How to Resign From a Job

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Updated on April 24, 2024

Resigning from a job — Photo: katleho Seisa / Getty Images

What's the best way to resign when you're ready to quit your job? Leaving on a positive note will give you a better chance of getting a good employment reference if needed later. Being proactive about your departure can also help ensure you stay on top of the benefits you're entitled to when you leave.

Whether you’re moving on to a new position, leaving your job to return to school, or embarking on a whole new career, there are things you must do when you resign. Plan to write a polite resignation letter, give two weeks' notice, and be sure to thank your team for the opportunities they've given you.

Key Takeaways

Giving two weeks' notice is standard practice when resigning unless there are circumstances in which you must leave sooner.
Clean up your computer and other workplace devices before you give notice to ensure all your personal data is removed.
Write a formal resignation letter that states the last day you'll be working even if you resign via email or phone.

You want to quit. So, take a deep breath, and plan ahead. Here's what you should (and shouldn't) do when resigning from your job.

resignation do's and don'ts — Catherine Song / The Balance

What to Do Before You Resign

Clean up your computer. Even if you give notice, your employer may decide that you should be done right away, and you may be shown the door. Before you turn in your resignation, clean up your computer and other devices that belong to your employer.

Note

Delete personal files and email messages, but make sure you have the contact information for everyone you need to keep in touch with after you're gone.

Write a resignation letter. It's a good idea to write a formal resignation letter for your employment file even if you resign via email or phone. You don't need to say much more than you're leaving and when your last day of work will be.

Review resignation letter samples. If you're not sure what to say, review these resignation letter samples for just about every resignation scenario you can think of—from formal or heartfelt to relocation or returning to school; these examples cover a variety of resignation situations.

What Not to Do Before You Resign

Don't put anything negative in writing. Regardless of how much you hate your job, boss, or company, don't say it. Even if quitting is the best career move you've made up to this point, keep it to yourself.

Be careful what you say to your boss. It’s best to be careful with your words when you quit. Resist the urge to share your frustrations about your manager, team, or work environment. Your resignation letter will be placed in your employment file, and it can come back to haunt you—even years after you have resigned. It honestly isn't worth venting.

Note

If you've got issues at work, it's more appropriate to deal with them before you leave or let go of them as you're moving on.

What to Do When You Resign

Give notice when possible. Unless the situation is untenable, giving two weeks' notice is standard practice when resigning. There are some circumstances in which quitting without notice may be advisable, such as if you’ve been endangered or sexually harassed. If those reasons don’t fit your current situation and you want to leave sooner, it's appropriate to ask if you can leave immediately. However, sticking it out may help maintain a positive relationship with your employer.

Get the details. When you tell your manager or human resources department that you're leaving, be sure to get the details on the employee benefits and salary you’re entitled to when you leave. Inquire about continuing health insurance coverage through COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) or the government's Health Insurance Marketplace, collecting unused vacation and sick pay, and keeping, cashing in, or rolling over your 401(k) or another pension plan.

Offer to help. If it's feasible, offer to help during the transition and afterward. The offer may not be accepted, but it will be appreciated.

Ask for a reference. Ask your boss and colleagues if they would be willing to give you a reference. If they agree, ask them to write you a LinkedIn recommendation as well as be available via email or phone. You'll have the reference as part of your LinkedIn profile, which is great for your future job search endeavors.

What Not to Do When You Resign

Don't be negative. When talking about your resignation with co-workers, try to emphasize the positive and talk about how the company has benefited you even though it's time to move on. There's no point in being negative—you're leaving, and you want to leave on good terms.

Don't brag about your new job. Even if you just got the best job in the world, don't brag about it. Is there really any point in making your soon-to-be ex-colleagues feel bad you're leaving? They'll miss you, and you've got a great new job, so there's no need to boast about it.

Don't forget to say goodbye. Before you leave, take the time to send a farewell message to co-workers to let them know that you are moving on to a new position, starting a job search, retiring, or doing something else with your life. It's appropriate to send an email farewell message. Include your contact information so you can stay in touch.

Review a Sample Resignation Letter

Subject Line: Resignation - Omar Robinson

Dear Ms. Hayes,

I'm writing today to let you know that I am resigning from my position as marketing coordinator at ABC Company. My last day will be in two weeks, on Friday, September 15.

I'm grateful for all of your support and training during my three years at ABC Company, as well as your friendship. You've made each day brighter. I've learned so much thanks to you and everyone else on the marketing team.

Please let me know how I can help during this transitional period. At the end of the month, I'll be starting a new position as marketing manager at XYZ Company, but you can always get in touch if questions come up. My personal email is omar.robinson@email.com, and my phone number is (555) 555-5555.

Thank you again. It's truly been a pleasure working with you, and I wish you and everyone at ABC Company all the best.

Warmly,

Omar Robinson

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it acceptable to quit without notice?

Generally speaking, you should give at least two weeks' notice when quitting a job. However, in certain circumstances—a toxic or dangerous work environment, health issues, or family emergencies—you may choose to resign without notice.

Should I quit if I hate my job?

If you hate your job, the best option is usually to start looking for another one as soon as possible. It's always best to line up a new position before quitting your old one if you can. Before quitting, be sure that there aren’t other ways to resolve your problem—for example, you might ask to transfer to a new team or department or volunteer for projects that will help you develop new skills.

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