Deciding to make a career change is not always easy. However, once you have made the decision to leave your current employer, it is important to handle this process professionally, just as you would handle any business endeavour. Do not burn any bridges in the process because you will likely want to use that employer as a reference. Besides that, most industries are well-networked microcosms. You never know who knows your employer and who speaks about you and how. Remain on your best professional behaviour.
Please note that if you are leaving your current job, you should already have other employment lined up, otherwise you need to have sufficient emergency funds saved to sustain you during your job search.

Give your notice
You’ve decided to leave, so now you must communicate this. Inform your boss first before letting any colleagues know; it will come across as disrespectful if you don’t.
Your resignation should come in two forms: verbal and written. Most bosses will appreciate a face-to-face meeting where you state your decision to leave. Either during or shortly thereafter should come your written resignation. The letter must be in professional business standard format and need not be complicated. The bare minimum should include a greeting, a line stating your resignation from your current position and the date your resignation is effective, including your last day of work, as well as a closing and your signature.
Know how long you are expected to stay. Your contract will state how much notice you are required to give. Otherwise, the norm is two weeks.

If you so choose, you can decide to include a thank you in your letter of resignation and how you appreciated the opportunities you experienced while you were there. This is not necessary however; it is entirely up to you. Avoid apologizing and explaining the reasons for your departure in your letter. If you want to discuss this, do so with your boss or with the human resources manager.

The counter offer
Be prepared for a counter offer. Companies generally save recruiting and hiring costs in the short term by offering you a slightly bigger pay cheque. However, be aware that once they know you already considered leaving, they may use that time to find your replacement anyway.

It is in your best interest not to accept a counter offer. If you do, you have already labelled yourself a disloyal employee; you will appear indecisive and will also not put you in the best light with the company you were going to be working with. Furthermore, as many as 90% of people who accept counter offers leave within six months, as whatever made you decide to leave in the first place has not changed.

Important details
Don’t forget to find out about salary or unused benefits that you can take advantage of such as unused vacation and sick days, exercising of stock options, as well as what you may do with your pension plan and any insurance. It is an excellent idea to find this out before you leave, and there is no reason you shouldn’t receive benefits owed to you.

As a side note, keep in mind that it is not a good idea to use vacation days during your notice period before your last day of work. You want to take advantage of these last days to work extra hard, and leave with a good reputation in your boss’s mind.

Etiquette of a Resignation
Remain diligent until your last day of work. Continue to be as productive as when you first started. If you slack off, you may risk losing a good reference.

Avoid bragging about your new job, your great new salary and any benefits you will be receiving. Don’t let emotion get in the way of your last days at work being positive and productive. You want to maintain a good reputation and leave everyone at your old job with good memories of you.

Don’t be alarmed by the possibility of being walked out, especially if you are going to a competitor. If you have personal files on your computer, make copies and take them home with you before you resign, but never copy information that would be considered confidential or proprietary.

In some cases, you will be faced with an exit interview. Someone probably from the HR department will interview you with the intention of determining how to improve your situation for the next person. Do not take this opportunity to speak poorly of your boss or complain about the company. You can be tactful in providing feedback, but always end your comments on a positive note, and if you really have nothing nice to say, avoid saying anything. It is best to remain positive or neutral.