The short version
- Have your new offer in writing, signed, before you resign.
- Check your notice period in your contract.
- Tell your manager first, in person or on a video call.
- Follow up with a short resignation letter or email the same day, stating your last working day.
- Work your notice well and hand over properly.
Before you resign
- Get the new offer confirmed in writing, including start date and any conditions such as references or background checks. Resigning on a verbal offer is risky.
- Read your contract for the notice period, unused holiday, bonuses, restrictive clauses (such as non-compete or non-solicitation) and any repayment of training costs.
- Check pay timing. Resigning shortly before a bonus or pay rise date can cost you money.
- Save your personal files and contacts from your work devices, but do not take company data. That can breach your contract and data-protection law.
How much notice to give
| Situation | Typical notice |
|---|---|
| US, most at-will jobs | Two weeks is customary |
| UK, Europe, many other countries | As stated in the contract, often one to three months |
| Senior or specialist roles | Often longer, as set by contract |
| Probation period | Usually shorter, check the contract |
Your contract, and the employment law where you work, take priority over custom. Your notice usually starts the day after you formally resign.
Telling your manager
Tell your manager before anyone else at work. Ask for a short private meeting and keep it simple:
"I wanted to let you know that I've accepted a new role, and I'm resigning. My last day will be 21 November, in line with my notice period. I've really valued working here and I want to make the handover as smooth as possible."
You do not need to explain in detail where you are going or why. Stay calm and professional, whatever their reaction.
What to put in a resignation letter
A resignation letter is a formal record, so keep it short and factual:
- A clear statement that you are resigning.
- Your job title.
- Your last working day.
- An optional brief thank-you.
- An offer to help with the handover.
Leave out complaints, criticisms and detailed reasons. Letters can stay on file for years.
Resignation letter template
Dear Ayesha,
Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my role as Marketing Coordinator. In line with my four-week notice period, my last working day will be Friday 21 November.
Thank you for the support and opportunities I have had during my time here. I have particularly valued working on the product launch campaigns.
I will do everything I can to ensure a smooth handover, including documenting my current projects and helping to train my replacement.
Kind regards, Ahmed Raza
Send it by email (and print it if your workplace prefers paper). Our guide to writing a professional email covers the subject line: "Resignation: Ahmed Raza" is clear.
Handling a counteroffer
Your employer may offer more money or a new title to keep you. Before you answer, ask yourself:
- Would it fix the reasons I wanted to leave, such as workload, culture, management or growth?
- Why did it take a resignation to get this offer?
- Have I committed to the new employer? Withdrawing after accepting can damage your reputation.
If pay was the real issue, it is usually better to raise it before job hunting. Our guide to asking for a raise explains how.
Working your notice
- Write a handover document: projects, status, contacts, passwords stored in the company's systems, deadlines.
- Finish or hand over work rather than letting it drift.
- Stay positive with colleagues. People remember how you leave.
- Ask about final pay, unused holiday, pension and benefits, and return company equipment.
- Say goodbye and connect with colleagues on LinkedIn if you would like to stay in touch.
The exit interview
Some employers offer one. You can share constructive, specific feedback, but stay professional. Focus on what could help the team, rather than airing every frustration.
Key takeaways
- Secure the new offer in writing and check your contract first.
- Tell your manager in person, then confirm with a short letter stating your last day.
- Keep the letter positive and brief, with no complaints.
- Work your notice well and leave a clear handover.
This article is general information. Employment rights vary by country and contract; check your contract or seek advice if you are unsure.