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Your
resignation letter should contain three components:
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The effective date of your resignation.
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An explanation for your
resignation.
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A brief mention of the positive
aspects of working for your current employer.
One of the
most important things to remember when creating your
resignation letter is that it may be
kept on file for future reference. For example, it may be used when future
employers request references or in the evaluation of past performance if you re-apply
for a new position with a prior employer or company.
Therefore,
regardless of the reasons for your resignation, NEVER make negative statements about
your company, coworkers, supervisors, bosses, owners, or policies within this
letter or in any future interview situation.
The
resignation letter needs to remain professional, and, if not positive, at least
polite. It should act as a bridge builder, not a bridge burner. There may be lots
of things you want to achieve with this letter, but getting even with a past
employer or taking out your frustration on the company should not be
one of them.
Do not
use the company letterhead for your resignation letter.
While a resignation letter may seem to fall under "official
company business," it does not. The intended use of company letterhead is to represent the company. The resignation letter is representative of you, as an individual. Your resignation
does affect the company, and it may seem to be "company business," but using stationery the company has paid for in order to tender a resignation is simply poor form.
Provide
carbon copies of your resignation letter to all relevant leadership in the
company. For example, if protocol requires that you submit your letter of
resignation to your immediate supervisor, make sure you provide carbon copy
submissions to the department lead (your supervisor's supervisor), and the director
of human resources. Also make sure you keep a copy of
this resignation letter for your own records.
Note:
It is typical protocol to give at least two weeks notice prior to your date of
resignation, but check your company's policies and what terms you agreed to when
you were hired.
Some companies will choose to terminate an employee immediately upon
resignation (regardless of what you offer), so be prepared for this. The choice to resign may or may not be an easy decision, but once you have made this decision, understand the potential consequences.
(Your
letterhead containing your contact information)
April 23, 2012
John Doe, CEO of ABC Company
123 North Someplace
Anywhere, USA
(Note:
include a formal address even if you are hand-delivering this letter.)
Dear Mr.
Doe:
(Intent:)
It is with both regret and anticipation that I
submit this letter of resignation, effective January 19, 2011.
Sample
leading statements for a resignation letter include:
It
is with great reluctance that I submit this letter of resignation, effective
________.
With regret and anticipation I submit this letter of
resignation, effective __________.
Circumstances require that I resign my position as _______________,
effective on ___________.
(Cause:)
I have accepted a
position with CDE Company, as an opportunity to further my current career goals
and achieve growth within a supervisory role.
(Note:
If you're leaving this employment for reasons other than accepting a new
position, you may be honest in your response, but avoid negative statements.
Always refer to the positive things you are moving toward, rather than
the negative things you are leaving behind.)
Other examples for cause of resignation include:
I have decided to take this time to evaluate my
current goals and investigate new opportunities.
I have decided to further my education in pursuit of (a particular degree or future
position).
I have decided to change the course of my current career goals and will be
pursuing a new direction in ____________.
It is very important that you include some
positive aspects of your time and association with this company. This is
true for future interview situations, as well. For some, this can be the most
difficult task. If nothing else, consider what this position has taught you,
what positive skills it has allowed you to acquire, and how it has helped you
determine your career path for the future.
(Appreciative
Statements/Summary:)
It has
been a genuine pleasure working for ABC Company during these past four years. I
have enjoyed working with ABC's fine staff of professionals, and I will miss my
associations here. I wish you and ABC Company continued success in all your
endeavors.
(Note:
If this company is one you may need again, whether in continued work or
networking, or you desire a continued allegiance, consider offering
to help in the
interviewing, hiring, or training of your replacement.) For example:
(Assistance for Closure:)
If I may be of any assistance in the hiring process or training of
my replacement, please know that I will gladly make myself available
to this effort during the next four weeks (or "until
February 14th," or "until ______").
End your
letter without closing the door on the future:
Thank you for allowing me to serve ABC Company.
Again, I wish ABC Company continued success.
Sincerely:
Your Name
cc:
(See
example resignation letter - in PDF)
Upon resignation from your
current employer, it may be time to collect letters
of recommendation from those in authority who can attest to your skills,
achievements and contributions to the organization.
See more articles on
job hunting
Good luck in your job search!
Sue Campbell,
1st-Writer.com - over 18 years
experience helping clients achieve their career and business goals. Feel free to
e-mail me
with any questions you may have. I'll be glad to help!
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