The 10 Most Important Things To Say and Do When Quitting a Job, According to Experts

Beth Ann Mayer
·7 min read

Employee quitting a job and packing up belongings

Conversations about separating work and life are worthwhile ones. However, we still spent a great deal of our lives at work. Even if a job won't snuggle you to sleep at night, you still likely work with people. So, when you leave a company, you're leaving people—an important factor to remember. It's no surprise, then, that there are helpful tips on exactly how to quit a job.

"Leaving a job with dignity is simply the right thing to do, for yourself, for the organization and others," says Megan Leasher, a talent management expert.

What's more, people talk. How you speak to them on the way out can leave a lasting impression on your reputation.

"The world is small," says Ayesha Whyte, a DC-based employment attorney and HR specialist. "Someone you work with today may interview you tomorrow."

No pressure, right? Allow career pros to take the load off you by curating a list of the most important things to say when leaving a job (with grace). 

Related: This is the No. 1 Sneaky Sign of Workplace Burnout To Look Out for Before It's Too Late, According to Career Counselors

How To Quit a Job: The Top 10 Things To Say When Leaving

1. "I wanted to let you know that I’ve decided to move on from [company name]."

Leaving a job can feel complicated, but experts say your opening line should be straightforward.

"Try not to overthink it or feel that you have to explain yourself in great detail," says Tonya Montella, the CEO of Tonya Empowers LLC and a women's career coach.

Leasher agrees. 

"Say [you're leaving] upfront—crisply and clearly," Leasher says. "Don’t dance around it. Sometimes, when we are in that nervous moment of getting ready to quit, we stumble over our words or even forget to deliver the actual message that we are leaving."

2. "I’m being very intentional about where I’m spending my time, energy and skill set, and as a result, it’s time for me to leave."

One expert suggests keeping the message about you and your needs.

"It gives you a position of strength and confidence to operate from without an opening for debate or discussion to potentially convince or strong-arm you into changing your mind," says Nikki Innocent, the founder of Inclusive Leadership Collective, Career and Resume Coach.

It also avoids a nasty blame game that can leave a sour taste in an employer's mouth.

3. "I'm resigning because X."

If No. 2 feels a bit too in-the-weeds, you can be a bit more straightforward. For example, "X" might simply be "another job." Experts share that you should keep it honest but tactful regardless of the reason.

"Stick to facts when sharing your reason for leaving and avoid airing dirty laundry," Leasher says.

4. "Thank you for the opportunity."

All of the experts we spoke with recommended expressing gratitude in some form. 

"This shows that you were grateful to be hired and to have an opportunity to work for the company and learn alongside your colleagues, which has helped you grow professionally," Whyte says.

5. "I’m very proud of the work I’ve done as a member of this organization…I really appreciate the time we had to do XYZ."

This phrase gets more specific about what you're actually grateful for while respectfully tooting your own horn.

"Taking a moment to reflect on the achievements you’ve made, especially together, can help anchor this conversation as part of a larger dynamic you have had together versus it feeling like the present experience of you quitting is defining your time there." Innocent says.

6. "I’ll send you my notice in writing so that you have it on record."

Discussing the next steps is an important piece of a resignation conversation. A letter of resignation is standard, and Montella suggests assuring the boss you'll be sending it. 

"After sharing the news verbally, you need to put it in writing," Montella says.

7. "I am committed to helping with the transition of my work in my last two weeks."

Two weeks' notice remains standard, and experts share it's crucial to use that time to bridge the gap between your work and whoever will assume your responsibilities, at least temporarily.

One significant boundary to set: Your last day will be your last day.

"No matter what the work might look like, be clear that your offer of help is limited to the notice you’ve given to add clarity and avoid over-commitment," Leasher says.

8. "My last day is X."

Be specific about your last day, verbally and in writing.

"Clearly state your timeline and what you are willing to provide in the time between when you alert them and your final day," Innocent says. "This way, you minimize confusion, create a clear plan to operate from and show that you have been intentional in making this decision."

9. "I’d welcome the opportunity for an exit interview."

Exit interviews can feel awkward, as you may be asked to provide constructive feedback. However, experts share they offer a sense of closure.

"Ask for an exit interview or a chance to share your perspective if that is something that would be helpful as a closing ritual for you," Innocent says. "The goal here isn’t to bash the place or to air your grievances like a dam breaking free."

Instead, use it as a chance to provide wisdom on what would've made the job better for you and may improve the experience for the next person.

10. "This is how to keep in touch with me."

Even if it wasn't the best situation, you may still have 401K funds or company shares tied to the organization. Having a point of contact and providing your information, like a personal email, can be helpful in easing the transition. What's more, it can be an opportunity for you to network.

"A number of companies are starting alumni programs for recruiting and connecting," Whyte says. "This shows that you are available for the company and former colleagues in the future as a professional contact."

Related: Yikes—This Is the #1 Biggest Red Flag in a Job Interview, According to Career Experts

Other Tips for Quitting a Job

1. Prepare for questions...

There will be questions, Whyte says. 

"Anticipating them prepares you to respond," Whyte says. "The most common questions are: Where are you going? When is your last day? How long have you been interviewing? Are you taking any time off before you start working again?"

Keep it positive and honest, but know you don't have to divulge anything you're uncomfortable sharing.

2. ...and some awkwardness

Leaving a job can feel like a breakup, Innocent says.

"Most people are not good with breakups or rejection situations, so there is a good chance things will feel off, awkward or even flat-out rude with your colleagues," Innocent says. "Remember you are leaving, and for many people, that choice feels like a personal judgment or rejection of their decision to stay."

Aiding in your transition is part of your job. You know what isn't? Managing these big feelings for other people.

"That’s not your business," Innocent says.

3. Plan to say good-bye

Before logging off one last time, plan a final communication with colleagues.

"Pull together a farewell communication to share with colleagues or other folks you know through this role so they can hear from you—your perspective, your gratitude, your preferred language about what’s next and how to stay connected," Innocent says. "Owning the narrative of your departure not only gives you the ability to leave from a position of strength, but it also allows you to claim how you’d like to go out and be remembered." 

Related: 11 Ways To End an Email

What Not To Say When Leaving a Job

Resist the urge to burn bridges with negative, inflammatory comments. One major no-no includes: "This company is terrible, and I hate everyone here." 

"Even if this is true, it is unproductive and not helpful to you or your employer," Whyte explains.

Anything that lays blame on an individual is also a faux pas.

"Even if you feel it, and even if you really want to, never verbalize blame on a person as your reason for leaving," Leasher says. "Take the high road and provide a reason for leaving that is blameless to any one person."

Next: One Reddit User Asked How To Get Over the Regret of Changing Jobs, and the Responses Are Actually So Helpful

Sources