If you have a better job offer, consider whether you really want to leave your current employment. If you like your job and the people you work with, but want better pay and more benefits, you may want to sit down with your manager and ask for a raise first. If you had a bad experience, such as a fight with coworkers or a disagreement with management, your impulse may be to throw your hands up in the air and say “I quit!” However, it’s better for your professional reputation to work towards finding another position before you leave the one you have, then follow proper protocol to formally resign.

If you have another job offer, they should be willing to allow you to work out a notice. If not, be sure to notify your current employer as soon as possible and explain why you won’t be able to work out the full notice period.

If you have an employee handbook, check that as well. There may be a formal resignation procedure laid out. If so, follow that procedure to maintain your professional reputation and stay on good terms with the company. Stay professional, and hold back your emotions. You may be angry or resentful, but this isn’t the time to express that. If you keep the conversation as brief as possible, you can reduce the chances you’ll blow up.

Check your pay stub before you notify your employer so you know how many hours you’re entitled to. Your employee handbook may have additional information on what happens to accrued hours when you resign. You typically have to provide notice before you resign to get any accrued hours paid out. If your supervisor declines your offer to work out a notice and insists that you leave immediately, double-check that this won’t impact your ability to get paid out for your accrued hours. Discuss health insurance and retirement benefits, particularly if you haven’t yet lined up a new job.

If you plan to violate a non-compete agreement, you may want to consult with an employment attorney. Non-compete agreements are frequently invalidated by courts, but you need a plan in case your former employer sues you.

Even if you’re sending the letter through email, retain the formal business letter format.

You may want to list your job title, if appropriate, or the name of the company. For example, you might write “I am resigning from my position as Cupcake Connoisseur, effective July 31, 2018. "

If the reason for your resignation is a neutral one (you’re moving to a different state, for example, or going back to school), go ahead and state it explicitly. It can prevent rumors from spreading. If you have a new job, you don’t have to go into detail if you don’t want to. If you’re going to work for a competitor, it’s probably best to keep that information to yourself.

Don’t go overboard or say something you don’t mean or intend to follow through with. If you had a bad experience and never want to hear from anyone in the company again after you leave, don’t say you’re looking forward to keeping in touch with them.

Keep your language simple, professional, and unemotional. Avoid making any personal comments (positive or negative) about your manager or coworkers.

Give the original letter to your direct manager. You may also need to give a copy of the letter to the manager of your department, or to human resources.

Finish any ongoing projects you have, or draft status reports so whoever takes over from you will know what’s going on. Organize all your files and documents, if applicable, so they are easily accessible after you’re gone.

If your manager has told you not to alert your coworkers of your resignation until later, follow their instructions. If you have direct contact with clients or customers, explain to them that you are leaving. If you know who is taking over their file when you leave, take the opportunity to introduce them to the person who will be taking care of them. If someone new is being hired to replace you, offer to assist with their training. [13] X Research source

Be honest and constructive in your exit interview, but stick to the facts and avoid getting emotional or making accusations. Your goal is to leave your employer in a better position, not to trash them on the way out the door.

If you worked closely with another manager or a coworker, you might ask them for reference letters as well.

If you have a LinkedIn account, send invitations to managers and coworkers to connect there.