Time to Resign

July 17, 2025

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There are many ways to resign but honesty is not always the best policy, no matter how satisfying.


The way you leave you your current employer will reflect your professionalism as long as the company remains on your CV.


Resign with dignity and grace to ensure a smooth departure from your employer.


Here are 7 Steps to a successful exit:-


1. Committed to move - Always make sure you are 100% committed to move jobs, that all avenues with your current employer have been covered and discounted


2. Confirmation - Never resign from a position until you have an offer letter in writing defining pay, hours of work, benefits, start date and a signature.


3. Timing – Find the right time to resign. Often the end of day is a good time, keeping the discussion private also allowing your boss to consider your decision over night/weekend before dealing with the next action.


4. Location – This should be a confidential discussion therefore book a meeting room, or ask your employer if you can have a word in private. If you have a HR Department we would suggest that they are present.


5. Put your resignation in writing - Keep your letter short, demonstrating clarity and simplicity with the following information;


  • Person it is being addressed to.
  • The position you are resigning from.
  • Effective from date.
  • The notice you are giving.
  • Date of contract termination.
  • A positive statement thanking your employer for the opportunity.
  • Your Signature.


6. Other factors to consider



  • Give your employer enough time to find a replacement.
  • The best time to leave is at the end of a project, when the transition can be less pressurised on your boss.
  • Most candidates leave for reasons other than money. If you discuss your frustrations with your employer before handing in your notice, your resignation will not be a surprise or an alternative outcome could have been arranged.


7. Stand Firm


  • Your current employer might try and make you question your choice of future employer or make promises to influence your decision, stand firm these promises may not be exactly what they seem;
  • Your boss could raise doubts about your decision, questioning your future employer’s credibility, stability, reputation in the market, etc…
  • Offer you a meaningless job title
  • Offer you more money
  • Offer you the project you’ve always wanted. The reality of what this means:-
  • Your integrity in the organisation will be in question going forward.
  • Are they offering you this until they are able to find your replacement?
  • If the company hits a tough time who will be out the door first?
  • Have you just been given the pay rise you were due in April? When will the next one be?
  • Why did your employer not value you enough to give you the promotion prior to handing in your notice?


In our experience candidates who are counter offered and remain, move to a new job within the year.

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