Say less about the new job than you think
“I've accepted a new opportunity” is all you owe. You don't need to name the company, the salary, or why it's better — and over-explaining can invite awkward counteroffer conversations or comparisons. Lead with gratitude for what you learned, state your last day, and offer to help transition. The restraint reads as professionalism.
Protect the reference and the bridge
This employer may be a reference for years, and industries are smaller than they look. Give full notice if you can (two weeks is standard), document your open work, and offer to train your replacement. Resist any urge to coast through your final weeks — how you leave is what people remember. Keep a dated copy of the letter and confirm your final pay date.
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Create My Letter — $9Common questions
Should I say where I'm going?
No, unless you want to. “I've accepted a new role” is a complete and professional explanation; naming the employer is optional and sometimes better left out.
What if they make a counteroffer?
That's your call, but decide your boundaries before you resign. Many people who accept counteroffers leave within a year anyway, so weigh why you were looking in the first place.
How do I keep my manager as a reference?
Give proper notice, finish strong, and thank them sincerely in the letter. A clean exit is the single biggest factor in a warm future reference.
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WriteMyNotice.com is a self-help document preparation service, not a law firm, and this page is general information, not legal advice. Employment situations vary, and your offer letter, employment contract, or company handbook may set specific notice terms — always check yours. For significant matters, such as a contract dispute or an unsafe workplace, consult a licensed employment attorney in your state.