How do I resign properly?

I've coached candidates through hundreds of resignations. The conversation should take less than five minutes, and it should be done in person or on video — never by email or Slack. The script is essentially: 'I wanted to let you know I've accepted a role at [company]. My last day, based on my contractual notice, will be [date]. I'm committed to handing over cleanly, and I've put together a draft transition plan we can talk through whenever works for you.'

Send the formal resignation in writing within 24 hours of the conversation. Email is fine. The letter should be brief: 'Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from [role title], effective [date]. My last working day will be [date], in line with my contractual notice period. Thank you for the opportunities I've had during my time here. I'll work with you on a clean handover plan.' That's the entire letter. Don't write a paragraph about why you're leaving.

Don't elaborate verbally. Don't list grievances. Don't get drawn into 'what could we have done to keep you' — the answer is 'I appreciate the question, but I've made my decision and I'd rather focus on a clean handover.' Don't be talked into staying for a counter-offer; about 70-80% of candidates who accept counters leave within 12 months anyway.

Prepare the handover plan before you have the conversation, even in draft form. Include: a list of active workstreams with status, key relationships you own and recommended re-allocations, ongoing commitments and deadlines, a 30-day handover schedule with specific dates. This signals professionalism and protects your reference.

Don't burn the bridge. The recruitment industry is small. Hiring managers move companies. The person you're resigning to today might be your candidate-screener at a future role in three years. The clean exit is one where, if asked, your former manager would say 'they were professional through to the last day.' That reputation compounds over a career.

One specific don't: never bad-mouth the new employer to make the resignation conversation easier. Some candidates feel the need to explain at length why the new role is so much better. Don't. The new role is the new role; the current one was the current one. Both can be true without one being trashed.