How to write a resignation letter

One of the greatest secrets of success is knowing when to move on. With the right resignation letter, you will do so with satisfaction and leave on good terms with your previous employer.

Steps

1. Say thank you. Resist the temptation to leave a piece of your mind, unless you want to be remembered as an ungrateful whiner. In fact, do the opposite. Document positive memories of your job. Mention how this job has positively influenced your career.
2. Give proper notice. It is simple courtesy to give your employer a reasonable amount of time to fill your position. If your job is complicated, your employer may need time for you to train your replacement. Give notice of no less than two weeks.
3. Stay professional. Be respectful and courteous. Do not use emotional or controversial language in your letter. You are a professional, so quit like a professional.
4. Use the "sandwich technique" where you soften the blow of the bad news of your departure with positive statements on either side. Begin your letter with a positive paragraph.
5. Place your resignation in the middle of the letter.
6. Close your letter with another positive paragraph.
   

Sample Short Resignation Letter

Boss/Supervisor's name Boss/Supervisor's title Holladay Park Plaza 1600 NE 16th Portland, Oregon

Dear Mr. Smith,


It has been a privilege to work for Holladay Park Plaza during the past four years.

I will be leaving your company. This letter will serve as a two-week notice for my resignation. My last working day will be July 20, 2007.

I will always be grateful for the valuable experience and practical lessons that I gained while working here.

Respectfully,

Kim Lee

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Tips

• Do not discuss your resignation with co-workers. Do not ask their advice about writing your resignation letter.
• Do not spread distrust before or after your resignation.
• Do not ask your supervisor for a reference in your resignation letter. It is proper to ask for a letter of reference, but better to do it after you appraise the reaction of your boss.
• Keep it simple. Try to be short, concise, and direct in your letter. You don't want to leave the letter up for interpretation.

Warnings

• Your letter of resignation is documentation and will likely be added to your personnel file. Be very thoughtful about what you place in that document.
• Keep any emotion out of the letter. Avoid the temptation to tell off your boss or any of your co-workers in this letter. Any put downs will most certainly reflect poorly on you and you may later regret it. Don't burn your bridges.
• Your letter of resignation could be used against you in court if it ever comes to that.
• Check your company termination policy. Many companies require a minimum of 2 weeks notice for resignations. Otherwise their policy may be to never consider you again for a position. In your resignation letter, be sure to note the current day somewhere in the header, as well as your final day in the body of the letter.
• Keep in mind that the minute you submit your resignation letter, you could be told to pack your stuff and leave by the end of the day. Do not rely on your two week notice for job hunting, do it before your resignation.
• Do not give specific reasons for leaving. State that you have decided to move because of a career opportunity that is too good to pass up.
• Remember, the company and its employees could potentially play a role in your career or job search in the future. It is a very small world. Never burn bridges.