How to Resign Professionally

• Make sure you have your new offer in writing   before resigning.

• Make sure all tests are complete- drug,   background, and psychological tests are   becoming increasingly common.

• Keep your resignation letter short, simple and   positive.

• Present your boss with a written letter   confirming your notice of resignation (typically   two weeks) effective immediately and tell him/her   simply that:

"I have been made an exceptional offer by another firm, and I have accepted it as I feel it is my best long-term interests.

I appreciate all you and the firm has done for me here.

I want to thank you for the opportunity of working with you and I hope I can leave with   your good wishes."

• You have given your best to the job; you will be   missed, especially by those inconvenienced by   your leaving.

• Your boss will probably be caught off-guard by   your resignation.

• Let your boss know that you intend to assist   him/her in whatever way you can to make the   transition a smooth one.

• Keep your conversations simple and concise.

• The more you say, the more questions you may have to   answer.

• Avoid discussion about your new opportunity with your   old employer to avoid negative opinions.

• Do not justify your personal goals and decisions.

• Schedule any transition discussions for the following   morning when everyone can face your departure after   time to absorb and reflect on the news.

• Your boss may want to probe for factors that led to   your decision.

• Constructive criticism is no longer your responsibility,   and carries a high cost which could jeopardize your good   references.

• You want to be perceived as a positive, constructive   individual in the future.

• People will remember your last impression.

• Remember you will need references in the future.

• If you eventually leave the position you're taking now,   those references will probably come from your current   employer.

• Never burn a bridge, people remember!!!