Leaving on good terms protects your reputation and references. Here’s how to quit a job the professional way.
1. Secure your next step
Accept your new offer in writing first and confirm your start date, background check and any contingencies. Knowing how to quit a job gracefully protects your reputation.
2. Review your employment agreement
Check notice requirements, non-compete or non-solicitation clauses, and what happens to bonuses, PTO and equity. Every situation is different, but the principles of how to quit a job professionally stay the same.
3. Prepare your finances and files
Save personal files (not company data!), contacts and copies of your performance reviews.
4. Tell your manager first — in person or on video
Your manager should hear it from you before coworkers.
5. Use a simple script
Thank you for making time. I wanted to let you know I’ve accepted a position with another company, and my last day will be [date]. I’ve really appreciated working with you and learning so much here. I want to make the transition as smooth as possible.
6. Give appropriate notice
Two weeks is standard in the U.S.; senior roles may give more. Follow with a written two weeks notice letter.
7. Be ready for a counteroffer
Decide in advance. Read should you accept a counteroffer?
8. Create a transition plan
Document your work, hand off projects and train your replacement.
9. Stay professional until the last day
Keep performing, avoid negativity and don’t badmouth the company.
10. Say goodbye and stay connected
Thank colleagues, share your personal contact information and connect on LinkedIn.
What not to do
- Quit by text or email only
- Announce on social media before telling your manager
- Burn bridges in an exit interview
- Take confidential company data
Exit interview tips
Be constructive and professional. Share balanced, specific feedback that could help the company improve, but avoid personal attacks. Remember that your comments may be shared with leadership, and you may want to return or need a reference someday.
What to do with benefits and accounts
Ask HR about your final paycheck, unused PTO payout, health insurance continuation options, and retirement accounts. Return company equipment promptly and remove personal accounts from company devices.
How to quit a job you just started
Sometimes a new job isn’t what you expected. If you need to leave within weeks or months:
- Be honest and brief with your manager: the role isn’t the right fit.
- Give notice if possible — two weeks is still the professional standard.
- Avoid blaming anyone. Focus on fit, not fault.
- Decide whether to list it on your resume. Very short stints can sometimes be omitted, but be truthful if asked directly in an application or interview.
Script:
I appreciate the opportunity, but after these first few weeks I’ve realized this role isn’t the right long-term fit for me. I want to be upfront about that rather than wait. My last day will be [date], and I’ll do everything I can to make the handoff easy.
How to quit a job with a bad boss or toxic workplace
You don’t need to share every frustration. A calm, short resignation protects your reputation:
- Keep the meeting brief and factual.
- If you feel unsafe, involve HR or resign in writing.
- Save the detailed feedback for an exit interview — and only if you believe it will be handled constructively.
- If there are legal concerns such as harassment or discrimination, consider consulting an employment attorney before you leave.
How to quit a job you love
Leaving a team you like can feel harder than leaving a bad job. Express genuine gratitude, offer generous transition support and keep the relationship strong. Former managers and colleagues often become your best future references, referral sources or even rehiring managers.
This was a really hard decision because I’ve loved working with you and the team. I’ve accepted an opportunity that’s a big step forward in my career, but I’ll always be grateful for what I learned here.
Quitting without another job lined up
It’s sometimes the right choice — for health, burnout, family or a planned career change. Before you do:
- Save three to six months of expenses if possible.
- Understand health insurance options after you leave.
- Update your resume and LinkedIn before you resign.
- Have a plan for the gap — courses, certifications, freelance work or a focused job search.
- Prepare your interview explanation (how to explain an employment gap).
Resignation timeline checklist
| When | Action |
|---|---|
| Before resigning | Get new offer in writing; review contract; save personal files |
| Day 1 | Tell your manager; send written notice |
| Days 2–3 | Agree on transition plan and announcement |
| Week 1 | Document responsibilities; start handoffs |
| Week 2 | Finish handoffs; exit interview; return equipment |
| Last day | Say goodbyes; share personal contact info |
| After | Connect on LinkedIn; thank references |
Will quitting hurt my career?
Changing jobs is a normal part of career growth. What matters is how you leave. Professional exits — good notice, strong handoff, positive tone — protect your references and reputation. Patterns of very short stints can raise questions, so think carefully about fit before accepting your next role. Use our guide on how to evaluate a job offer to make your next move a lasting one.
What to say to coworkers
Once your manager knows, agree on how and when to tell the team. Keep it positive:
I wanted to let you know I’ve accepted a new role and my last day will be the 20th. I’ve really enjoyed working with all of you, and I’ll make sure everything is handed off cleanly. Let’s stay in touch!
Avoid sharing salary details or criticizing the company — even with close colleagues.
Preparing references before you go
Ask your manager or trusted colleagues whether they’d be willing to serve as references in the future, and connect with them on LinkedIn. A strong reference from a former manager is one of the most valuable things you can take with you.
Leaving gracefully: a short story
Two employees leave the same company in the same month. The first resigns by email on a Friday afternoon, leaves no handover notes and criticizes leadership in the exit interview. The second tells their manager in person, documents every project, trains a teammate, and thanks colleagues on their last day. A year later, the second employee’s former manager recommends them for a senior role at a partner company. Industries are smaller than they look — the way you leave often follows you.
Quitting FAQ
Can I take my work samples with me? Only items that are yours or publicly available. Never take confidential documents, customer data or proprietary code. Describe your work in your portfolio without revealing confidential details.
Should I tell my manager where I’m going? It’s optional. If it’s a competitor, you may want to share less and check any non-compete obligations first.
What if my employer asks me to leave immediately? It happens in some industries. Be prepared financially and confirm with HR whether you’ll be paid through the notice period.
Do I have to do an exit interview? Usually it’s optional, but it can be a chance to leave constructive feedback professionally.
A sample handover document outline
- Overview: your role, key stakeholders and regular meetings
- Active projects: status, next steps, deadlines and owners
- Recurring tasks: daily, weekly and monthly responsibilities with instructions
- Key contacts: internal teams, vendors and clients
- Systems and files: where documents live and how to request access through proper channels
- Open issues: risks or decisions pending
Sharing this before your last week shows professionalism and gives your team time to ask questions.
How to quit a job: key takeaways
Here is a quick recap of how to quit a job to save or share:
- Learn how to quit a job by securing your next step first.
- Tell your manager in person before anyone else.
- Give appropriate notice and a thorough handover.
- Stay professional through your last day.
For official labor-market data and more career research, see the U.S. Department of Labor and CareerOneStop career resources. Ready to put this into practice? Make sure your resume matches every job you apply for with the HiReXL ATS Resume Optimizer.
Frequently asked questions
How much notice should I give when quitting?
Two weeks is standard in the U.S. Senior roles or specific contracts may require more.
What should I say when I quit my job?
Thank your manager, state that you've accepted another position, give your last day, and offer to help with the transition.
Should I tell coworkers before my boss?
No. Your manager should hear it from you first.
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