Resigning from your current job can feel like a catch-22. Though you are excited about your new journey at a different company, it can be difficult to let the company you have been at for months or even years know about your new position. At the end of the day, it is business, and your current employer should understand that. Regardless, here are some helpful tips on how to write a resignation letter.
Once you make the decision to leave your current job, you must decide how and when to put in your notice, though it may not be up to you. Your new job may want you to start quicker than a standard two-week notice. Whether you are giving a traditional two-week notice, a few days notice, or leaving the same day, a letter of resignation is recommended and greatly respected in professional environments.
Your letter of resignation can be brief, rather than drawn out, but there are several things that should be included no matter what. Here’s how to write a resignation letter.
1. Address Letter
Rather than leave your letter open-ended, address it to your immediate supervisor or boss. This creates a personal touch, instead of having a broad declaration of leaving.
2. Resignation Reason
Start your letter off by explaining why you are leaving, if positive. This explanation can be extremely brief, about 1-3 sentences. It should not only be a letter out of respect but also a written update for the next chapter of your professional career. More often than not, your boss will be proud of you for continuing on your journey of growth because they helped you get there in some ways by fostering your growth at work.
3. Last Day and Additional Information
Always include your last day, not only for yourself but for their records as well. This is helpful for any training that needs to be done by you if you offer, as well as any closing paperwork that needs to be handled by the human resources department. Your final part before signing should include any information you wish to add regarding your departure from the company.
4. Sign, and Include Post-Resignation Contact Information
Like any formal document, you should sign and include any contact information if it changes so that they can send you any pertinent information moving forward through the transition.
A few quick Do’s and Don’ts for your Resignation Letter
DO be appreciative and positive of your time given to the company, and the time given to you by your coworkers and supervisors. No matter why you started, or why you are leaving, you spent a great deal of your time day-to-day, and that should not go unrecognized.
DON’T be hateful, or condescending towards your time at your current workplace. A letter of resignation is never the time for spite. If you have hurtful things to say, leave them out of this letter. Leaving on good terms is optimal regardless of what profession you are in. No matter how much you may have disliked your job, you took it for a reason, and you are leaving for a reason, so you can take it as an experience and continue moving forward. In these situations, it is best to keep your letter very brief and stick to the facts of the final days and thank you.
DO include anything you are willing to do to ease the transition for someone else. This can be training or anything of the like.
DON’T include excessive details for your new job opportunity. Though it is perfectly fine to say what you are leaving to do, it is unnecessary to include your entire job description, a specific position, and of course the salary.
DO thank all parties involved. This could include your immediate supervisors and the respective hierarchy above them. This does not mean that you need to print out multiple letters addressed to each position of power in the company, but it is always nice to include their names if they impacted you.
DON’T forget to thank those who gave their time to you, and truly helped foster your growth professionally. This could include your immediate supervisors, coworkers, or any mentor within the company.
Wrap Up
A letter of resignation can feel extremely overwhelming, especially if it is your first one. The important thing to remember when writing one is that it is a stepping stone for your career. Far more often than not, it represents growth and positivity. Now that you know how to write a resignation letter, your current employer will part with you knowing they employ the best and brightest. Though they will be sad to see you go, they will be proud of where you are going!
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