Resignation Pro

How do I write a good resignation letter?

Public Comments

1. First, you have to be clear in your own my why you are quitting. There may be several reasons. Now, which reason is the one that should live on in your employee folder, to be referenced the next time you need to write an application for a job or a claim for unemployment? For that one, is it necessary to use a euphemism? For example, you don't want to say because my supervisor was a 45 karat b***h, but "personality conflict with supervisor." Even that is not a great reason, but at least it is not a lie. If there are other reasons which will not torpedo you with the next job, use them. For example, "needed to spend more time with my children" is excellent if the next job is part-time, or if you are going to stay home for a substantial period. Now, always express regret, however hypocritical. Face it, even a job you hate can be regretted because one of the people you worked with was nice, or the benefits were good, or whatever. It is not necessary to state the reason for your regret, but the basic line is, "I regret to inform you that I am tendering my resignation effective July 1, 2006." The date should be at least two weeks if you can, or if there is a compelling reason why, substitute "effective immediately." That will need to be explained in the next sentence, so the reason had better be because your mother is dying and you have moved her into your house so you can take care of her full-time, or something equally compelling and urgent. Sometimes the resignation is requested. It is offered to you to tender your resignation to avoid being fired. If you accept such a proposal, make no mention of it in the letter. Just say "for personal reasons," or "for reasons of health" and let it go at that. You must always assume that your letter of resignation may be seen by someone else some day, and assume that the circumstances are unfavorable to yourself, when you write your letter. Make it no longer than it needs to be, a sentence or two at most, and sign it "sincerely" or "yours truly," whichever is the standard at your company for letters. DO NOT put any of the hostility you may feel in your letter, and if the regret is sincere, it does not need to be profuse. "I sincerely regret" rather than simply "I regret" is enough to make the point.
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3. A good resignation letter is crisp, and short. No need to go into the why you are leaving. It includes the short sentence like: This is to inform you of my decision to resign my position as-----------effective (2 weeks time) from now Include a short thank you for being able to work for them, and then sign and date the letter. That's it.