How to Write a Resignation Letter

Resign from a job and you run the risk of alienating your current employer, burning bridges and losing valuable contacts. Write a resignation letter as a gesture of goodwill, respect and with the realization that future employers will check your employment history; resignation letters are a big part of that.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. State, at the beginning of the letter, that you are leaving. Make this simple and straightforward, leaving no room for interpretation.

2. Create your letter by keeping it brief, succinct and full of the pertinent information your employer will need to assist you in moving on. Include your title and proposed last day of work.

3. Exclude a reason for leaving. While being respectful, you are under no obligation to give any more information than necessary to your soon-to-be-former employer.

4. Thank your employer regardless of the reason you are leaving your position, for the time you were employed and the opportunities you were given while in their employ.

5. Forgo the temptation to criticize your boss, co-workers, the company or any subordinates. Write a resignation letter with the realization that the readily acceptable paper trail you leave behind is as powerful as a letter of recommendation from a past employer.

6. Include in the header of you resignation letter your personal information. Write your name, address, phone and email. This should resemble the header of your resume. Also in the header, under the date, include the name of your supervisor, his title, the name of the organization you work for and that business' address.

Tips & Warnings

• Address your supervisor with a Mr. or Ms. or other appropriate title.
• At the end of the letter offer to help ease your employers transition in any way you can.
• Remember to sign you letter and turn it in to your supervisor.

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