How to Prepare Resignation Letters

One of the most important elements of seeking a new opportunity is the manner in which you resign from your previous one. Even if you despise your boss or loathe the work environment, burning bridges may haunt you in the future. Therefore, it's imperative to depart on good terms, as you may be required to use the company for a reference with future employers or even decide to return to work for the organization in the future. A well-written Letter of Resignation serves as a concrete reminder of your professionalism. Leaving a positive impression will only contribute to your success in the labor market.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Prepare a basic outline which will simplify the process and result in a professional document retained in your personnel file. The letter should include four basic elements: date of your departure, explanation for your resignation (optional), disclosure of the positives that your position brought to the company and yourself, and a polite and professional tone.

2. Begin setting a professional tone and making an impression in the introduction portion of the letter. State that you are departing and provide an effective date for your resignation. Provide a buffer before giving information that may appear negative news to the reader. The reason for your resignation, whether it be for another position, possible relocation or something else, can be provided in the introduction of this letter if necessary. Even if you're unhappy with your employer, resist temptation to be disrespectful. Stay professional and courteous as much as it may bother you. Omitting any emotional feelings is necessary when crafting a letter of resignation.

3. Disclose the positives of working for the company as it relates to your skill base. By providing gratitude for the experience and detailing your acquired skills while in your position, you are paving your way toward the future and getting one step closer to the chance of receiving a positive recommendation from the employer. For example: "I am very grateful for being provided the opportunity to work for [company name]. The experience and training I received while employed with your organization have proven themselves invaluable. " The body is also where you can detail the positive aspects of the job, work environment and colleagues. For example: "I am very grateful for being provided the opportunity to work for [company name]. The experience and training I received while employed with your organization have proven themselves invaluable and will impact my success in the future. During my time with [company name], I enjoyed working in conjunction with this dynamic team. I'm grateful for being able to make contributions and learned a great deal from my supervisor (s) and colleagues."If you're leaving due to your boss or co-workers, don't provide a record of that on paper. It may come back to harm your employment opportunities in the future. Simply don't include statements regarding the company in your letter of resignation.

4. Offer your best wishes to the company in the conclusion portion of a letter of resignation. Also, it's important to provide your services to assist with the transition period of your resignation. For example: "I wish you and [company name] success in all future endeavors. If there is anything I can assist with during this transition period, please do not hesitate to ask."

5. End your letter with a formal farewell such as "Best Regards" or "Sincerely." Be sure to provide your signature in ink and retain a copy for your own records.

6. The final product of a Letter of Recommendation should look something like this:DateJane DoeABC Corporation123 Mockingbird LaneMockingbird, FL 55555Dear Ms. Jane Doe:It has been a great pleasure to work in the capacity of Office Administrator at ABC Corporation for the last two years. The purpose of this letter is to inform you of my resignation as I will be relocating at the end of the month to New Mexico. My last day of employment with ABC Corporation will be September 10, 2008. The experience and training I received while employed with your organization have proven themselves invaluable and will impact my success in the future. During my time with ABC Corporation, I enjoyed working in conjunction with the dynamic team of professionals. I'm grateful for being able to make contributions and learned a great deal from my supervisor (s) and colleagues.I wish you and ABC Organization success in all future endeavors. If there is anything I can assist with during this transition period, please do not hesitate to ask.Sincerely,Mary Doe

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to review your contractual agreement (if necessary) to determine the amount of notice you should provide to your employer.

• Proofread your resignation letter before turning into your employer.

• Seal your letter in an envelope and deliver personally to the appropriate supervisor.

• Be prepared to have a discussion with your resignation and keep your communication professional.

• Be prepared to leave immediately after tending your resignation-some employers will not hold you to your final 2 weeks.

• Refrain from disclosing where you will be working next and do not provide your future boss' name.

• Never print your letter on company letterhead.

• Do not send your resignation letter via email.

• Refrain from providing negative information about the job, company, staff and supervisor.

• Never tell your co-workers you are resigning before notifying your supervisor first.