Resigning can feel uncomfortable, even when you know the move is right. The aim is not to overexplain your decision or manage everyone’s reaction. The aim is to leave clearly, respectfully and with the right information in writing.

Use this guide once you have accepted a new role, agreed on your start date and are ready to hand in your notice.

1. Check your notice period before you resign

Before you speak to your manager, check your employment contract and confirm your notice period. You'll very likely need to work a notice period when you resign, and employees who have worked for an employer for one month or more must usually give at least one week’s notice, unless the contract says more. 

Do not agree on a start date with your new employer until you know what notice you are required to give. If you want to leave earlier than your contract allows, you will need your current employer to agree.

2. Speak to your manager first

Where possible, resign in a private conversation before sending your written notice.

Keep the conversation calm and direct. You do not need to give a long explanation or justify every part of your decision.

A simple structure is:

  • Thank them for the opportunity.
  • State that you have decided to resign.
  • Confirm that you will send a formal written notice.
  • Offer to support a smooth handover.

You could say:

“Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. I wanted to let you know that I’ve decided to resign from my role. This has not been an easy decision, but I feel it is the right next step for my career. I’ll send my formal notice today, and I’m committed to supporting a smooth handover during my notice period.”

3. Keep your resignation letter clear and brief

Your resignation letter is a formal record. It does not need to include detailed reasons for leaving.

Use this structure:

Today’s date
Manager’s name
Your job title
Statement of resignation
Notice period
Expected final working day
Short thank you
Offer to support the handover

Example:

“Dear [Manager’s Name],

Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name].

In line with my notice period of [X weeks/months], I believe my final working day will be [Date]. Please let me know if this is incorrect.

Thank you for the opportunities and support during my time at [Company Name]. I will do everything I can to support a clear handover during my notice period.

Kind regards,
[Your Name]”

4. Prepare for a counteroffer before the conversation

Some employers make a counteroffer when a valued employee resigns. This might include more money, a new title, different responsibilities or a promise of progression.

Before you resign, write down why you accepted the new role. Think beyond salary. Consider career growth, management style, flexibility, culture, technical challenge, learning opportunities and long-term fit.

You do not need to respond to a counteroffer immediately. A useful response is:

“Thank you, I appreciate you taking the time to discuss this with me. I’d like to take some time to think it through properly and come back to you.”

5. Agree on what happens during your notice period

Once your resignation has been accepted, agree on expectations for your notice period.

Clarify:

Your final working day
Whether any annual leave will be taken or paid
Which projects need handover notes
Who needs access to key documents or systems
Which meetings you should continue attending
Whether you need to help train or brief another team member

6. Build a simple handover plan

A good handover protects your reputation and helps the team continue without confusion.

Your handover does not need to be complicated. It should make your work easy for someone else to understand.

Include:

Current projects and status
Upcoming deadlines
Important contacts
Key documents and links
Risks or blockers
Regular reports or recurring tasks
Passwords or access notes, shared securely through the correct company process

A clear handover shows professionalism and reduces the chance of a difficult follow-up after you leave.

7. Leave relationships in good condition

The way you leave matters.

You may work with former colleagues again, report into them later in your career or meet them as clients, partners or hiring managers. Keep communication respectful, even if the role has been difficult.

Avoid criticising colleagues, sharing sensitive information or becoming disengaged during your notice period. If you are invited to an exit interview, be honest but measured. Focus on useful feedback rather than frustration.

Final resignation checklist

Before resigning, make sure you have:

Accepted your new offer in writing
Checked your notice period
Agreed your likely start date
Prepared your resignation conversation
Written a clear resignation letter
Thought through how you would respond to a counteroffer
Prepared to support a professional handover

Get support before you resign

Resignation conversations can be sensitive, especially if you are expecting a counteroffer or working on business-critical projects.

Speak to your SODA consultant before handing in your notice so they can help you prepare your resignation conversation, review your notice period and plan your next steps clearly: 

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