How to Submit a Letter of Resignation

Sometimes you just need to resign from your job, and there is an appropriate way to do it. Here's how to write a professional letter of resignation as well as how to behave after turning in the letter.

Instructions

1. Leaving a job can be exciting and heartbreaking for some yet for others, it is what they have always waited for. A letter of resignation is important because it reveals your professionalism within a company. If you are leaving soon, you will need to write a letter informing your employer that you are resigning. You don’t have to reveal why unless they ask. Even then, you can be tactful while letting them know why you are making the change. When you decide to make this change do not brag or gloat to others as this may not make you seem like a team player, nor would you be looked at as a valued employee.

2. Use standard white paper and a business appropriate font such as Times New Roman. Never type a letter of resignation on colored paper. Start by typing the date, your name and an "attention to" line. You could use double or single spaces. The first paragraph should include how much you enjoyed working for the organization, even if you did not. No employer wants to hear a person badmouth their organization. Remember to always remain professional at all times. The letter should also entail an exact date that you will no longer be working for the organization. The date that you provide in the letter should be the date that you should work up to--not a day less.

3. Always remember not to burn bridges that you may have to cross later. Do not assume that you will never need the organization or any of it leaders in it. One day you may be surprised to know that the ones you worked with before may be over you in a supervisory position later in life. The second paragraph should be used to thank those that have helped you in the organization regardless of whether you like the individual personally or not. Show the employer that you will truly miss everyone in it and that you appreciate the job opportunity that you had.

4. You should finish the letter of resignation by typing a closing salutation. You can say thank you if that is how you feel or simply wish them the best of luck. Sign your name in ink after printing the letter. Once you have given the letter to your supervisor, be aware that you may be given an offer to stay. If you still decline, be sure to decline tactfully. Keep in mind that once you submit the letter, the resignation is official.

5. Be aware that once you turn in your letter of resignation, you are still an employee of the organization that has to abide by company policy. Just because you have turned in your letter doesn’t mean that you are free to do what you please. Do not take extended lunches and breaks. Remain professional and compliant with the organization’s rules and policies.