How to Resign From Your Job

Are you ready to resign from your job? Let’s say you’ve made the decision to quit your job and you want to leave on a positive note. This starts with giving notice and letting people know in a professional manner.

To start, resigning from a job, regardless of the circumstances, is a major life decision and should be taken seriously. Crafting and submitting a professional resignation letter is a key aspect of the resignation process and can leave a lasting impression on former and future employers. It’s best to tell your boss that you’re moving onto the next step in your career with at least two to four weeks of notice. This shall give them ample time to look for your replacement and come up with a solid transition plan.

What is a Resignation Letter and Why is it Important?

 A resignation letter is a document that notifies your employer that you are leaving your job. It formalizes your departure from your current employment and can be submitted by email or as a printed letter. The letter serves as written notice of your resignation and provides the details of your departure from employment, including information about the end date of your employment.

While most companies don't require official written notice before resigning from a position. You can check your employment contract or employee handbook to determine requirements at your specific workplace. Even if a formal letter isn't a part of your organization's official resignation process, you may still consider writing a letter of resignation because of the multiple benefits it can offer.

Employers can use the information in resignation letters to prepare for when you leave your position. It can give them time to shift project responsibilities to other people, train people to take over your duties or hire someone else. Resignation letters may also let them know why you're leaving the company, which can give employers an opportunity to respond. For example, if you're resigning because you received a better job offer, your employer may offer you a raise to keep you.

How to Write a Resignation Letter

First and foremost, keep it short. Address the letter to your boss or to the HR depending on who you feel most strongly conveying the information to. State briefly and clearly when you’re leaving and what you’ll be doing next. If you don’t have a next opportunity lined up, it’s fine to keep that vague. It’s a good idea to express gratitude as well, as long as there is something you are genuinely grateful for.

Here are Details to Include in a Resignation Letter:

• Your Intent to Resign: Your letter should start with the fact that you're resigning.
• Your Last Day of Employment: You should provide information about the last day you plan to work at the company.
• An Offer to Assist with the Transition: Often, employees will also offer to help in the transition, perhaps by recruiting or training a replacement. In this way, both the employee and the employer can leave the situation with closure and a sense of respect and amicability.
• Questions You May Have: If you have questions about your final pay or benefits, you can inquire in your letter or email.
• Your Contact Information: Include your personal contact information so it's easy for the company to get in touch with you.
• Your Signature: A hard-copy letter should include your written signature above your typed name. If you're sending an email, simply type your name.

Here are Some Things you Shouldn’t Include in a Resignation Letter:

• Don’t need to include the reason that you’re moving on, especially if it’s a negative one.
• Resignation letters are not an appropriate place for complaints or critiques of the company, manager, or co-workers.
• There’s no need to mention in your letter that you'll be getting a higher salary at your new job (if you are). If you’re looking for a counteroffer to induce you to stay, that conversation is better held in person.
• Don’t use your letter to discuss how great the new job is or how thrilled you are about leaving. 

Final Notes

To achieve a positive and graceful exit, a letter of resignation will often thank the employer for the opportunities provided and mention experiences gained at the company or how the employee enjoyed their time there. Just keep it simple, stick to the facts, and don't complain. It's important to leave on a positive note because you may need a reference from the employer. There's no point in burning bridges when you've already made the decision to move on. If you need help writing a resignation letter, you should try using chatGPT for free.