"How to Resign Professionally"

You’ve got a new job. Congratulations. Now you need to resign from your current one.

Do it wrong and you burn bridges. Do it right and you leave with your reputation intact.

Wait Until You Have a Written Offer

Don’t resign until you have:

• A written offer (email counts)
• All conditions met (reference checks, etc.)
• A start date confirmed

Verbal offers fall through. Don’t quit your job on a promise.

Tell Your Manager First

Your direct manager should hear it from you before anyone else. Not HR. Not your colleagues. Not via email.

Request a private meeting. In person is best. Video call if you’re remote.

What to Say

Keep it simple and professional:

“I’ve accepted a new opportunity and I’m resigning from my position. My last day will be [date]. Thank you for the opportunities here.”

You don’t need to:

• Explain where you’re going (you can if asked)
• Give detailed reasons for leaving
• Negotiate (unless you’re genuinely open to staying)
• Apologise

The Notice Period

Check your contract. Standard notice in Australia is 2-4 weeks.

Give at least the minimum notice. More is courteous if you can. Leaving tomorrow creates problems and resentment.

Put It in Writing

After the conversation, send a formal resignation email:

“Dear [Manager],

Following our conversation today, please accept this as formal notice of my resignation from my position as [title].

My last day will be [date], providing [X weeks] notice as per my contract.

Thank you for the opportunity to work here. I’m committed to making the transition as smooth as possible.

Best regards,
[Name]”

Handle the Counter-Offer

Your employer might try to keep you. Think carefully:

• Why didn’t they offer this before?
• Do the original reasons for leaving go away?
• How will the relationship be after this?

Most people who accept counter-offers leave within 12 months anyway.

The Exit Period

Your last weeks matter. Don’t:

• Check out mentally
• Bad-mouth the company
• Slack off
• Take anything that isn’t yours
• Delete files or sabotage projects

Do:

• Document your work
• Transition projects properly
• Be helpful and professional
• Say proper goodbyes

The Exit Interview

If HR requests an exit interview, be diplomatic. Burning bridges feels good for a moment but can hurt you later.

Keep feedback constructive and professional. The world is smaller than you think.