How to Write a Sample of a Good Resignation Letter

Need to write a professional resignation letter? Read on to find out how to write a letter of resignation and see a sample resignation letter.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Get a piece of paper and a pencil. The letter should be sent to your supervisor and his or her supervisor as well. This will ensure that everyone gets the word.

2. The salutation of a standard resignation letter is usually Dear Mr. Brown or Dear Ms. Bell with a comma after the salutation.

3. Next, you want to announce that you regretably have to resign from your position. Even if you aren't unhappy to leave, you should try to express this because this person may likely end up being one of your references at some future time in your career. So, you can put the following: It is with regret that I have to tender my resignation of the position of (name your position) at this time. I would like to thank you for the opportunity to work with you and (name of company). I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and I know the skills I have acquired will serve me well in the future.

4. Start a new paragraph to say, if you like, what your plans are (this is optional as it really is only your own business). Anyway, an example would be : 'I have accepted a position with (ABC Corporation) as an (Accountant)and will be starting my new duties on (date). My last day of work will therefore be (put in your last day of work).' Be sure to give your employer at least 2 weeks notice as this is customary. You can give up to a month notice, if you like.

5. Next paragraph should be about how helpful you will be in the remaining time on the job. So, say something like: 'I will be happy to assist in any way to make this a smooth transition. Please let me know if there is anything I can do with regard to this.' You can also say, depending on your position, that you 'will make a list of my current projects and their status for your convenience.'

6. For the closing paragraph, you can say something such as 'Again, thank you for the opportunity to work with you. Although I will truly miss the people here, I feel this change is the right decision for me at this time.

7. End the letter with : Sincerely, and then your name. The letter should be typed and on company letterhead if possible. A copy of this letter will likely go into your personnel file so if you ever need to return to this company you will have left a good parting impression.

Tips & Warnings

• Use company letterhead - don't hand in a handwritten letter.
• Don't say anything bad about the company or any employees - no matter how tempting it may be. You should never 'burn bridges' in your career. You could run into these people in your industry at another company, conferences, etc. You may also have to return to this company at some time in the future (you never know what may happen).