So you've decided to go. You have one more thing left to do; you have to tell your current employer you're leaving. Here's how.

• Type your resignation letter
• Tell your boss you're leaving
• Deliver your resignation letter
• Handle the questions

Type Your Resignation Letter

First things first. Type your resignation letter. It should read something like this:

Dear (Boss);

Please accept this letter as my official notice of resignation. I appreciate the work we have been able to accomplish together at (company name), but I have now made a commitment to another organization, and plan to begin with them on (date here).

Know that it is my intention to work diligently with you to wrap up as much as possible in the next two weeks to make my resignation as smooth as possible. If you have any suggestions on how we can best accomplish that goal, I hope you will share your thoughts with me, as I am eager to leave on the most positive note possible.

Sincerely,

Your Signature

Tell Your Boss You're Leaving

You'll have to do this face to face. Say something like this: 

"Boss, I have made a commitment to join another organization and will begin working with them in two weeks. Please accept this, my letter of resignation. I would ask that you take a minute to read my letter before we discuss together how we can make my transition as smooth as possible."

Deliver Your Resignation Letter

If you somehow neglected to do that in your meeting with your boss, do it now.

Handle the Question "Where are You Going"?

Everyone is curious, of course. However, it's probably better to discuss this after you actually leave your current employer. You can handle the questions like this: 

"I know you may be curious about that, but I don't feel it is appropriate to discuss where I am going or why at this time. My decision is confirmed, I have made a commitment to another organization, which I plan to keep. If it is really important for you to know where I am going and why, let's talk about it when it is not an emotional issue for us, say a month from now. Today, my goal remains to discuss how to make the transition as smooth as possible."

How to Handle Counter Offers

Attractive candidates often receive counter offers from their current employers.   For numerous reasons, we recommend you never accept a counter offer.  We will help you work through this difficult issue.