Before you say anything
- Be confident in your decision and clear on your main reason for leaving.
- Decide on your intended last day so you can speak to it clearly.
- Plan to tell your manager first — before colleagues or clients hear it elsewhere.
- Choose how you'll tell them: ideally a short conversation first, with your letter to follow.
Prepare your message
- Draft a short, positive resignation message you're comfortable saying out loud.
- Keep your reason for leaving brief and professional — you don't need to over-explain.
- Decide on your tone: warm, neutral, or brief and to the point.
- Have your written resignation ready to send straight after the conversation.
Plan the conversation
- Ask your manager for a short, private chat rather than raising it in passing.
- Prepare a calm opening line so you don't have to find the words on the spot.
- Be ready for common questions about timing, handover and next steps.
- Plan to thank them genuinely, however the conversation goes.
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Sort out your handover
- List your current tasks and where each one is up to.
- Note key contacts and where important files or instructions live.
- Offer to document your work or help your replacement get up to speed.
- Think about what a clear handover email would need to cover.
After you resign
- Send your written resignation to confirm everything in writing.
- Confirm your last day and agree a simple handover plan.
- Stay professional and helpful right through to your final day.
- Plan farewell messages for your team, manager and any clients.
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