Nervous about resigning? Here is how to approach handing in your resignation

Know your reason for resigning

Nobody’s situation is the same, and so everyone has a different reason for resigning. If you are unsure why you want to leave your job, look over this list of common reasons for resigning:

taking a better job offer;
changing career;
requalifying or seeking higher education;
moving city/country;
becoming a caregiver or parent/guardian;
illness;
retirement;
seeking better working conditions.

Your reason may be more complex and personal than any of these, or a combination of several.

Review your current employment contract

Now that you understand why you want to resign, you need to look into the legal side of quitting. The first thing you should do is re-read your current employment contract. Find out how long your notice period is and any other conditions of your contract, such as if you need to work during your notice period, if you need to train your replacement or if you need to attend an exit interview.

Write your letter of resignation

If you are nervous about resigning, you might use language that is either apologetic or defensive, but neither tone is professional, and both appear uncertain. Therefore, no matter how you feel, write a formal, polite and concise letter of resignation. You do not have to give a reason for resigning. However, your resignation letter must clearly state your final day of employment – in line with your notice period.

Notify your manager of your resignation first

Schedule a meeting with your manager to resign in person or in a face-to-face video call. This will be your formal, verbal resignation. So, tell your line manager first and resist discussing your departure with your colleagues in case rumours spread, which may seem unprofessional.

Hand in your letter of resignation

Once you have told your manager, it is time to give them your letter of resignation. Nowadays, it is most common to email your manager and attach your letter of resignation, though you may also handwrite or print it and give it in person.

Send an email to your colleagues

You may like to share the news of your resignation in person with your work friends, but for the wider company, a goodbye email will do. This email may include ways to keep in touch like your personal email address, social media profile or phone number. No matter the circumstances of your departure, remain professional and do not use the opportunity to be passive aggressive or hostile.

Ask for your reference

A reference is a short summary of your employment, written by your employer, which may include details of your work skills and experience and is useful to find another job. There is no legal requirement for your employer to give you a reference. However, it is unusual for them not to give you a reference if you have parted agreeably and were a good employee. If they agree to give one, employers must give you a correct reference which does not falsify your performance.

Attend an exit interview (optional)

An exit interview is a formal meeting with your employer to discuss your resignation. Organisations use these interviews to understand your reasons for leaving. Ultimately, you have decided to resign and, unless otherwise specified in your employment contract, you do not need to attend one.

Professionalism is expected in the workplace. However, it can be difficult to maintain an appropriate tone over email or in video meetings. Make your work communications more professional by following these six rules.

Read more:

European Job Days

Find EURES Advisers

Living and working conditions in EURES countries

EURES Jobs Database

EURES services for employers

EURES Events Calendar

Upcoming Online Events

EURES on Facebook

EURES on Twitter

EURES on LinkedIn