Job Resignation

Resigning from a job is not always easy. This is true even if you dislike the job itself, your direct boss or the company you have worked for. It can be difficult to resign professionally after you have accepted a new job.


First of all, be sure that you really do want to leave that job. Then, handle your resignation as carefully as you would handle any other relationship in life. You just don’t know when you may need your past employers for a reference.

Deciding to resign

Before you finally decide to resign from you current job, be really certain that this is what is right for you. If you’re not sure about the position you are considering taking, ask if you can spend a day in the office “shadowing” the staff. It may reinforce your decision to take the position or help you decide you don’t want it.

Do you have another job offer? Then weigh the value of the new position versus your current position. Be sure you are happy with the work environment, flexibility, salary and benefits in addition to the job responsibilities. Will you have opportunities to grow within the new company? If the new job comes up ahead on all counts and you feel sure that this is the right change to make, don’t hesitate.

What if you don’t have a new job offer? Before you quit, consider the realities. It will likely take three to six months, sometimes longer, to find a new job.

Give Resignation Notice

If you have an employment contract that states how much notice you should give, abide by it. Otherwise, it’s appropriate to offer two weeks notice. If your employer asks you stay longer than two weeks (or the time period in your contract) you have no obligation to stay. Your new employer will be expecting you to start as scheduled, and in a timely manner. What you could do, is offer to help your previous employer, if necessary, after hours, via email or on the phone.

What to Say on Resigning

Don’t say much more than you are leaving. Emphasize the positive and talk about how the company has benefited you, but, mention that it’s time to move on. Offer to help during the transition and afterwards. Don’t be negative. There’s no point – you’re leaving and you want to leave on good terms.

Write a Resignation Letter

Even if you resign verbally, write a resignation letter. A resignation letter can help you maintain a positive relationship with your old employer, while paving the way for you to move on. You never know when you might need that old employer to give you a reference, so it makes sense to take the time to write a polished and professional resignation letter. Use our sample resignation letters for suggestions on what to write.

Ask for a Reference

Before you leave, ask for a letter of recommendation from your manager. As time passes and people move on, it’s easy to lose track of previous employers. With a letter in hand, you’ll have written documentation of your credentials to give to prospective employers.

Return Company Property

Return any company property you have – including keys, documents, computers, phones, and anything else that doesn’t belong to you. The company doesn’t want to chase you to get it back, and you don’t want to be held responsible if it’s not returned in a timely manner.