What to Do Before Quitting Your Job: 7 Essential Steps to Resign Professionally

Finally deciding that you’re quitting your job can trigger a whole mix of emotions. Part of you feels exhilarated: maybe you’re leaving for a new opportunity, changing career paths, or starting a business. Another part may be terrified: Will I succeed? Will I actually like what I’m doing next? And for many professionals, there’s also a real sense of loss; saying goodbye to work friends, mentors, and a team you’ve been part of for years.

Whatever your reason for leaving, one thing is universal: there are critical steps you MUST take before you resign. Walking out without preparing can create unnecessary stress, damage relationships, or even cost you important information, contacts, or benefits.

Here’s your 7-step checklist of what to do before quitting your job: the exact steps that ensure you leave professionally, confidently, and with everything you need for your next chapter.

1. Clean Out Your Office (Gradually and Discreetly)

Whether you’re planning to give notice or you suspect termination may be possible, begin quietly cleaning out your office and removing personal items. You never know whether you’ll have:

• Two full weeks after giving notice
  or
• Five minutes to pack up after turning in your resignation

To avoid losing personal belongings, start taking home a little at a time. Do not walk out with a giant box. Nothing signals “I’m quitting” faster.

2. Remove Personal Information From Your Company Computer or Phone

Before submitting your resignation, remove:

• Personal documents
• Personal contacts
• Photos
• Saved passwords
• Private emails
• Browser history (personal accounts)

Forward anything important to your personal email and delete the personal version from company hardware. But, and this is critical:

🚫 Do NOT take or forward ANY company files, data, or proprietary information. That’s not only unethical; it can be illegal.

At the same time, leave all work files, emails, and project notes intact for your successor. It shows professionalism and prevents burning bridges.

3. Get Your Resume in Order (While You Still Have Access to Data)

If you haven’t already secured your next job, now is the moment to update your resume. Right now, you still have access to:

• Performance data
• Sales numbers
• KPIs
• Project results
• Accomplishment metrics

Of course, my stance is to always have it updated and ready to go, but I also know that’s not always possible. But – once you’re gone, you lose all of that, and you’d be shocked how many job seekers can only say their performance was “good” with zero numbers to back it up.

✔ Pull your metrics and list your achievements
✔ Add data-backed accomplishments to your resume
✔ Capture examples while they’re fresh

For help polishing your resume, you can reference our free Resume Upkeep Checklist. I know I go a little overboard making these tools, but I want you prepared!

4. Make a Commitment to Reject Any Counteroffers

Most people who accept a counteroffer regret it (like to the tune of 88% of people who accept them are gone in 18 months)! Counteroffers are typically:

• A short-term band-aid
• A reaction to temporarily keep you
• A move that erodes your credibility
• A decision that increases future job risk

If you’ve made the decision to leave, stick to it. Money should not be the main factor keeping you in a role that no longer aligns with your career goals.

For deeper insight, please check out my article: Why Your Candidate Accepted a Counter Offer and Why They Just Don’t Work.

5. Get Your Benefits and Finances Squared Away

Before you resign, make sure you understand the status of your:

• Health insurance (when it ends, whether COBRA is needed)
• Prescription refills or doctor visits
• Dental benefits
• 401(k) or pension plan rollover
• Unused PTO payout (varies by state and sometimes by company)
• New employer’s benefits start date

These details can dramatically affect your finances and healthcare coverage during the transition.

✔ Contact HR
✔ Review benefit summaries
✔ Understand what you must do and by when
✔ Plan for any gaps in coverage

If you don’t think ahead, any salary increase you receive could be flushed away by unexpected healthcare costs you accrue during this time. This is also something that can be negotiated with a new company (COBRA costs or a sign on that covers the gap in coverage).

6. Tell the People Who Deserve to Hear the News From You

Before the rumor mill starts, be sure to personally tell:

• Close colleagues
• Mentors
• Work friends
• Key partners or cross-functional teammates

Even giving them a heads-up minutes before the official announcement can mean a great deal. It shows trust and respect. Chances are, they will be upset, but knowing that you approached them first will help with the pain of the news.

Once your resignation is formal, companies often move quickly to communicate it internally, so be sure to share the news with the people who matter to you before it becomes public.

7. Don’t Burn Bridges – Ever

The professional world gets smaller every day. No matter how miserable you are or how ready you are to leave:

– Do not make a dramatic exit.
– Do not vent in your resignation conversation.
– Do not disparage the company on your way out.

Instead:

• Finish projects or hand off tasks smoothly
• Prepare transition notes
• Keep communication positive and professional
• Express appreciation
• Leave with integrity

You never know when you may need a reference (or when you may cross paths with former coworkers again). For more insights on this process, please reference my article on How to Quit a Job Without Burning a Bridge. Your future self will thank you for it.

Final Thoughts: Make Your Decision Thoughtfully

Most people quit when they’re unhappy with some aspect of their job, company, culture, or long-term career path. That’s perfectly valid, but the key is making sure your decision is purposeful, strategic, and financially sound.

With preparation, planning, and professionalism, you can leave on great terms and step confidently into your next opportunity.

And if you need it, here’s your FREE downloadable resignation letter template – you’ll have your resignation letter done in 60 seconds.

Recommended Reading for Additional Insight:

• Dare to Change Your Job and Your Life — Carole Kanchier
• What Color Is Your Parachute? — Richard Bolles
• Leap: Leaving a Job With No Plan B — Tess Vigeland