However, there is no additional emotional burden when it comes time for you to leave work (thank god). You must instead submit a resignation letter. Additionally, it must be refined and professional. Yes, even if your employer has an ever-bad experience. Michael Scott, or even worse. In order to obtain those priceless future references, among other things, you need to make sure that you remain friends with your employers after you leave.
Why Writing a Letter of Resignation Matters
When you inform a corporation of your intention to leave your current position, you must do so in writing via a resignation letter. It provides your employer with official evidence that you wish to leave as well as a trackable record that the conversation had a place.
You’ve probably seen plenty of movies where the hero storms into his boss’s office and declares, “That’s it, I quit!” Everyone applauds as the protagonist drives his wife and children to a ranch or goes camping in Hawaii or something.
He’s in so much legal trouble while that’s going on, I keep thinking. Although it can seem cool, leaving is a lot less glamorous in real life, therefore I encourage you to essentially act the cool movie guy’s opposite.
When you leave a job, you should make sure to do it amicably and offer at least two weeks’ notice (for certain employers, this may be much more).
At some point, another person will assume your place; this person can be an internal employee or a new hire.
The following person shouldn’t have any trouble finding out what to do.
In essence, during those two weeks, you pass the torch and make things simpler for the person who will take your place at work. Additionally, you want to keep up a good rapport with this individual.
Recommended Read: Email Writing
How to Write a Letter of Resignation [+ Example]
A resignation letter has the same format as other business letters. The information contained in it is rather simple:
You begin by providing your name, last name, email address, etc., the date, the manager’s information, and a formal salutation. All of the legal advantages of this written record may be contested if you forget to date your resignation letter.
The body of the letter is divided into three main paragraphs, each of which has a different function:
- The first one is a resignation letter to your boss.
- The second shows appreciation for the encounter.
- The third and last paragraph requests your cooperation while tasks and responsibilities are carried out.
1) Letterhead:
- Personal details
- Date
- Manager details
“Meagan Brown, ABC Ventures’ sales manager
08/31/2019To:
Mr. GreenSenior Manager of Sales
Ventures ABC
2) Opening greeting
“Dear John,”
3) First paragraph:
- Inform your employer that you are leaving your current position.
- Specify the date once again.
I hereby give notice that I will no longer be serving as ABC Ventures’ sales manager, beginning September 14, 2019.
4) Second paragraph:
- Describe your experience with the firm or the work in a positive light. The more personality you can inject, the more of an impression you’ll make.
- Thank your employer and the company where you worked.
“Over the past five years, it has been a pleasure dealing with you and the entire ABC Ventures Sales team. I have developed professionally during my stay here and gained friends for life. I want to express my gratitude in particular for giving me an enjoyable learning experience and a welcoming work atmosphere at ABC.
5) Third paragraph:
- Offer your assistance to make the changeover of responsibilities as easy as seamless as you can.
- Offer to assist.
“I will give you all of my support and assistance to ensure a seamless transfer of duties. Please let me know if there is any other way I can help.
6) Closing salutation, with your typed name and optional signature.
“Sincerely,
Meagan Brown
[optional signature] ”
Letter of Resignation to Your Supervisor
[YourName], [YourPosition], [Company]
[The date you are submitting the letter]
To:
[Supervisor Name] [Supervisor Lastname]
[Supervisor Title]
[Company]
Dear [Supervisor Name or Mr./Mrs. Last Name]*,
I hereby resign from the position of [Your position] with the [Company] effective [Today’s date] through this letter.
Working with you for the past [period you’ve been at the job] and the full [business name] [department name] team has been a pleasure. I have developed professionally over my time here, which is [a positive aspect of the job]. I want to thank you specifically for [anything your boss helped you with] when I worked at [business].
You have my unwavering support and cooperation to ensure a seamless transfer of duties. Please let me know if there is any other way I can help.
Sincerely,
[Your name] [Your last name]
[signature]
Letter of Resignation to the Board
[YourName] [YourLastname], [YourPosition], [Organization]]
[The date you are submitting the letter]
To:
[Board Director Name] [Board Director Lastname]
Director
[Organization]
Dear [Board Director Name or Mr./Mrs. Last Name],
I hereby provide notice of my resignation from the post of [Your position on the Board] on the [Organization/Board Name] with effect from [Today’s date] for the following reasons:*
The past [period you have served on the board] has been a joy working with you and the entire [business name] board. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, and I know there will be more triumphs to come.
If there is anything I can do to help during this time, just let me know.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] [Your last name]
[signature]
Immediate/Short Notice Letter of Resignation
[YourName] [YourLastname], [YourPosition], [Company]
[The date you are submitting the letter]
To:
[Supervisor Name] [Supervisor Lastname]
[Supervisor Title]
[Company]
Dear [Supervisor Name or Mr./Mrs. Last Name]*,
I hereby give notice of my resignation from the post of [Your position] for the [Company] through this letter. [Insert departure date] will be my last day of employment. I am aware that it is traditional to submit your resignation in order to give a [contracted duration] of notice, but due to unavoidable circumstances, I must go sooner.
For the past [period you’ve been at the jon], it has been a joy working with you and the complete [company name] [department name] team. I have developed professionally over my time here, which is [a positive aspect of the job]. I want to thank you specifically for [anything your boss helped you with] when I worked at [business].
You have my unwavering support and cooperation to ensure a seamless changeover of duties within the allotted time.
Sincerely,
[Your name] [Your last name]
[signature]
If you’ve already verbally communicated your resignation
Email subject: Resignation Letter – Your Name & Last Name
Email contents:
Dear [Supervisor Name or Mr./Mrs. Last Name]*,
Please find my formal letter of resignation attached to this email.
Let me know how I can be of further help.
Best regards,
[Your Name] [Your last name]
How to Submit Your Letter of Resignation
You’re undoubtedly worried about how your manager will react now that you have your resignation letter prepared.
Any competent manager will recognize that losing employees is an inevitable aspect of running a business. Yes, you might have a terrific working connection with your boss, and if you submit your resignation properly, you might keep that working relationship intact.
Hold off on your resignation if you are aware that your manager is overworked or having a bad day. Make sure the circumstance is proper. Always do it in person, and make sure to be considerate.
Never, ever send an email, a physical letter, or—heaven forbid—a text without first informing the recipient orally in person. However, there may be instances where you must terminate remotely due to events beyond our control. Although we have given you a sample above just in case, this is not a generally accepted best practice.
Once you’ve had that discussion, either print a hard copy of your letter for your manager and give it to him/her when you break the news or email it to him/her with the most recent date on it.
If you genuinely want to exercise greater professionalism: Don’t let your excitement show. Even if it is true, refrain from grinning broadly as if you are ready to leave hell.
Another two weeks! You are capable of doing it.
Key Takeaways
- A letter of resignation informs your employer that you have chosen to resign from your position and is a formal legal document.
- Give your boss two weeks’ notice. Make it a month or longer if you want to go the additional mile.
- In the resignation letter, mention your supervisor’s and your own contact details. You are not required to give a justification for your departure. Be professional and succinct (often no longer than half a page).
- Thank them for the opportunity, and then offer to assist them in finding a successor while they do so.
- Always make an effort to quit in person and at the proper time.