How to Leave a Job Well | Professional Resignation Tips

Leaving a job is a significant career milestone, often marking the beginning of a new chapter, but sometimes it’s not a happy process or not even your choice. However, the way you exit your current role can have a lasting impact on your professional reputation and future opportunities. As New Zealand’s leading recruitment expert, Adecco is here to guide you through the process of leaving a job on the best terms, ensuring a smooth transition for both you and your employer, setting you up for career growth.

1. Confirm Your Decision

Before taking any steps to resign, ensure you’ve carefully considered your reasons for leaving. Are you moving to an opportunity that better aligns with your career goals, or are you leaving out of frustration with your current role? If the latter, consider discussing your concerns with your manager before making a decision. Once you’re confident about moving on, create an exit plan that includes your last working day and the steps required for a smooth transition.

2. Understand Your Obligations

Review your employment contract thoroughly to understand your obligations when resigning. Key details to check include your notice period, any non-compete clauses, and the process for handing in your resignation. Being informed about these details will ensure you fulfil your responsibilities and maintain a professional relationship with your employer. If you’re unsure about any terms, seek advice to avoid misunderstandings.

3. Write a Professional Resignation Letter

Your resignation letter is an official document that communicates your intention to leave. It should include:

• Your name and the date
• The recipient’s name (typically your manager, or HR)
• Notice of termination of employment
• Your last working day
• A positive and professional tone

Even if your reasons for leaving are personal or challenging, keep your letter respectful and professional. Your new employer may request to see your resignation letter, so it’s important to leave a good impression. Ensure it’s written clearly and free of spelling or grammatical errors.

4. Deliver the News Professionally

Schedule a meeting with your manager to discuss your resignation in person or via video call. Be clear, concise, and positive during this conversation. Express gratitude for the opportunities you’ve had and the experience you’ve gained. While you’re not obligated to provide detailed reasons for leaving, a brief and respectful explanation can help maintain goodwill.

5. Handle Counteroffers Wisely

If your employer responds with a counteroffer, take the time to consider whether it aligns with your career goals. If your reasons for leaving go beyond salary, benefits or growth opporunitities, it’s important to stay firm in your decision. Accepting a counteroffer can sometimes lead to awkward dynamics and may not address the root causes of your dissatisfaction. Think about what’s best for your long-term career progression. To learn more about how to handle this situation, we have another article on How to Decide Between Job Offers or Counteroffers

6. Maintain Professionalism Until the End

Your final weeks in a role are just as important as your first. Continue to show up on time, meet deadlines, and contribute to team discussions. The impression you leave during this period can influence how colleagues and managers remember you, and those impressions often follow you in your career. Be a role model for professionalism by staying engaged and focused until your last day. It also helps you get up to speed faster in your new role if you stayed at pace in your last few weeks, rather than slowing down. This is also especially important if you are staying in the same industry, you need to maintain good relationships with customers, clients and suppliers as they may be key contacts in your future. New Zealand is too small of a country to burn bridges, it may come back to hurt you later in your career.

7. Ensure a Smooth Transition

Help your team by wrapping up projects, organising your work, and providing thorough handovers. If possible, train your replacement or prepare clear documentation to ensure continuity. These efforts will demonstrate your professionalism and respect for your colleagues. Offering assistance during this period can also leave a positive impression, which may prove beneficial in future roles.

8. Participate in an Exit Interview

Many organisations conduct exit interviews to gather feedback from departing employees. Approach this meeting with a constructive mindset. Offer honest, objective feedback that could help improve the workplace for future employees. Remaining professional and measured in your comments will leave a positive impression. Focus on facts rather than emotions, and highlight areas where the company has excelled as well as areas for improvement.

9. Stay Connected

Maintain connections with your colleagues and managers through LinkedIn or professional networking groups. These relationships can be valuable in the future, whether for references or new opportunities. A well-maintained network is an asset to any career, and New Zealand’s job market can often feel surprisingly small. Staying connected ensures your professional reputation remains strong.

Final Thoughts

Leaving a job well is about more than fulfilling your contractual obligations; it’s about safeguarding your professional reputation, maintaining relationships, and setting the stage for success in your next role. At Adecco New Zealand, we’re here to support you at every stage of your career journey. If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to our team of recruitment experts today.

Looking for expert advice on your next career move? Visit Adecco New Zealand to explore resources, job opportunities, and personalised support.

For more tips on changing jobs, check out these other articles:

• Thinking About Changing Jobs? Essential Steps for Career Success
• How to Prepare for a Job Interview
• Why Didn’t I Get the Job? Top Reasons You’re Not Hearing Back from Employers
• How to Upskill for Career Success in 2025