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Drafting a letter of resignation may seem like just one more hurdle to cross before you can move on to the next stage of your career. However, like every aspect of resigning, it is important to maintain a professional approach. Even if your boss doesn’t specifically ask for written notification, handing in a resignation letter can help you leave your job on a positive note.

The key is to remain diplomatic. Don’t turn your resignation letter into a list of grievances. You may want to work for the company again at some stage, or you could cross paths professionally with your current boss down the road. At the very least, you may need your employer to provide a reference for you. So, keep your letter upbeat and tactful.

Another best practice: Draft the main points of your letter in advance but wait until you have had a conversation with your manager to fine-tune the wording so that it reflects the main points of your conversation.

What your letter of resignation should include

Your resignation letter doesn’t need to be long or complicated, but some aspects should be standard.

• Date your letter, so there’s written documentation of how much formal notice you have given the company.
• Address the letter to the appropriate person.
• Keep the opening paragraph short and to the point regarding your intention to resign.
• Provide the date of your last day with the company.
• Sign your letter, followed by your personal/forwarding contact information for any post-departure questions or communication.

Extend an offer of support

Make it clear in your resignation letter that you are willing to assist with training your replacement and preparing your team for your exit. Explain that you will aim to complete your current tasks before you leave and provide essential information in writing about contacts or dates when regular duties need to be completed. (Take a look at the example of a resignation letter later in this post to see how this can be done.)

Express your appreciation in writing

Even though you may not always have enjoyed positive experiences in your current role, your employer has likely invested time and money in training you for the position. This makes it courteous to thank your manager for the opportunities you’ve been given.

No job is smooth sailing all the time, and it can help to think back to some of the best times with the company to set the tone of your thank-you. It’s all part of adopting a professional approach to your resignation letter and leaving behind a good impression.

What to avoid

Your employer will likely keep your resignation letter with other employee files, and it may be referred to in the future if another company requests a professional reference. This being the case, a poorly written or overly critical resignation letter has the potential to impact your career after you’ve moved on from your current job. Some topics to steer clear of:

• Don’t explain why you are leaving.
• Don’t vent about the downsides of the job, your coworkers or the company.
• Don’t brag about what you’re doing next.
• Don’t send an unedited letter with errors.
• Stick to the basics, no more than one page.

Keep the tone positive and professional, and your resignation letter can’t work against you at any point in the future.

Would you like to see a resignation letter template? Here’s something to get you started.

An example of a resignation letter

(Current date)

Manager’s name

Company Name

Address

Dear (manager’s name),

Please accept this letter as formal notification of my resignation from (company name). My last day with the company will be (date).

Before I leave, I will ensure that all my projects are completed as far as possible. I am happy to assist in any way to ensure a smooth handover to my replacement.

I want to thank you for the opportunity to work at (company) for (years of service). I have enjoyed working with the team during this time and will miss our interactions.

While I am excited by the new opportunities I will be pursuing, I will always remember my time at (company name) with affection. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need further information after I leave, and I would be delighted if you stay in touch.

Kind regards,

(Your signature)

(Your printed name and contact information)

 

Interested in this topic? Learn more about what to say when quitting a job.