How to resign from your job

How can you resign from your job without burning bridges?

Tidy up your loose ends: Even before resigning, have a good idea of where all current projects stand – you may need to bring a co-worker or manager up to speed. Organize your files and separate out any personal items to take home. Make sure you have contact information for anyone in your employer’s organization that you expect to contact in your resignation process, as well as after you leave (this includes supervisors). Know what your expected settlement for outstanding vacation, sick days, etc. should be.

Give advance warning: Most employers have an expectation that you’ll let them know at least two weeks in advance before you plan to terminate your employment. Some may even expect more. If you have an employee handbook or contract, the exact time period should be listed there. Keep in mind that, when you give your two weeks’ notice, some companies will not ask you to complete those two weeks – they will end your employment immediately.

Write a resignation letter: Resignation letters are generally expected – they are often kept with your employee file after you leave. It should, at bare minimum, include the date your resignation is effective, your expected last day and the position you are resigning from. The tone should always be respectful, and it can be a good idea to thank your employers for any opportunities they afforded you. Your letter of resignation is not usually the best place to offer criticism, although you can include your reason for leaving if you’d like.

Your resignation letter can be as simple as

Dear (your manager’s name),

This letter is to inform you of my resignation from the position of (your job title) with (your company). As per the employee handbook, I will complete my final two days and expect my last day to be June 19th.

Thank you for the opportunities you have given me.

Sincerely,

(Your name)

Go out like a champ: When finishing up your last two weeks (or however long you stay with your company once resigning), keep going strong. These are the last days you have an opportunity to score a good reference with your supervisor, as well goodwill with clients and co-workers. It may be difficult – you could be sorting out paperwork with Human Resources, training a replacement or fending off counter-offers to stay – but you want to make sure that you don’t burn any bridges. Remember, you only have a few more days to get through. This holds true all the way through your exit interview, if your company offers one. While it is generally acceptable to offer a little constructive criticism, this is not the time to be petty.