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.
How to Write a Resignation Letter
A resignation letter is a statement to your current employer, announcing your departure as an employee. It is highly recommended, that the letter be typed not hand written for professionalism. There are many ways in which a person can write a resignation letter, however for the most part they all include the same points. First of all you will want to make sure the receiving persons name and address appears following the date of the letter usually in the left margin of your letter. Once you have this done you will want to start your letter with gratitude. State all the things you are grateful for, from the company, and state all the things you learned, as well as, the things you will miss about working for the company, then end this paragraph with a positive thank you to the company, for having you as an employee. Remember to maintain a respectful, positive attitude throughout your letter, so that you are in turn respected. Also it is important to keep your letter shorter rather than long, no more than a page. Next, you will want to give the exact date that you plan on resigning, it is usually recommended that a person give a two week notice, so that the employer has time to replace you. In some cases you may be needed to train the person who will take your place. Also keep in mind that you will want a good performance review from this employer for your resume, so it’s important to leave the employer as a professional, acting with respect and maturity, much in the same way you came for the interview. Now that you have mastered that you are ready to explain, in a very short, and to the point statement, your reason for unfortunately resigning your position. It is recommended to stay clear of negative, or critical remarks, instead just state a brief reason for why you have chosen to end your journey as an employee. If you choose you may now explain the opportunities that await you, sometimes knowing that the employee is departing for a beneficial reason helps the employer have a great understanding. Next you will want to go back to positive things like, wishing the company your best, and listing a few achievements that you made working for the company, and again express your extreme gratitude for the time you spent working for the company. Then you are ready for the closing line. You may choose from a variety of words such as sincerely, respectfully, regretfully…..yours, and then put your name and if you choose enter your address after and underneath. The last thing you will want to do is, with a pen go ahead and sign your name under your typed name. Using all of these tips will likely create a successful letter of resignation, helping you maintain a excellent employee review, and reference when you move on to another place of employment. Good luck with writing your letter of resignation.
Why People Resign
So you’ve decided to quit your job, huh? Here’s a list of the most common reasons why people resign, and also good points to consider after filing your resignation letter and before finding a new job.
Location. How far is your workplace from your home? Most people tend to forget this very important factor, probably because they pay too much attention to how much salary they will be getting. Salary is vital too, but have you considered the travel time involved in your current/ future job? Make sure that your new job doesn’t entail a workplace which is farther than from where you reside.
Career Growth. One of the reasons why people resign too is because of the lack of a sense of fulfillment from their current jobs, especially if they don’t see themselves growing with the company. If this is your reason why you quit your current job, choose your next job carefully and make sure you are headed for a better career path.
Salary. A common mistake among new-hired employees or fresh graduates is finding a job with a high salary; only to realize that work experience is really what matters. Your value as an employee will eventually increase, depending on your skills and capabilities, of course.
Workplace friends. Believe it or not, friends in the office can be a very important on resigning too. These are the people whom you see everyday, and share a lot of stuff too. If you don’t jive with your officemates well and social skills are important to you, then this might cause you to resign.
To Quit or Not to Quit?
In the corporate setting, there comes a point in time when stress from work suddenly becomes too much for us to handle, even to the extent of affecting our personal lives. People resign from their jobs for a million reasons. Some people get tired of their daily routines that they feel like they’re not growing from it, some can’t stand the way their bosses treat them, some others may even feel like the pressure is too much to handle, while some others just have better opportunities at hand.
Whatever the reason is for filing a resignation, we must carefully weigh the pros and cons before finally coming up with a decision. The resignation should be to your benefit in a great deal too, because this decision might just change your future. Before you resign, here are some tips that might help you decide cautiously and hopefully, see things in a different light
To help you think clearly, make a list of reasons why you should stay, and another list on why you should quit. Secondly, think of other scenarios that might happen: would a promotion or a counteroffer from your current company make you stay? Try to involve your family friends into your decision too; because they are the people who know you, and they would contribute a lot to your thought about resigning. Lastly, think of your own happiness. If you don’t feel even a little bit of sadness about resigning, then that should answer your question.
Resignation Letter Sample – Moving
December 5, 2008
Supervisor’s Name
Designation
Company Name
Company Address
Dear Mr./ Ms. <insert surname here>,
I am writing to tender my resignation as <insert position here> at your department, effective <insert date here>. I will be relocating to <insert place here> to pursue a new venture.
After thorough deliberation of the matter, this was not an easy choice to make, but I think
it’s time to move on. While I understand from my contract of employment that I am required to file two weeks notice, I would appreciate it if I could leave the soonest possible time, especially if you have found a replacement. I am willing to be of help with the turnover of my duties and responsibilities before leaving, and will assure you that I will accomplish all the necessary tasks assigned to me.
I would like to thank you for the prospects the company has offered to me during my tenure with the company. The work experience I gained from this company also molded me and will greatly help in my future endeavors. I have grown in many ways through this company and will always treasure the opportunities you have shared with me.
Lastly, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to your prestigious company, as well as my many friends and colleagues in the firm. If there are queries regarding my work history in the future, please feel free to contact me. I wish the company success in the years to come.
Best Wishes,
<insert your name and your handwritten signature here>
Resigning Don’ts
There are a lot of tips on how to make a graceful exit from your current job, but here are some of the stuff you should avoid when resigning:
Don’t write a negative resignation letter. No matter how bad your experience is with the company, don’t ever mention it in your letter. Not only will this make a bad impression on the bosses, but you might also not get a reference when you do this. Don’t include personal remarks on a resignation letter because this is impolite.
Don’t announce your resignation to your co-workers. After you’ve made up your mind about resignation, don’t inform your colleagues because this might make things more complicated. Never inform your colleagues ahead before your bosses too.
Don’t leave abruptly after the resignation. Make sure to take care of the official documents like the contract of employment, your clearance and most especially, finish your exit interview. These official documents might also be needed for your next job. Allow two to four weeks grace period before leaving the company, or as stated in your company rules and regulations. If the company won’t be able to give you the official documents as well as your last pay, then set a future appointment with the human resources and promise to come back.
Don’t get too personal. Bear in mind that your actions will be filed in your permanent employee records which are crucial to your future jobs. Make sure to talk to all your colleagues and associates before leaving. You’ll never know if you will work with them in the future.
Resigning Do’s
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.
Resignation Letter Essentials
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.
“Before You Resign”
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.
How to Resign from your Job
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!
Medical/Personal Reasons
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
Going Back to School
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