Please use the following recommendations as appropriate once you've made the decision to move on to another opportunity:

1. Compose your resignation letter. A handwritten resignation letter shows a lack of formality as well as a lack of commitment to your decision...So please type it.
2. Meet with your boss or direct supervisor face-to-face. Telephone resignations are inappropriate, as are letters left on a boss's desk or mailed to his/her attention. "Do you have a minute" is more effective than a pre-set appointment.
3. Personally deliver your resignation letter to your boss in a sealed envelope. It is advisable to mark the envelope with his/her name as well as "Personal" or "Confidential".
4. Verbally state the following: "(Name), I have accepted another position and will be leaving (Organization Name), effective (Date). Thank you for your support and your contribution to my professional development. I hope I can do everything possible during the next (time frame before leaving) to make the transition a smooth one."
5. The boss may try to engage you in a conversation about the nature of the new job--or to bring up a counter-offer. Pre-empt the comments by saying: "(Name), I respect our relationship and I know that my resignation may come as a surprise. However, I would appreciate it if you would not try to make this process any more difficult than it has to be"
6. Maintain your dignity and professionalism no matter what the boss says.
7. Keep the meeting short--Ten minutes. Do not think that engaging your boss with dialogue or debate will get you special treatment. It will not. It will only slow your exit out-the-door. AND THAT IS YOUR GOAL! To get out of his/her door.