How to Write a Resignation Letter

Sometimes, the best career move is moving from your current job. When resignation is the next step in your career ladder, there is a professional way to handle the situation – a letter of resignation.

However, there’s more to it than just writing “I quit” on a sticky note and leaving it on your boss’s desk. In fact, how you leave your job can have as much of an impact on your career as how you interview for the position.

There are typical resignation protocols that help prevent you from burning bridges on your way out. After all, you never know how your path with your former bosses and colleagues may intersect in the future.

For example, you may need a letter of recommendation from one of your former supervisors, and you may end up working with them again at a different company. So how can you ensure that you resign on favorable terms?

Quit with etiquette

To keep your positive image intact during and after your resignation, follow proper job resignation etiquette. Etiquette is more than a set of traditional rules for a particular situation or just good manners. Etiquette means behaving in a courteous and respectful manner with others; In this case, your boss and your company.

Although some companies or industries may have slightly different expectations, there is a widely accepted “right way” to leave a job.

The following are generally accepted steps to take when resigning:

1. Give proper notice in advance

The amount of notice can vary depending on a number of factors including whether you have previously agreed to a specific notice period with your employer, when you need to start your next job, what is common practice in your industry, role, or management level . If you don’t have a fixed notice period, two weeks is generally considered an appropriate amount of time to wrap up unfinished matters and help with the transition.

Even if you provide a notice period, be prepared if your employer asks you to leave immediately rather than letting you prepare your notice.

2. Resign in person

Although a letter of resignation is standard when leaving a job, you should also try to speak with your supervisor in person to announce your resignation, if possible. And don’t just break the news on them as you pass each other in the hallway.

Schedule a time to meet together in private so you can have a conversation away from other people’s eyes and ears. Doing so allows your boss to control how the news of your resignation is announced to the rest of the company.

If you work remotely, resigning in person may not be possible. A video call or phone call with your supervisor is an acceptable alternative.

3. Be positive and professional

During your conversation with your boss — and in your resignation letter — staying positive and professional is essential. Staying positive can be a challenge if you’ve had a negative experience at your job or if your manager is upset by the news of your resignation.

Try to keep your conversation short and to the point. State that you are resigning and when will be your last day.

If your boss asks you why you quit, avoid saying anything negative about your job, your colleagues, or the company — even if the bad things are real. Instead, provide vague reasons, such as:

Before leaving the meeting, hand-deliver your resignation letter. If you’re talking to your boss remotely, send your message after the conversation.

4. Writing and delivering a letter of resignation

A resignation letter is the generally accepted and professional way to notify an employer of your departure. . Keep the message simple and to the point. You don’t need to explain your reasons for leaving, but if you do, make sure you are positive in the way you present yourself. Keep in mind that you may need colleagues for future contacts and may need your employer to provide you with a reference. So, don’t burn your bridges. The method of delivery of the letter should be either in person or through the mail. However, you can also attach the letter to an email sent to the appropriate person in your HR department (copy your manager).

When writing your letter, be sure to include the following:

• correct address with

• The date of your last day

• Thank you for the opportunities and experience you have gained

• A guarantee that you will do everything in your power to ensure a smooth transition

Be sure to use the appropriate resignation letter format. See a sample resignation letter to get started.

Resignation letter example

[Your name][Your address][Your city, state, zip code][Your phone number][Your e-mail]

[Date]

[Name of recipient][Job Title][Organization][Address][City, State, Zip Code]

my dear [name of recipient],

Please accept this letter as notice of my resignation from my position as an employee [your job title] with [name of company]. It will be my last day [date].

I value the opportunities for professional and personal development that I have gained while working at [name of company]And I want to thank you for your support and guidance.

Please let me know how I can help with any transition issues.

I hope [name of company] continued success for the future.

sincerely,

______

[your name]

______

[your signature]

By Jessica L Mendez.

please note: The article in this blog post is provided for informational purposes only It may address or may be appropriate to your specific situation and therefore should not be used as a substitute for legal, human resources or other professional advice.