You’ve finally got a better job offer from another company-which means better opportunities, and all that’s missing is filing a resignation. The following is a rundown of resigning do’s and other tips on resigning with etiquette.
Do speak with your boss or immediate supervisor before resigning. This is ethical, plus will make them realize that you are honest and concerned about the company up to the last minute. Making your resignation come up as a surprise to them is also not good, because the company might not have ample time to find a replacement.
Do file a written resignation letter. Although resigning orally is acceptable for some firms, a detailed, written letter of resignation is more formal and is standard. Do keep the tone of the letter positive too. Even if you are leaving the company due to negative circumstances, those shouldn’t be included in the letter. If this is inevitable, then pick your words carefully and keep the letter as brief as possible.
Do make a list of your tasks and responsibilities before leaving. This list will be helpful and will serve as a guide to the one who will be taking over your position. Your boss will also appreciate this because this will mean less training efforts from their end.
Do thank the company and the bosses before leaving. More often than not, employees forget the contributions the company made to them, either financially or personally. The bosses will also appreciate your gratitude, and they will also give you a good reference.
Resigning is not that hard to do, but writing the letter will make leaving your job official and will ultimately say a lot about your etiquette. Here are some of the essentials that are needed to write a professional resignation letter and exit gracefully from your job.
First and foremost, decide on the tone of your resignation letter. Decide if you want it to be straightforward, concise, and most of all focused and factual. State the real reason why you are quitting your job, as well as how long you are staying in the company. State if you are willing to extend your resignation, and more importantly, if your resignation is final and irrevocable.
To make your letter more optimistic, mention your achievements in the letter as well. State that these achievements helped mold your career and that you take pride in these milestones. Consider this as the last positive impression that your company will remember about you.
When ending your letter, thank your employer for the opportunities the company offered you during the duration of your employment. Don’t forget to include your handwritten signature at the bottom of your letter.
Lastly, be prepared for mixed reactions, especially from your immediate superior. Before even filing your resignation, you should also consider their reactions, if you are willing to take up on their counter-offers, etc. If they didn’t see your resignation coming, they might also be surprised and might take it personally. Whatever their reaction is, try to stay positive, firm and calm throughout the whole process.
Burnout, stress, change of career path or simply getting bored at work- these are just some of the most popular reasons why employees decide to quit their jobs. After putting much thought into your resigning from your job, here are other details that you need to take note of for before you exit from your company.
There is absolutely no need for you to feel guilty after resigning from your job, or be afraid that your boss might hate you for your decision. Before even sending that resignation letter, you should be firm with your decision and understand that it happens often to employees all the time.
If a counteroffer comes up, make sure to review the offer before accepting it. To help you make a choice, think of the genuine reason why you are leaving. Counteroffers are attractive, because they are meant to flatter employees and prevent them from leaving, but there are also some cons that might affect you in the future. The counteroffer might also be just a way to make you stay for a while, but in the event that the company experiences budget constraints, you might be one of the first few people to be laid off.
Review the book of rules and regulations set by the company to make sure that you are not violating any rules pre-resignation. The handbook might also state how much time is really needed for you to pass on duties and responsibilities, as well as how much longer you need to stay with your current company.
There is no step-by-step guide on how to resign from your work These steps give you pointers on how to handle things just before leaving the office for good.
Make sure to clean your desk and get rid of old personal files. Bring with you the official documents you might need for your next employment, but throw away other unnecessary stuff. Clean up old files on your office computer too. Backup the files you need incase the technical team wants to reformat your computer.
Leave the office mobile phone and other benefits that you have as an employee. These may include keys to the office, your identification card (ID), or keys to the company car (if any). Make a list of important passwords for your email, in case they need to open it for work-related matters. Send email blasts to your clients and contacts saying that you will no longer be using the office email address.
During your exit interview, focus on the good things that the company contributed to you. At the same time, be honest. The interviewer may ask you a couple of questions on the reason why you resigned from your company. Don’t divert the question, instead, answer truthfully. The information you share is confidential anyway, so you don’t have to worry about it.
Lastly, make sure to jot down the numbers of your colleagues and friends you’ve made throughout the duration of your stay. This will help you keep in touch with them even if you’ve resigned and don’t work there anymore.
The Date
Employer’s Name
Name of Company
The address of the company
Dear Mr. or Ms. or employer’s name
I regret to inform you that due to my poor health that I am resigning from my job (job title goes here) and will no longer be able to continue to perform my duties at (Company Name.)
I am uncertain if you are aware that I have been ill for quite awhile. I have been advised by my doctor that I am no longer well enough to continue working, so after careful consideration I reached the decision that my resignation is the best conclusion for myself and for the company and will be effective (number of weeks here).
During this time I will make myself available to provide my assistance to any new personnel, and I will do everything that I can to make this transition go as smoothly as possible.
Enclosed is a letter from my doctor explaining my medical condition.
My time with (company name here) has been pleasant, and I thank you for hiring me for (name of job position here). I am deeply sorry for leaving the company under these circumstances.
I wish you much success with the company.
Sincerely,
Your name here (typed)
Your signature here
There are a few basic but important things that should be kept in mind when resigning from any job, and preparation should begin by taking a good look in the mirror and asking yourself, “Am I sure I’m ready to do this?” Quitting your job is generally a final decision, and you’re going to have to be able to support yourself afterwards. Do you have a job lined up for sure that you can quickly transfer to? If you don’t, be prepared to reevaluate your budget!
Now that you’re sure you want to quit, it would be wise to execute your resignation as respectfully as possible if you plan on using your superiors as references for future jobs. A formal resignation letter can also be helpful communication, as it can be passed around to whatever administrators need to see it. They can read your reasons for leaving without any room for miscommunication or rumor. Of course, how important these points should be emphasized depends on the seriousness of and level of commitment you have to the particular job you are resigning from.
Most people, if you ask them, would say that you should give two weeks notice to your employer before resigning. Unless you’re working in a fast food place where training takes all of a few hours, I would recommend giving a bit more warning. Use your discretion when deciding how much more. Again, the more difficult your job is, and the more time you have invested in the place and people that you’re leaving, the more slack you should give them. Good workers can be very hard to find, and if by chance you put the company and your employees in a bad spot, you might not get the endorsement you’re looking for when it comes time to use that person as a reference.
If you’re planning on leaving on bad terms because you weren’t good at or didn’t do your job anyway, grab a stapler on your way out. It probably won’t make much difference. (Just kidding). Good luck!
Resignation Letter: Add personal info inside ()
Dear (employer name),
I, (Your name here), am writing to inform you of my intention to resign my position of employment as (your job title) at (company name). I feel it is my responsibility to give you (number of weeks) weeks’ notice and therefore, my last day will be (XXX)day the (XX) of 2008.
As you may or may not know, I have been ill for some time. Due to my illness, I feel that I can not fulfill my job requirements satisfaction and can therefor no longer work for (company name).
This conclusion has taken a lot of thought and consideration, but is the best conclusion for the company and myself. Please rest assured that I want to make this transition as easy as possible and will assist in the training of new personnel if needed. I feel it is my responsibility to help in any way possible to make this transfer go smoothly for (name of company).
Thank you for making my employment at (name of company) an enjoyable experience and I regret that I have to leave on such circumstances. I wish you the best and success in the coming years.
Sincerely,
Your name here (typed)
Your signature here
RESIGNATION
September 15, 2008
Gary Smith
General Manager
Wells Fargo Bank
888 Remington Drive
Madison, NC 27122
Dear Sir:
I hereby tender my resignation from Wells Fargo Bank effective September 30, 2008.
I find working for the bank as an Investment Consultant extremely challenging and fulfilling. I had the privilege of meeting the bank’s most important clients and the prestige of managing high-end portfolios. I consider my work as the height of my banking career.
However, I decide to shift gears at this stage of my life to be able to spend much valued time with my child. As you may not be aware of, my daughter requires special medical attention and care. She is epileptic and only a mother like me can assure that she is being properly monitored. With this situation, there is not a slightest feeling of regret that I need to resign. I am going to do what I am supposed to do as a responsible parent. Career wise though, I will look for options that will allow me to continue growing in the confines of our home. I might search for a home-based income generating opportunity. I am nevertheless blessed to have a husband willing to support me during this time of crisis.
Thank you so much for everything. I deeply appreciate the respect and guidance I received from you as my supervisor. I guarantee proper turn over of my responsibilities for a smooth transition. As per policy, I am also submitting all properties of the bank in my possession.
Sincerely yours,
Michelle Stansfield
September 15, 2008
Adrianne Michaels
368 Wincheser Avenue
Mogan, UT 84050
(801) 876-6340
Todd Stanton, President
Lexington Arms Company, Inc.
724 Shamrock St.
East Alton, IL 62242
Dear Mr. Stanton:
It is with deep regret that I need to tender my resignation effective September 30, 2008. I have tremendously enjoyed my stint as a firearms salesman at your good company, Lexington Arms. I am also grateful that I was allowed to take this position even if I lack the academic requirement of being a college graduate. Being exposed to the business and the clients, I became aware of the need to further my craft through education. I intend to go back to school and get a diploma. I am now informed that doing this will help me diversify career options and will allow me career advancement. Without this exposure, I will never realize the value of good education, and for this I am forever grateful to you.
Thank you for trusting in me and for continuously motivating me in my endeavors. I have learned the importance of discipline and hard work through your example. I believe that the company’s productivity will not be affected at all with my resignation because you have the best people serving your clients.
Before I leave, allow me to take pride in what I have accomplished for Lexington Arms. I was able to increase the sales to 30% in the very first month that I started. I also shared valuable inputs and suggestions for better business operation. I hope that in the near future, I can reapply as a better employee with a diploma.
Again, thank you very much and more power to Lexington Arms!
Sincerely,
Adrianne Michaels
September 15, 2008
Jeffrey L. Connelly
6758 Maser Drive
Fieldview, VA 00087
(206) 456-5440
John H. Freeman, President
Prosperity Manufacturing, Inc.
986 Brixton Road
Rudesville, VA 00976
Dear Mr. Freeman:
Working at Prosperity Manufacturing has been a rewarding experience for me, personally and career wise. I was able to recognize my strengths as a professional and my weaknesses as a human being. I am truly grateful that I was given the chance to be exposed to different kinds of people and that I was able to gain proper customer relationship skills through my work.
I will be forever grateful for the numerous trainings made available to me during my service at the company. These trainings widened my perspective and increased my knowledge about handling customer concerns effectively. I am also glad for having supportive and warm officemates that helped lighten my day-to-day work responsibility. I can say that I wouldn’t be as efficient without the presence of my good-natured colleagues.
In spite of all the good features I visibly recognize in my work environment, I regret to say that I need to resign from my post. I have been offered a supervisory position at the Excellent Garments Inc. which I consider as a grand opportunity. With my discipline and good work ethics, I believe I deserve to be in the said position. I would like my resignation to take effectivity by the end of this month, to comply with the company policy on resignation.
Thank you very much. I wish Prosperity Manufacturing, Inc. continued success.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey L. Connelly
TO: Stephen Baker
DATE: December 15, 2007
SUBJECT: Resignation
FROM: Ian M. Wright
This is to confirm my resignation as Executive Director at The Corporate Marketing Group.
I have been offered the position of Director for Customer Relationship Management Division at Deutsche Bank which I willingly accepted. The position offers me to take the next step in my banking career. I am motivated to see new challenges before me and I am glad to finally be able to grow further and use what I have learned from this institution.
My last day of service in this company will be on January 15, 2008. Rest assured that proper turn over of my responsibilities will be implemented. It is my wish that a competent replacement will be in place to ensure smooth transition during my resignation. For any concerns related to my work in this company, feel free to get in touch with me. I will be gathering my people for a final meeting to appropriately address any queries or operational problems before I leave.
I sincerely thank everyone for the professional respect and camaraderie accorded to me during my stay. I appreciate your honesty and sincerity in helping me properly manage my unit and I will treasure the friendship we have cultivated.
Needless to say, my work experience with ING has been very rewarding. I am looking forward to negotiating with you, in relation to our respective institution’s business concerns, anytime in the future.
I am leaving with the sincere hope that ING will continue to enjoy growth and success.
Sincerely,
Ian M. Wright
457 Nathan Road
Pittsville Hills, NJ 08692
241-455-0303
September 1, 2008
Dr. Rick Stradmore
Pharmaceutical Sales Director
Merck & Company, Inc.
5 Merck Dr
Whitehouse Station, NJ 06673
Dear Rick,
Through this letter I am officially tendering my resignation from Merck & Company, Inc. effective this Monday, September 15, 2008.
I have been blessed to be appointed by my grandfather to take charge and continue the operation of our family business in Missouri. Getting involved in our farm will enable me to practice my skills as a veterinarian. I am more than thrilled to be assured of career growth and financial security as well as to be finally able to contribute to the success of my family’s investment.
My personal and professional experience with Merck had been very impressive. I was able to deliver the best that I can manage primarily because I am sorrounded with talented and amiable colleagues. Likewise, I greatly appreciate the support and recognition I received from you as my supervisor. I know I have learned valuable things from this company that will be useful to my future career as a veterinarian.
I also would like to assure you that every task assigned to me will be properly accomplished before I leave. Advice me on any process that I may miss, or things that I need to turn over. It is my sincere intention that my resignation will not affect the operation of our unit in any negative way.
I thank you for believing in me and for constantly motivating me to give my best performance. I wish you and Merck continued success.
Sincerely,
Henry White