Shortly after you hand in your letter of resignation, you might get escorted out the door. That's typical at large companies, because it's better all the way around for both you and your company. On the other hand, your company might ask you to stay through your notice period. In either case, you might be watched closely in your final hours. Last impressions are more powerful than first impressions, so do all you can to be remembered as a professional and keep your references intact. When conducting reference and background checks, employers go back as far as ten years or more when contacting your former employers. Prepare to Resign So there's no question about what belongs to you or the company, compile your portfolio, take personal property home, and remove personal files and software from your computer before you resign. Again, you might be escorted out the door soon afterwards, so you might not a get a chance to do all of this. It might look just a tad suspicious if you wait until after you resign to remove stuff from your office, especially from your computer and file cabinet.     Resignation Meeting with Boss   Work out what you're going to say and then stick to it. The boss will try and probe you for more information – details that you may not want to give at this stage. Don’t be obstructive but simply make it clear that you are submitting an oral resignation. Emphasize the positives: you never know when your career will mean that you cross paths with your former employers so don’t dwell on the negative aspects of your time at the firm. Expect a reaction: unless your boss is expecting you to resign, your decision may come as a surprise. The boss may get emotional or even confrontational in which case, stick to your prepared comments. Retain your composure. The boss may by now no longer see you as a team player and may even feel betrayed. Once again, stick to your pre-prepared comments and try not to rise to the challenge. Speak in measured tones and regulate your breathing. Always leave the meeting on a good note and be as co-operative as possible. You should stress that you will undertake uncompleted work to the best of your ability. People remember both the first and last impression you make on them.   Give Ample and Proper Notice The minimum notice that U.S. employers typically require is two business weeks, and they usually want it in writing.  Don't jeopardize your new job or let your current employer exploit you.   Offer to Help Don't make promises you can't keep and again, don't let them exploit you. Consider offering to assist in finding and interviewing your replacement. Help out until your replacement is on board. Train your replacement.   Ask for Reference Letters If they're not too upset that you quit, now's a good time to ask bosses, coworkers and direct-reports for reference (recommendation) letters, while they can still recall your finer points. Even if you've already landed a new job, look down the road. It doesn't hurt to keep reference letters on file for later use. They have several advantages, the biggest of which is that you'll already know what your references have to say about you.   Say Good-Bye Take the time to talk with each of your bosses, coworkers and direct reports. Keep it positive and light, while choosing your words carefully. If asked why you're leaving, make general statements such as, "It's a career opportunity I just can't pass up." Avoid expressing too much regret, as it probably won't appear to be sincere. (Why would you quit if you truly regret it?) Instead, express your appreciation and say that you’ll miss working with them. If appropriate, distribute simple thank-you cards or notes.   Don't accept a counteroffer Despite how flattering it might be, many career advisors agree that it's not a good idea to accept a counteroffer once you've made it clear you want to resign. They might be making it only to take advantage of you until they find a "more dedicated" or cheaper replacement. (Why did they wait until you resigned, to offer you what you're really worth to them?) Try not to encourage a counteroffer by making statements such as, "I'm leaving because I need more money." You should decline tactfully to avoid bad feelings. However, avoid expressing too much regret, as that will encourage them to pressure you to stay.   Don't feel guilty People quit all the time. No matter how guilty they try to make you feel, the company will likely survive just fine without you. If you feel a guilt trip coming on, think about how the company would likely have laid you off, without any guilt, if it were to their advantage.   Don't display a short-timer's attitude Before handing in your resignation letter, make sure your office and projects are in order and try to clear up unfinished business. Try to leave things in the same condition you'd like to see them if you were the boss or your replacement. If you have to stay through your notice period, conduct business as usual and give a little extra effort to wrap things up.   Don't join the bad eggs Some of your discontented coworkers might think you're now on their side, and prod you to criticize the company or coworkers. But it's not a good idea. You never know who you can truly trust, who your next boss might be, or who is eavesdropping just around the corner in the cubicle maze.   Exit Interview Your management or HR department might ask you for "constructive criticism" during your exit interview, but they might be trying to find out the "real" reason why you're leaving. (Why did they wait until you quit to ask for your opinion?) Never criticize the company or its employees. If they ask why you're leaving, make noncommittal statements such as, "It's a career move." Avoid statements they can read into, such as, "It's a more challenging career opportunity." To those ready to pounce, this seemingly innocent statement might imply that you weren't happy with the job you resigned. It might bite you later during background and reference checks.