Dear candidate, 

first of all, really go with what you feel is best. 

- I advice that whomever you tell first, you also take the resignation letter with you: unless you see no risk, but it is generally a good thing to be the first to resign instead of leaving some time and then being asked to go-probably there is no risk in your case, so ignore if not relevant, but for smaller firms it might be relevant

- In the letter itself for legal reasons, ideally mention no reason whatsoever, simply state you are resigning, in person of course you can state other reasons

- Check that you do not have a non-compete before you disclose your plans, just in case - usually it is no issue at all, many leave from one consulting firm to the next, after all it is our profession, but it is worth being on the safe side.

All the best for your new role

Charlotte

Hi there,

We're at a bit of a legal liability if we advise here without knowing your exact situation.

In some circumstances you need to be extremely careful at the cost of being socially “better” to them. In others, you need to make it personal and have a full conversation as they're good people that have treated you well so to speak.

There are firms I have left where I grabbed lunch with my boss and told him that way. Other times I have simply written a short email “I have accepted an offer at another firm but will ensure that all of my work it fully handed over. I appreciate the opportunity you have given me”. I've had huge going away parties at some and left quietly at others.

It well and truly depends on your situation, your relationship with them, and how you think they'll react! Ideally, you burn as few bridges as possible while also protecting yourself from backlash.

Hi there,

Congratulations on the BCG offer. 

Here are my suggestions:

1. Have a meeting (or if not possible, call/videocall) instead of sending an email
2. Talk first with your manager/partner – prepare them mentioning you would like to discuss something important related to your career
3. Talk then with HR
4. After having talked with both, send an email to HR including your resignation letter, restating the key points

Hope this helps,

Francesco

If you have a supervisor / mentor / counsellor, that should be the first one you inform. If not, the partner on your project.

You inform them in person. Have the resignation letter already prepared, and keep it to the point and professional ("that you are sorry to inform them that you decided to leave the company and join another firm, and thank them for the opportunity"). 

Send it AFTER you told the people you have to inform. Please understand, you don't limit the “emotional” damage through the resignation letter. You do it though human interaction.

The style and approach can vary by country and culture. In my view, mention this to HR or your line manager first over phone/video call/in-person, whichever works. Thank them and explain your situation. Be nice and empathetic. Agree next steps, resignation process , exit formalities etc. Then follow up with an email to formalise this.