How to Quit a Job Professionally in 9 Steps

"I quit!"

If only it were that simple. But quitting your job is complicated—doing it the wrong way can have long-lasting career consequences.

Read on to learn the best steps for quitting your job professionally, including expert advice from a career coach.

9 Steps to Quitting Your Job

We asked career coach Marlo Lyons about the best way to quit your job without burning any bridges. Find her advice below.

1. Decide When To Quit

Choosing to leave is a big decision. If you don't think through it carefully, you might regret quitting your job. Here are some good reasons to consider a job change:

• The job doesn't align with your values. "Identify and define your values and determine how many are fulfilled and how many are not," Lyons says. "When your values are violated, you will not feel engaged, do your best work or feel fulfilled in your job."
• Your manager isn't supportive. "Your manager is supposed to provide you with opportunities to allow you to demonstrate your skills and capabilities which could lead to higher visibility of your great work," Lyons says.
• You are in a toxic environment. Lyons recommends reporting any harassment, bullying or discrimination to your Human Resources or legal department. However, she points out that toxic companies are slow to change. "Determine whether you need to leave to protect your mental and emotional health."
• You need a better work-life balance. Lyons recommends reflecting on your current position "if you are unengaged or dread starting your workday." If it's not something you can change at the company, it's time to consider a career move.
• You are underpaid. Research salaries in your field and make sure yours matches the average for workers with your experience level. Use salary data sites like Glassdoor or PayScale and ask your professional peers what they consider a fair salary.

You don't have to quit immediately if something on this list resonates with you. Instead, start planning your next opportunity.

The best time to search for a job is when you're already employed. Unless the environment is very poor, wait until you get a job offer elsewhere. Then you can think about what to tell your current employer.

2. Tell Your Boss

"Talk with your boss in person on video chat and explain you have accepted an opportunity at a new company or that you will be departing," Lyons says.

There are probably one or two things about your company you don't like that motivated your decision to leave. However, you should not mention those when you announce your resignation.

"Do not focus on what was horrible at the current company. Focus on the opportunities at the new company," Lyons says. Your manager could perceive you as a disgruntled employee if you complain now. That could come back to bite you if you want to use them as a reference in the future.

You want to send the message that your current job was a valuable part of your career, but you're ready to take the next step. Lyons offers this example as something you might say to your boss:

"I have decided to depart the company. As you know, I've wanted to be a manager for a while now. I wasn't looking for a new job, but a recruiter reached out and I now have an opportunity to lead a team. I am grateful for all your support and will do everything I can to ensure my departure doesn't disrupt the important work being done here."

3. Give Notice With a Formal Resignation Letter

Immediately after discussing your departure privately with your boss, send a formal email summarizing what you talked about.

This puts your resignation in writing. It's also a gentle reminder to your boss that you are leaving. In the worst-case scenario where your boss doesn't share your plans with their managers, it protects you from backlash.

In your resignation letter, be sure to include:

• The time and date you sent the letter.
• A clear statement including the position and company you're resigning from.
• An expression of gratitude for your boss and employer.
• Your intended final day at work. Two weeks out is common, but you may offer another final day depending on your circumstances.

Use this short template as a rough guide to write your letter of resignation:

Dear [manager],

Following up on our discussion earlier today, I formally announce my resignation from [position] at [company] on [time and date].

My time at [company] taught me valuable skills that pushed my career forward. I will always be grateful to you and everyone else here who gave me opportunities to grow and mentored me through challenges.

My final day at work will be [date, usually two weeks out].

Thank you again,

[Your name]

4. Assess Any Potential Counteroffers

At around this time, your employer may send you a counteroffer. This is an offer for you to remain at the company, usually with higher compensation or a promotion.

"Consider the counteroffer in light of your values," Lyons says. Compensation is a reasonable career value, but it is not the only one. If your employer was disrespectful or your workplace was toxic, that won't suddenly change just because you're earning a higher salary.

Lyons also cautions against empty promotions in counteroffers. Your company may offer a new job title, but unless that changes your work or environment, your original reasons for leaving will still apply.

"Beware of future promises in a counteroffer," Lyons says. "Company circumstances change, organizational structures change, and the leader who makes a promise may depart before the promise is realized."

Only accept counteroffers that align with your values and deliver immediate changes. A promised raise in six months is not a good counteroffer.

5. Tell Your Coworkers

Telling your coworkers isn't as formal as other steps, like a private discussion with your boss and sending your resignation letter. However, it's still important personally and professionally.

You need to decide who to tell and when. Most people will make a general announcement to their team or department on their final day. But you may reach out to your closest coworkers sooner, letting them know about your plans and exchanging information to stay in touch.

The general announcement should state that this is your final day and thank everyone on the team for your time together. You can also call out your most valued coworkers, thanking them for their role in your professional development.

This is not the time to air grievances. If you are leaving because your team was toxic and unhelpful, you must leave that in the past.

Leaving on a positive note makes it easier to ask for references and letters of recommendation later.

6. Ask for References

Picture this: it's six months after you quit your job and your new role isn't going quite as you expected. You applied for jobs elsewhere, but recruiters want to see references. You aren't close enough to anyone at your new job to ask, so who can recommend you as a great coworker?

This is just one scenario where recommendations from your old workplace matter. It's best to get these right before you leave a company.

Lyons suggests asking for letters of recommendation and LinkedIn references as soon as you leave your job. You want people to write recommendations while your work is still fresh in their minds.

7. Follow a Transition Plan for Your Role

A transition plan prepares the next person who will take your role. It makes your leaving as smooth as possible for your team, so your absence doesn't cause confusion or hurt productivity.

Talk to your manager and coworkers you routinely interact with. Find out what they need from you before you leave. That could include information about your responsibilities and projects you need to finish.

A smooth transition is helpful for the person hired to do your old job. Think about everything you wish you had known when you started. You can share that with the next person through transition documentation or in person if they join before your last day.

Helping the transition also leaves a good impression on your coworkers and boss, just as you're asking for references.

8. End Things on a Good Note

It is tempting to give the minimum effort in your final days at the company. However, you should end your time here on a good note.

Giving your best effort up until your last day leaves a good impression on your boss and your coworkers. They will remember your dedication when they write recommendations for you.

You can also send thank you messages to coworkers you worked closely with. Especially if you worked on major projects together.

Doing these things keeps your work relationships strong. And having a good professional network is key to future career success.

9. Meet With HR to Give Feedback

Some companies ask for an exit interview. If you want to talk about your reasons for leaving the company, this is the right time to bring those up. Just make sure you do it constructively so you don't burn bridges.

HR is better positioned than your boss to act on toxic environments, unsupportive managers and compensation that doesn't meet industry standards. You can tell them about those things if you like, but you don't have to.

Everything you say in this interview is for posterity. At this point, you've already considered and rejected any counteroffers. Your recommendations for the company won't change anything for you.

What to Do Before Your Last Day

Once your resignation is formal and your last day is set, there are a few more things you can do to make leaving as smooth as possible:

• Save personal files from the company computer. These could include personal documents that you don't want others to see.
• Delete personal information from the company computer. If you have a personal credit card stored in your browser, make sure to wipe it completely. The company should delete your information anyway, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
• Return company items such as access cards, equipment and your laptop. Contact your HR department for an exhaustive list of everything you should return.
• Connect with former coworkers. Gather phone numbers, emails or social media handles for people you want to stay in touch with. Add your coworkers on LinkedIn if you haven't already.
• Clean up your desk if you work in an office. It is easier to pack up your things slowly rather than stuffing everything in a cardboard box on your last day.

FAQs About Quitting Your Job

Leaving your job is complicated. Read on for answers to commonly asked questions about quitting.

Do I Have to Give Two Weeks Notice?

There are no laws requiring you to give two weeks' notice before your last day.

However, it's common etiquette, and failing to give two weeks' notice can sour your relationship with your boss and coworkers. That can negatively impact your professional references later on.

You should give at least two weeks notice unless you are in an extremely toxic workplace where staying longer would impact your health.

How to Quit a Job Over Text

Never quit over text.

Quitting over text is extremely unprofessional. It is also unclear to your boss. They don't know if this message is real, if someone is playing a joke with your phone or if you are a victim of identity theft.

Always quit in person or over a video call if possible.

How to Quit a Job Over Email

Quitting over email is acceptable if you are a freelancer or your boss refuses to meet in person or on a video call.

However, quitting over email should be your last resort. Try to schedule a meeting to show your boss respect, even if you don't think they deserve it.

Email is better for your formal resignation letter after you have met with your boss and told them you plan to quit. You should summarize your plans in the email, including your intention to leave and your final day at the company.

Can You Get Unemployment If You Quit a Job?

Usually, you cannot collect unemployment for leaving your job voluntarily.

However, you may collect unemployment if you leave for a "good cause." State laws have different criteria for what counts as a good cause, but common examples include discrimination and harassment.

Consult your state's Department of Labor to learn more about collecting unemployment benefits after quitting.

Key Takeaways for Quitting Your Job Gracefully

Leaving a good impression on your old boss and coworkers is important for your career. Make sure you:

• Focus on the positives. If you have negative things about your company and the reasons you are leaving, keep those to yourself. They won't help your professional relationships.
• Keep written records of everything. Don't just tell your boss that you're quitting. Send a formal email announcing your resignation. This protects you and your company in case they forget or are uncertain about anything.
• Stay professional until the end. This is also the best time to ask for references, so you want to leave people with good things to say about you.

Now that you know how to quit your job professionally, read more about pivoting your career for long-term success.