How To Write a Resignation Letter

You’ve been extended an offer for a new position and you have officially accepted. Congrats! Your job search has finally come to a close. But wait. You still need to tell your current employer…

Giving your notice makes for a stressful and interesting conversation. Typically your Manager will be caught off guard so it is best to be prepared. Having a resignation letter ready to go will definitely help as it politely announces your departure. It will also serve as your official notice to terminate your employment. Most organizations require at least a two-week notice in order to receive any benefits or salary that you may be entitled to once you leave. Follow the steps below to craft a strong resignation letter or use our FREE 60 Second Resignation Letter template.

What should be in your letter?

A resignation letter not only needs to inform an employer that you are leaving, but it also needs to provide information regarding your last day. As mentioned above, be sure that your end date is in accordance with your company’s policy and that you are giving adequate notice.

Typically it is a good idea to start off by thanking the employer for the opportunities that they have provided. You can even mention certain accomplishments or career growth that you experienced during your tenure. It is also important to let them know that you enjoyed your time with the organization.

I recommend adding in that you are willing to assist with the transition. This could be anything from finishing up projects to hiring and training. This will show that you respect your manager and it won’t burn any bridges. If you leave in good standing, you will have a better chance of using that Manager as a reference for future opportunities.

Keep the letter to the point and positive. Don’t list any negative reasons as to why you are moving on to something new. This isn’t the place to criticize or inform your boss of your new salary.

Header

Start off your resignation letter by entering your personal information in the header section of the document. Here is an example of how it will look:

John Smith
Address | City, St. Zip | Phone: xxx-xxx-xxxx | Email Address

Address your letter

Once you have completed your header you will need to address the letter. Typically it should be addressed to your direct boss. Don’t forget to include the date in which you will be presenting the letter. This will serve as documentation to ensure you fulfill the required notice period. It should look like this:

Date

Manager’s Name Title Company Name Company Address

City, St. Zip


Originally published at needanewgig.com on August 8, 2017.

Entrepreneur, Recruiter, Founder of The Resilient Recruiter and Co-Founder of Need a New Gig. Join our community for more information and courses like this!

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