How do I tell my boss I'm quitting?

Are you writing a letter or speaking in person?

This is to inform you that I hereby resign from my position of *********. My last day of work will be Friday, March XX, 2009.

I want to thank everyone for the opportunity.

Sincerely,

And best to hand it to him in a face-to-face. Don’t slip it under his door.

Verbally you’ll tell him you were offered a position at XXX that pays significantly more then here and you need the increase.

EDIT: And verbally you’ll also ask “I TRUST I CAN CALL UPON YOU FOR A REFERENCE SOMEDAY?”

Hey boss, someone is giving me more money.
That is what I was deserving by the way. Surely you’ll understand. If you don’t, well that’s business.
Bye!

I’m going to tell him face to face

Dude, you WILL need it in writing regardless if you tell him face to face.

I have done it in person more than once by scheduling an appointment and then saying words to this effect: “I’m here to give you my notice. I’ll be leaving in two weeks to take another position. My last day will be—-, and I’ll tidy up all the loose ends by then.”

Some conversation followed, with Q&A. including who to hand things off to. I ended by extending my hand and thanking them for the support they’d given me (put it that way: the support you’ve given me), without mentioning whether it was a lot or pathetically little. I made sure our parting was amicable.

(And yes, I did have a letter in hand, just the simple, bare facts, without mentioning where I was going or any details of my new position.)

It’s important to get in writing the last day you will work. I know of MANY conflicts between boss and employee over a miscommunication about the employee’s last day. The written document will also PROVE how much notice you gave since it’s dated.

Now some places have resignation forms. That’s OK, too. But I advise you to make sure your last day is in writing somewhere.

I’ve always preferred two weeks notice, as in,

“Have you noticed I haven’t been here for two weeks?

Did you hate him or love him? (or her)

If you liked him, say something like, “Mr. Devine, I’ve found another job. I think you’re an excellent boss and I’ve enjoyed working here, but it’s time I move on. I’d like to put in my two week notice, which is negotiable if you’d like.”

If you hate him, say something like, “Mr. Cockbutts, I’m leaving. Right now. You always have food chunks in your goatee and your office smells like toothpaste and sausage. I hope you can figure out the catering menus and audio/visual by yourself because I’m outta here. Please treat your next assistant with more respect, you inappropriate racist sexist asshole.”

Also don’t be offended if they ask you to leave immediately and just take the 2 weeks pay. That used to be what I did. I found that if someone didn’t want to be there any more, they could be more of a distraction. The day after one of my staff members resigned, I would sit down with them and see what was going on with their work. When I have a handle on it, we get a going away cake and after the party I paid out their time and tell them to take some time off before they start their new job.

That’s a possibility. ESPECIALLY when the company fears that the person has the potential to really screw up its computer databases if they wanted.

Nah he’s a great boss and I like the company but I have a better opportunity

In person. Explain your circumstances. Say WHY you want to quit. The best way is to tell him straight out, he should not go “bizerk”. If he is professional, he will take it seriously. Don’t forget to tell him you like your job currently, and that it helped you out. Mention that you appreciated doing business with him, and just…HEAD OFF!

definitely write a letter of resignation
definitely meet with your boss as others have said, and tell him what’s up

but beforehand check local and state laws as well as any applicable company policies. In some cases, the moment you give your notice you can be asked not to come back. So if you’re in a financial position where not having a job for a couple of weeks would suck (most of us, I think) make sure you weigh the timing of when you give your final notice carefully.

tell him you’re quitting tomorrow. then tell him “april fools! just kidding!” then really not show up the next day.

Use this website to tell the boss

http://stewdio.org/iquit/

In California if someone gives notice and you don’t pay out the notice it is seen as a dismissal and grounds for a UI claim. Better to pay off and end on a happy note.

Mr_M has a great point about getting your resignation in writing. Even if you write out the letter and then just give it to him after telling him in person.

Just be honest, people like that.
Many bosses don’t expect people to stick around forever.
Let him know how great it was to work for him and that you hope to come back and visit soon.

@ninjacolin – lol

Write a letter of resignation. Thank the employer for the experience you’ve gained while working there. Give it to him/her in person. It’s natural to move on from jobs, even though it can feel awkward telling your boss. Honesty is best