How to Write a Letter of Resignation

So, you've made the decision to leave your current position. Whether you're sad to be moving on or can't wait to get out of there, you still need to resign with professionalism. The best way to share your decision is in writing. This has a number of benefits, including:

• Permanence: A letter minimizes the chance that your current company will try to persuade you to stay. It shows that you've thought carefully and this is your final decision.
  
• Record: A letter provides a concrete record of your decision, the date you gave notice, and the date you're planning to leave.
• Clarity: There is little room for confusion when you have laid it out in writing.

A well-crafted resignation letter is not difficult to put together. Before you get started, use these tips to help guide you through the process:

Poker Face

No matter what emotions your feeling, there's no need to pour your soul out in this letter. Avoid the temptation to describe every little thing that bothered you and pushed you to find a new job. If fact, there is no need to offer any kind of explanation. If you choose to do so, offer no more than one simple sentence, and keep your tone very diplomatic and professional. Do not point fingers.

Give Gratitude

No matter how you feel about your job now, remember that it served you well in the past. It provided you with a paycheck, if nothing else. More than likely, your current position probably taught you quite a bit as well. Don't let the fact that you're moving on tarnish your appreciation for what you're leaving. Say "thank you," and, if there is someone in particular who deserves praise, put them in the spotlight. Don't go overboard, but remember that you want to leave your current employer with the impression that you are grateful for the experience and really enjoyed your time there.

Be Specific

This is no time to be coy. Set out your plans clearly. Be sure to include the current date and the date you are planning to make your last day (and don't skimp on the two weeks, no matter how tempted you are). Though there will be many things to address in the coming days (such as training your replacement, updating others on your current projects, etc.) there is no need to get into that in your letter. These things will be addressed as needed.

Make it Official

Be sure to sign your letter in ink (blue or black) and make a copy for your own records. It needs to be given to the person who oversees your employment, whoever that may be - your HR representative, your boss, your office manager, etc. If you would like to address the letter to multiple people, print separate copies and provide an original signature on each.

If you would like to just offer a photocopy instead, wait until after you've signed it so everyone still gets an "official" version. In this case, be sure to designate all individuals receiving copies in the "cc" section of your letter, so each knows that the other has received it as well.

Overall, a resignation letter is pretty easy to whip up. It doesn't have to be anything fancy but it should meet the above requirements. Follow these tips and then concentrate on the future - you'll be jumping into a new job soon. This letter is just another step in your move onward and upward.

For a little more assistance, check out our Resignation Letter template.