Sample Job Resignation Letter
When circumstances dictate that you need to resign from your job, it is customary to provide your employer with a letter of resignation. This may be only a courtesy, however, it always is helpful to leave a job on as good terms as possible. You never know when you will need a reference from this employer. Even if you are leaving on unpleasant terms, you can craft a decent and polite letter of resignation.
There are several letter forms you can choose from for this purpose. There is the formal statement, and the informal statement. You can include two weeks notice, or not. You can offer the employer options, such as your willingness to train a replacement, or to stay a little longer if needed. You may want to give a reason for your departure, or not. You can express regret or not. Be sure to include contact information.
Briefly, the sample job resignation letter looks like the following:
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Date: (insert current date)
Dear (Mr., Mrs., Ms.)(Name or Official Title):
Please accept my resignation effective (date). I have enjoyed my stay at (company name), but I have accepted a position with another company that will offer me better (opportunity)(use of my skills)(hours, and pay).
Please let me know if there is any way I can help the company (train a new person for my job)(make this transition easier). Thank you again for the opportunity to work with (company name).
If there are any questions, or you need to contact me, please (mail)(email)(phone) me at the following (address)(email)(phone).
Sincerely,
(Your name, contact info)
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If you do not want to be specific about your reason for leaving that is fine. You can just say (I must terminate my employment with (company name)). It may be helpful to your employer if you do explain your reasons, especially if there is a job related problem, such as interpersonal problems with other employees or a manager. Knowing why you are leaving may help them with hiring the replacement, or adjusting the job conditions for future employees.
Most people leave for a number of reasons, including finding a better job or pay, moving away, better use of their skills, chance for advancement, or an illness or disability. In the case of the latter, your employer probably already is aware that you may be leaving for medical reasons.
Include contact information so they can send you your W-2 forms at the end of the year for taxes, and if there are any questions they may need answered after you move on. It always helps to leave on a high note, a positive, rather than a negative. You may need a referral later from this employer.