7 Key Steps to Resigning Professionally After Accepting a New Job

Accepting a new job is an important career decision, but there is still plenty to think about between accepting the offer and starting your next role. You need to make sure the terms are right, communicate the departure with your current employer, manage your notice period, and prepare to move into a different working environment.

How you approach this transition period is important, as it will enable you to start your new position positively without creating unnecessary problems for your current employer or colleagues. The process can become more complicated if your employer makes a counteroffer or there are contractual details to resolve, so it's worth thinking through the next steps before you resign.

While navigating a career transition requires careful handling at any stage, resigning professionally is particularly critical for senior leaders and executives looking to preserve long-standing professional networks.

Below are 7 key steps to take between accepting your new role and leaving your current position.

1. Make Sure the New Role Is Confirmed Before You Resign

This may seem like a very simple stage in the process, but it can often be overlooked. Before handing in your notice, make sure you have a written offer setting out the terms of your new position. A verbal offer or an email confirming that paperwork is on its way may feel reassuring, but you need to understand exactly what you're agreeing to before leaving your current role.

Check the salary, job title, start date, benefits, and working arrangements. This is particularly important when moving into a senior position or joining a leadership team, where the terms may involve a bonus structure, equity, or other terms that need careful consideration. 

It's also important to understand whether the offer depends on conditions such as outstanding references and background checks and whether these have been completed. If the start date is dependent on anything still outstanding, make sure you understand when it can be confirmed.

Check your existing contract for your notice period, outstanding holiday entitlement, and any restrictions that could affect your move. Seek appropriate legal advice if you're unsure how a clause applies to your next role, especially if you're joining a business that operates in the same market.

2. How to Resign Professionally

The best way to resign professionally is to tell your manager directly, then follow up with a short written resignation confirming your notice period and final working day. Where possible, arrange a private conversation rather than sending an email without warning.

Your manager may be disappointed or ask questions about your reasons for leaving. Allow room for open dialogue, but remember that you don't need to justify a decision you've already made. If you're comfortable sharing where you're going, you can explain your plans, but you don't need to disclose more about your new employer or package than you're comfortable with.

Once you've spoken to your manager, send the formal resignation in writing. Keep it professional and concise, and avoid using it to raise grievances or revisit disagreements.

If you have concerns about your experience at the company, you can raise them separately with your manager or HR where appropriate.

3. How to Handle a Counteroffer

Your employer may respond by offering a pay rise or promotion, but any counteroffers should be judged against the reasons you decided to leave, rather than the additional salary or improved terms being offered.

Think back to what prompted your job search. Perhaps progression had stalled, your responsibilities no longer matched your ambitions, or you wanted to move into a different environment or type of role. A salary increase may improve your immediate circumstances, but it won't necessarily change the culture or long-term opportunities that influenced your decision. It's also worth considering what would happen if you stayed. Would there be a clear plan for your progression, with agreed responsibilities and realistic timescales?

If you're seriously considering the counteroffer, ask for the details in writing. Understanding exactly what is changing makes it easier to compare the counteroffer with the role you've already accepted.

4. Prepare a Clear Handover Plan

Once your resignation has been accepted, agree with your manager how your remaining responsibilities will be handled. Your handover should give the people taking over your work enough information to keep things moving.

A useful handover should cover:

• The current status and upcoming deadlines of any ongoing projects
• Key contacts including relevant clients, suppliers, colleagues, or other stakeholders involved in your work.
• Where key files, information, and resources can be found.
• Who will take ownership of each area of work after you leave.

If you're responsible for client relationships, major projects, or specialist knowledge, include the background and detail someone will need to manage them effectively rather than simply passing over a list of contacts.

5. Manage Your Notice Period Professionally

Handing in your notice doesn't mean your responsibilities disappear. You should continue to fulfill your role requirements and support colleagues where you can. If your employer places you on garden leave, follow the arrangements set out by your employer and your contractual obligations, particularly around confidentiality and contact with clients or colleagues. Use the remaining time to complete agreed priorities and make the handover as straightforward as possible.

6. Check Your Final Pay and Benefits Before Leaving

Before leaving, check what happens to your existing benefits and when any new cover begins. Private medical insurance, life assurance, pension arrangements, and other company benefits might work on different terms, so don't assume that everything ends or starts on the same date as your employment. It's also worth reviewing your remaining holiday entitlement, final salary, expenses, and any bonus or commission arrangements.

If there's a break between your final day and your new start date, make sure you understand the financial implications as even a short gap can affect when you receive your next salary payment or create a period without certain benefits.

7. Leave Your Employer on Good Terms

Not every departure will be straightforward. You may be leaving because you're frustrated with the business, disagree with the direction it's taking, or feel that your career has reached a limit there. You don't need to pretend that everything was perfect, but you should still handle the transition with respect and professionalism.

The professional relationships you build over time can follow you throughout your career, particularly in specialist markets where people often encounter one another again. Leaving well gives you the best chance of maintaining those connections while making a positive start elsewhere.

Ready for Your Next Career Move?

A successful career move involves understanding the terms, making informed decisions about counteroffers, and managing your departure carefully. At CSG Talent, our specialist recruitment teams support candidates throughout the entire hiring process, guiding you through complex offer discussions and ensuring a smooth transition into your next role.

Contact CSG Talent to discuss your next career move.

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