Things to Consider When Writing A Letter of Resignation

Plan Your Resignation

If you think about sticking a pen in your eye after every encounter with the boss chances are you’re considering a career change.

Use that pen in a constructive manner and research the company’s resignation policy. Each company’s policy will be different. It is up to you to know the finer points of how to resign from your job.

Will your employment end the day you hand in your letter or will you be expected to work for a certain length of time while a replacement is interviewed, trained and transitions into your job?

The most important rule of resignation is to have another job, in writing, to go to before you resign. Many people make the error of resigning in haste and then have to live with the humiliation of asking for their job back because their rent is due. Do not make this error.

What to Put In Your Letter of Resignation

Many people agonize about what to put in their letters of resignation. Sometimes less is more. Why you are resigning is not the issue. The issue is that you are resigning and that’s all you need to write. Don’t put anything in writing that may come back to haunt you. It is important to remember that your resignation letter is the last thing that will be entered in your personnel file. Consequently, it will be the first thing that’s viewed when future potential employers call for references. A simple letter of resignation cannot be misconstrued. However a letter that is critical of employees/employers can result in a negative recommendation.

Writing Your Letter

In its most basic form a letter of resignation should include:

• The date you are writing the letter of resignation.

• The date of when you plan to resign your position.

• Your signature at the bottom of the page.

• Delivery to the Human Resource Office or your boss.