---
title: How to hand in your notice - Ten2Two Recruitment
description: Handing in your notice can be tricky. Here we share our top tips to make it as positive an experience as possible for both you and your employer.
image: https://www.ten2two.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/new-direction.jpg
---

[![logo](https://www.ten2two.org/hubfs/Ten2two_2023/Images/General/logo.svg)](https://www.ten2two.org/)

- [Why Us](https://www.ten2two.org/why-us) 
    - [Our Team](https://www.ten2two.org/why-us#team)
    - [Our Story](https://www.ten2two.org/why-us#story)
    - [B-Corp](https://www.ten2two.org/a-commitment-to-purpose-beyond-profit)
- [Employers](https://www.ten2two.org/employers) 
    - [Flexible Options](https://www.ten2two.org/flexible-options)
    - [Business leaders](https://www.ten2two.org/employers/perfect-partner-for-business-leaders)
    - [HR Teams](https://www.ten2two.org/employers/complementary-fit-for-hr-teams)
    - [Process & Fees](https://www.ten2two.org/employers/spec-interview-appoint)
    - [Client Charter](https://www.ten2two.org/employers/complementary-fit-for-hr-teams#client)
    - [Other Services](https://www.ten2two.org/employers/flexibility-advisory-consulting)
- [Candidates](https://www.ten2two.org/candidates) 
    - [Jobs](https://www.ten2two.org/jobs)
    - [Register](https://jobs.ten2two.org/registration.aspx)
    - [Flexible Options](https://www.ten2two.org/flexible-options#flexible-formats)
    - [Career Support](https://www.ten2two.org/products)
- [Testimonials](https://www.ten2two.org#story) 
    - [Candidate](https://www.ten2two.org/testimonial/candidates)
    - [Employers](https://www.ten2two.org/testimonial/employers)
- [Career Support](https://www.ten2two.org/products) 
    - [CV Support](https://www.ten2two.org/cv-support)
    - [Interview Practice & Coaching](https://www.ten2two.org/interview-support)
    - [1:1 Career Support](https://www.ten2two.org/career-support-ten2two)
    - [1:1 Student Support](https://www.ten2two.org/student-support)
- [Resources](https://www.ten2two.org/resources) 
    - [Candidate blog](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/tag/candidates#tags)
    - [Employer blog](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/tag/employers#tags)
    - [Webinars](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/tag/webinars#tags)
    - [Podcasts](https://www.ten2two.org/podcast)
    - [Briefs](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/tag/briefs#tags)
- [Contact Us](https://www.ten2two.org/contact)

- [Why Us](https://www.ten2two.org/why-us) 
    - [Our Team](https://www.ten2two.org/why-us#team)
    - [Our Story](https://www.ten2two.org/why-us#story)
    - [B-Corp](https://www.ten2two.org/a-commitment-to-purpose-beyond-profit)
- [Employers](https://www.ten2two.org/employers) 
    - [Flexible Options](https://www.ten2two.org/flexible-options)
    - [Business leaders](https://www.ten2two.org/employers/perfect-partner-for-business-leaders)
    - [HR Teams](https://www.ten2two.org/employers/complementary-fit-for-hr-teams)
    - [Process & Fees](https://www.ten2two.org/employers/spec-interview-appoint)
    - [Client Charter](https://www.ten2two.org/employers/complementary-fit-for-hr-teams#client)
    - [Other Services](https://www.ten2two.org/employers/flexibility-advisory-consulting)
- [Candidates](https://www.ten2two.org/candidates) 
    - [Jobs](https://www.ten2two.org/jobs)
    - [Register](https://jobs.ten2two.org/registration.aspx)
    - [Flexible Options](https://www.ten2two.org/flexible-options#flexible-formats)
    - [Career Support](https://www.ten2two.org/products)
- [Testimonials](https://www.ten2two.org#story) 
    - [Candidate](https://www.ten2two.org/testimonial/candidates)
    - [Employers](https://www.ten2two.org/testimonial/employers)
- [Career Support](https://www.ten2two.org/products) 
    - [CV Support](https://www.ten2two.org/cv-support)
    - [Interview Practice & Coaching](https://www.ten2two.org/interview-support)
    - [1:1 Career Support](https://www.ten2two.org/career-support-ten2two)
    - [1:1 Student Support](https://www.ten2two.org/student-support)
- [Resources](https://www.ten2two.org/resources) 
    - [Candidate blog](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/tag/candidates#tags)
    - [Employer blog](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/tag/employers#tags)
    - [Webinars](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/tag/webinars#tags)
    - [Podcasts](https://www.ten2two.org/podcast)
    - [Briefs](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/tag/briefs#tags)
- [Contact Us](https://www.ten2two.org/contact)

[Register](https://jobs.ten2two.org/members.aspx)

[Sign in](https://jobs.ten2two.org/registration.aspx)

![Search](https://www.ten2two.org/hubfs/25625369/Ten2two_2023/Images/General/search.png)

[Sign in](https://jobs.ten2two.org/registration.aspx)

[Register](https://jobs.ten2two.org/members.aspx)

×

[![](https://www.ten2two.org/hubfs/Ten2two_2023/Images/Blog/left.svg) Back to resources](https://www.ten2two.org/resources)

# How to Hand in Your Notice: Leave Well, Move Forward

Resigning from a job can feel daunting—part excitement, part nerves. But a thoughtful, professional approach will protect relationships and set you up for the future. Here’s how to make your exit smooth and positive.

1. **Be Sure of Your Decision**

Before you speak to anyone, decide whether you’re truly ready. If a counter-offer—more money, a new title—would sway you, think twice. Clarity now prevents awkward backtracking later.

1. **Keep It Confidential (for Now)**

Share the news with your manager first, not the office grapevine. Hearing it elsewhere can sour the conversation and your reputation.

1. **Write a Polished Resignation Letter**

Even in today’s digital world, a formal letter matters. Keep it short and professional: thank your employer, state your final working day, and, if you like, a brief positive reason such as “to explore a new opportunity”.

1. **Choose the Right Moment**

Request a short meeting at a mutually convenient time. Avoid Monday mornings, Friday afternoons or straight after a tough company announcement. Privacy and calm help everyone.

1. **Stay Gracious**

However tempting it is to vent, resist. Speak respectfully, even if the role wasn’t perfect. Remember: references and networks last far longer than the job itself.

1. **Know Your Notice Period**

Check your contract for notice length, garden leave clauses or non-compete restrictions. Understanding these upfront helps you plan your start date with your next employer.

1. **Leave a Great Final Impression**

Work your notice with the same professionalism you showed on day one. Finish projects, create clear handover notes and introduce clients to colleagues where needed. Small touches—like updating contact lists—are remembered.

1. **Part on Good Terms**

Say goodbye in person or on a call, not just email. Connect on LinkedIn and stay in touch. Industries are small; today’s colleague may be tomorrow’s client or recommender.

**Ready for your next step?**  
If you’re moving on without a new role lined up, explore our latest flexible and part-time opportunities at [Ten2Two Jobs](https://jobs.ten2two.org/vacancies/vacancy-search-results.aspx).

Leave well, and your next chapter starts stronger.

 

 

![](https://www.ten2two.org/hubfs/Ten2two_2023/Images/Blog/date.svg) 2 min read

Category: [Candidates](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/tag/candidates)

September 30, 2025

Share

- <http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://www.ten2two.org/resources/how-to-hand-in-your-notice-ten2two-recruitment>
- <https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.ten2two.org/resources/how-to-hand-in-your-notice-ten2two-recruitment>
- <http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.ten2two.org/resources/how-to-hand-in-your-notice-ten2two-recruitment>

## More resources like this

[![](https://www.ten2two.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Over-Qualified-.png?width=352&name=Over-Qualified-.png)](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/should-i-hire-overqualified-staff-or-under-qualified)

##### [Should I hire overqualified staff or under qualified?!](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/should-i-hire-overqualified-staff-or-under-qualified)

### **Should I hire overqualified staff or under qualified?!**

**When you’re faced with lots of job...**

[Employers](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/tag/employers)

 3 mins

[![](https://www.ten2two.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Is-flexible-working-a-trap_-v2.png?width=352&name=Is-flexible-working-a-trap_-v2.png)](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/flexible-working-trap)

##### [Is flexible working a trap?](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/flexible-working-trap)

#### We often hear that professionals who require flexible working to do their jobs find their career...

[Candidates](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/tag/candidates)

 6 mins

[![](https://www.ten2two.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Managing-your-summer-annual-leave.png?width=352&name=Managing-your-summer-annual-leave.png)](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/top-5-ways-to-manage-an-annual-leave-request)

##### [Top 5 ways to manage an annual leave request](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/top-5-ways-to-manage-an-annual-leave-request)

**Many employers are inundated with annual leave and holiday requests over the summer. After all, the...**

[Employers](https://www.ten2two.org/resources/tag/employers)

 4 mins

[GET HIRING INSIGHTS](https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/16ZGxLIgQTyuQsJ5YWcz6JAf98nt)

[JOIN OUR CANDIDATE COMMUNITY](https://jobs.ten2two.org/registration.aspx)

Employers Email: [jane@ten2two.org](mailto:jane@ten2two.org)   
Candidate Email: [ruth@ten2two.org](mailto:ruth@ten2two.org)

[![B-Corp-Logo-Black-RGB](https://www.ten2two.org/hs-fs/hubfs/B-Corp-Logo-Black-RGB.png?width=70&height=118&name=B-Corp-Logo-Black-RGB.png)](https://www.ten2two.org/)

- <https://twitter.com/Ten2Two>
- <https://www.linkedin.com/company/ten2two>
- <https://www.facebook.com/Ten2TwoHQ>
- <https://www.instagram.com/ten2two_/>
- <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9aanIFRgT7p9OF97G_HL0w?reload=9>

 © 2023 Ten2Two, Ten2Two Limited 04479980

- [Cookie Policy](https://www.ten2two.org/cookie-policy)
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.ten2two.org/privacy-policy)
- [Terms of Use](https://www.ten2two.org/terms-and-conditions-for-use-of-website)

![CorporateMember-dark](https://www.ten2two.org/hs-fs/hubfs/CorporateMember-dark.png?width=670&height=191&name=CorporateMember-dark.png)

![BBA\_BetterBusinessAct\_Logo\_Dark](https://www.ten2two.org/hs-fs/hubfs/BBA_BetterBusinessAct_Logo_Dark.png?width=379&height=191&name=BBA_BetterBusinessAct_Logo_Dark.png)

![Living wage no background](https://www.ten2two.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Living%20wage%20no%20background.png?width=242&height=191&name=Living%20wage%20no%20background.png)

Registered Office: Berkhamsted House, 121 High St, Berkhamsted, Herts, HP4 2DJ.

Tel: 01442 503727

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "deborah o'sullivan",
    "url" : "https://www.ten2two.org/resources/author/deborah-osullivan"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2025-09-30T13:38:39.499Z",
  "datePublished" : "2025-09-30T13:38:39.000Z",
  "headline" : "How to hand in your notice - Ten2Two Recruitment",
  "image" : [ "https://www.ten2two.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/new-direction.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://www.ten2two.org/resources/how-to-hand-in-your-notice-ten2two-recruitment",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://www.ten2two.org/hubfs/logo%20small%20fwp.png"
    },
    "name" : "Ten2Two"
  }
}
```