Death, taxes and changing jobs. Three of life’s certainties. But not all departures result from unhappiness. With so many opportunities ripe for picking these days, we might leave to pursue travel, relocate, switch careers, or because an offer elsewhere is too good to refuse.

Whatever your reason, here’s our guide to [resigning respectfully] [handing in your notice the right way].

In this guide:

• Telling your boss you’re leaving with grace
• Writing a respectful resignation letter
• Preparing for the awkward moment after you quit
  

Telling your boss you’re leaving with grace

The way you resign can affect your professional reputation now and, in the years to come. Whether it’s on good terms or not, a respectful resignation can put you in good favour for future opportunities, either in the same workplace you’re leaving (if you were to boomerang return), or wherever it may be that your path again crosses with your departing boss. 

So, steer clear of the emotions, and stick with the facts.

Here’s how to approach handing in your notice:

1. Offer a factual explanation for leaving

No need to beat around the bush or sugar coat things! Be direct about your intention to leave and outline the specific reasons driving departure. Some common reasons might be meeting career progression or compensation goals, a change of industry to align with your purpose or passion, or increased flexibility and work-life wellbeing.

2. Thank them for the opportunity and support

Express your gratitude and appreciation for their support. If you’re leaving on sour terms, spend a good moment before meeting your manager reflecting on your time in the role, and actively draw out the positives you can mention during your chat. Could be special projects or team wins, for example. If your manager invites your feedback, keep it constructive so you can keep your cool. You can request an exit interview with HR to provide more detail.

3. Advise the date you’re leaving

Most employment contracts require mandatory two weeks’ notice, but instead of being vague about it, provide an exact date so your boss has a timeline to work with. 

4. Offer to help with the transition and handover

Nothing says, “I’m leaving on good terms” like being cooperative with the handover. Reassure your boss and team that you don’t want to leave them hanging, by being as flexible as you can be with the handover process.

Writing a respectful resignation letter

Sending a resignation letter formalises your notice period and gets the background cogs turning (i.e. advertising your role and finalising payroll). It doesn’t need to be flowery or a twenty-page novella of your time in the company. Keep it concise and factual.

Key things to include:

• Address your boss.
• Thank them for their time in-person.
• Lead with your notice of resignation, listing your role and proposed final date of employment at [the company].
• Reiterate your appreciation for their support and personal growth during tenure.
• Confirm your commitment to aid the handover.
• Sign off with your full name, personal contact details, and date of resignation.

Preparing for that awkward moment after you quit

What happens next is unpredictable. Two possible scenarios you must prepare for:

1. Your boss becomes a stage 5 clinger who doesn’t want to let you go.
2. The room gets icy, and you’re escorted out immediately.

Don’t get caught off guard. Here’s how to prepare for both situations.

Scenario 1: Boss doesn’t want to let you go

We’re in a talent short market worldwide. If you possess critical or high demand skills, there’s a chance your manager might throw a counteroffer at you to convince you to stay. Be prepared for this scenario by getting really clear on your reasons for leaving, so you can accurately weigh up whether a higher salary or promotion is enough to override them (in which case, you probably should have led with that).

Also be prepared to negotiate a longer notice period if asked. This could present a favourable opportunity to request a letter of recommendation or an introduction to someone of value to your career progression in return.

Scenario 2: You’re asked to leave immediately.

While this isn’t exactly a warm touch, it’s not necessarily personal. If your role or employer works with confidential information, you may be walked out immediately for security reasons. You can prepare for this scenario by removing any personal files from your computer before you even think about telling your boss. 

Be mindful that you could also be asked to immediately return a company car, mobile or laptop – so make sure you’ve cleaned these up and have a back up plan in place!

Resigning respectfully is good for your career

There’s a good chance you’ll bump into your boss or team mates again throughout your career. Make sure their memory of you is favourable. Also take into account that recruiters and hiring managers will check references, so you really do want to keep things constructive and positive. Keep your language neutral and factual to remove any heat and resign respectfully.

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