedIn account tied to a work email, change this to a personal email. Work-related email accounts are often turned off at the time of a resignation.

By following these strategies, preparing for your next resignation will be a straightforward process.