When leaving a job, even a terrible one, it’s important to maintain the best possible relationship with your soon-to-be former employer. A well-written resignation letter can ensure that you’ll be able to use your supervisor as a reference in the future. While these letters rightly tend to be short and unimaginative, the following tips will assist in paving the way to a smooth resignation.
- Resigning from a company using its own letterhead would be bad form. A printed resignation is far better than an e-mailed version, but use plain paper.
- Resignations should be brief and formal. State that you are resigning from your position and give an effective date.
- While it may be appropriate to provide a reason for your departure, in no instance should the letter itself become a list of complaints. This letter may be kept on file for future employment references; therefore, do not make negative statements about your tenure with the company. If there is a possibility of legal action related to your employment with this company, provide as little information on your reasons for leaving as possible.
- Thank the employer for the opportunities and assistance that were provided to you during your tenure. Try to be genuine without gushing.
- If you are willing to do so, offer to assist with the transition to your replacement. Apologize if you are unwilling or unable to do so, or if you are giving your employer less than two weeks’ notice or leaving a fixed-term position earlier than agreed upon. Do your best to offer your employer a reasonable notice in order to train someone to take over your duties, especially if you have accrued a lot of knowledge that is not understood by anyone else in the company.
- Include any requests related to your departure, such as where to forward your last paycheck.
- Wish the employer well for the future.
That’s it! The best resignation letters are short and to the point. Be sure to make a copy of the letter for your records, and be prepared to be terminated immediately upon resignation, regardless of the notice you have offered.
Tags: Graceful Resignation, Resign, resignation, Resigning with Dignity