How to quit a job professionally
To leave a job for a better one on good terms, get the new offer in writing first, tell your manager in person before anyone else, and then send a brief letter confirming your notice, usually two weeks in the US. Offer to train your replacement, finish or hand over your work, stay positive in any exit interview, and check your final pay and benefits.
About 20 minutes to learnEveryday skill
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How to do it
- Have the new offer and start date confirmed in writing before you say anything.
- Check your contract or handbook for the notice period and any rules about leaving.
- Tell your manager first, in person or on a call, and keep it short and positive.
- Send a brief resignation letter with your last day and a thank-you.
- Offer a handover: notes on your tasks, open jobs and passwords to shared systems, and time to train someone.
- Keep working fully until your last day, and return keys, uniforms and equipment.
- Keep any exit interview constructive and brief.
- Check your final paycheck, unused vacation payout, retirement account and health coverage end date.
Common mistakes
- Telling coworkers before your manager.
- Quitting by text or on the spot.
- Using the exit interview to air every grievance.
- Slacking off in your last two weeks, which is what people remember.
Quick self-check
Three questions. Your last score is kept in this browser.
Teach this to someone
A one-page sheet for showing a friend, a roommate or a kid: what to say, what to show, and one question to check it landed.
Teach: How to quit a job professionally
What to say
To leave a job for a better one on good terms, get the new offer in writing first, tell your manager in person before anyone else, and then send a brief letter confirming your notice, usually two weeks in the US. Offer to train your replacement, finish or hand over your work, stay positive in any exit interview, and check your final pay and benefits.
What to show, in order
- Have the new offer and start date confirmed in writing before you say anything.
- Check your contract or handbook for the notice period and any rules about leaving.
- Tell your manager first, in person or on a call, and keep it short and positive.
- Send a brief resignation letter with your last day and a thank-you.
- Offer a handover: notes on your tasks, open jobs and passwords to shared systems, and time to train someone.
- Keep working fully until your last day, and return keys, uniforms and equipment.
- Keep any exit interview constructive and brief.
- Check your final paycheck, unused vacation payout, retirement account and health coverage end date.
The check question
Ask: Who should hear you are leaving first?
Related skills
- How to negotiate salary
- How to write a professional email
- How to pick work benefits at open enrollment
- Every skill in Work and Career
Last reviewed . First published .