Resigning

Resigning from a role can be a stressful experience, particularly if you are leaving friends and a brand that you have worked tirelessly for over the years. It is imperative that you leave an employer on good terms for future references – it’s just what professionals do. Remember, you never know what might happen in the future and it’s always good practise to depart on a positive.

If executed correctly and professionally and, perhaps after an initial shock and possible emotional outburst, most employers will accept and understand why you are looking to move on in your career.


1. Planning
  • Note all the features of the new position that will benefit your career / lifestyle
  • Write down the progression opportunities it offers that match your aspirations
  • Identify the reasons why you want to leave

2. Verbal Resignation
  • Plan your strategy and keep focused on the key objective
  • Give an honest appraisal and if appropriate provide both negatives and positives about why you feel you have to move
  • Do not be pulled into long drawn out appraisals of your role make it clear you have made up your mind and have committed to the new employee
  • If your employer becomes emotional, keep your composure – this is not a personal decision, it is a professional one based on the facts

3. Written Resignation
  • Keep it simple
  • Outline the facts and leave a positive impression
  • Depending on when your new employer wants you to start, you can either offer your contractual notice period or request a sooner leave date, see below

Click below to download example resignation letters: