In keeping with being professional and courteous, there are a few things you
should not do. For example, don’t burn the bridge or use the letter to voice
your complaints about the company, use the letter to tell off your boss (even
if your boss has been horrible), or take this as an opportunity to gossip about
other employees. Also, don’t be upset if the organization does not want your
help finding and/or training your replacement.
When you’ve turned in your letter and have let your co-workers know that you
are leaving, please don’t act smug about how you’re moving on and they have to
stay. Don’t blow off work in your last few days. Don’t leave customers or the
company in the lurch by failing to provide your files or records that they may
need. These people still have to work there. There is no need to make them hate
you.
Don’t lie about why you are leaving. If you don’t want to give an
explanation, that’s your prerogative and there is no need to make up a story
about it.
In your letter, don’t mention the fact that you have been asked to resign,
if that is the case. Don’t make any statement that could be misunderstood or
used against you. Don’t write more than one page or use email to send it.
Don’t come back to work after your last day. Even if you have good friends
who work there, you’ll be sabotaging the new guy. Meet your friend for lunch at
a restaurant instead.
Finally, when your last day comes, shake hands with your boss, stay
professional and courteous to your co-workers, and clean out your desk. You can
celebrate when you leave the building!