By Michael Breslin, Landing Point Co-Founder
How to Resign Gracefully
Resigning from a job can be stressful, whether you’re moving to a new opportunity, relocating, or making a career change. How you handle your exit can have lasting effects on your professional reputation.
For professionals, leaving a role gracefully and completing your current responsibilities is just as important as the performance that led you to your next opportunity. A thoughtful resignation demonstrates professionalism, protects your relationships, and keeps doors open for future opportunities.
In this video, Michael Breslin, Co-Founder at Landing Point and head of our Boston office, shares three key rules for resigning professionally and leaving on a positive note.
[Michael Breslin, Co-Founder at Landing Point, sharing three key rules for resigning professionally, including giving notice, keeping conversations professional, and maintaining high-quality work through the transition.]
Key Takeaways
Give at least two weeks’ notice — Providing adequate lead time shows respect for your current employer and that you’re committed to finishing out the duration of your current role.
Keep exit conversations professional — Avoid personal commentary about coworkers or managers; focus on constructive, professional dialogue.
Maintain high work quality — Stay engaged and deliver your best work during your final weeks to preserve your professional reputation.
Value relationships — The professional world is smaller than you think. Parting on good terms strengthens your long-term network.
Why a Thoughtful Exit Matters
Many view resignation as closing a chapter, but the truth is, how you leave can set the course for your future career. Here’s why exiting professionally matters:
- Preserves your reputation: Your final impression often carries more weight than months or even years of prior work. High-quality contributions in your last few weeks demonstrate reliability and integrity.
- Protects relationships: Managers and colleagues you leave on good terms with can provide future references or networking opportunities.
- Shows professionalism: Conducting exit interviews and conversations with decorum signals maturity, emotional intelligence, and reliability.
- Leaves doors open: Whatever industry you may be in, it’s more connected than you think. A smooth exit ensures positive word-of-mouth if your paths cross again.
Landing Point guides candidates through the often-overlooked step of resigning. From crafting the right message to managing timing and conversations, we help you exit with professionalism—protecting your reputation and preserving key relationships for the future.
Related reading from our Newsroom: Tips & The Anatomy of an Effective Thank-You Note
Ready to Make Your Next Career Move?
Whether you’re planning a resignation or exploring new opportunities, Landing Point is here to help you at any stage of the job process. Connect with us to discuss your next move or explore open roles today.
Transcript
Michael Breslin:
Hi, guys. Mike Breslin from Landing Point with a few tips on resigning from a job. That can be a really tough conversation, so here’s a couple pointers on how to make it a little bit easier.
Number one, try to give at least two weeks notice. The new job might want you to start sooner, but it really is professional to give your current employer at least two weeks of lead time before you leave.
Number two, try to make sure any conversations you have on exit interviews or to your current boss are very professional. I would stay away from anything personal about your coworkers or other managers. You don’t want anyone to talk about that stuff after you’re gone, and the best way to avoid that is to keep everything you’re talking about at a very professional level.
Number three, sometimes it can be really tempting to take your foot off the gas pedal those last two weeks. Try to make sure that the quality of your work stays very high. You don’t want the last impression of your current employer to be “that’s the person that was sleeping under their desk, like George Costanza.” Keep the level of quality high.
Your coworkers will appreciate it, your current manager will appreciate it, and you never know when you’re going to run into these people again in your professional life.
About Michael Breslin
Michael J. Breslin is a Co-Founder of Landing Point and leads the firm’s Boston office. With more than two decades of experience in executive search and finance leadership recruiting, he specializes in connecting accounting and finance professionals with opportunities in asset management, private equity, hedge funds, and family offices.
Michael’s work spans CFO, controller, and finance operations roles for mid-market and institutional investment firms throughout the Boston and Tri-State areas. Notable searches include the Global Controller for a multi-strategy investment platform and finance leaders for emerging private investment firms.
Before founding Landing Point, Michael spent over a decade recruiting and three years with KPMG—an experience that provides the technical grounding and advisor credibility that clients trust. He holds a BA in Accounting from Fordham University, where he competed on the Division I swimming team. A Boston-based golfer, drummer, and youth soccer coach, Michael brings team focus and precision to every engagement.