How to write a letter of resignation???

[Princess_Aurora]

I’ve never written one of these before and I’m totally lost on how I should prepare it. How long should it be…or how short? I tried to write a short draft, but it’s only a few sentences long and I don’t know if I should make it longer or what. What I have so far is short and to-the-point.

“This letter is to formally notify you of my resignation. I have learned a great deal by working for you; however, certain circumstances are making it hard for me to do my job properly. I feel it would be better for the company and myself to resign from my position.”

That’s all I have. Is that enough or should it be longer or what???

 

[Hillbeans]

It sort of depends. The question being what "circumstances" are there that aren't allowing you to do your job.

It's always better to keep the note short and sweet, especially if you need a reference from them.

 

[Kimberle]

Short and don't say why you are leaving.

Keep it simple.

Dear xxx,
I am resigning my position effective xxx (date). Thank you for the opportunities. I have enjoy working for xxx (company).

You don't need to say much more.

 

[Lynda Silk]

I agree with Kimberle. Her wording is perfect. I used to be the manager of over 100 people, and short and sweet is all you need in a resignation letter.

 

[Princess_Aurora]

So should I leave out the part about certain circumstances are making it hard for me to do my job properly??? I like short and sweet...I don't want to have to explain all my reasons to her. Really, the main one is I have an oppurtunity to take a job that will offer more work with better pay and I'm not really making that much with her. I don't have to put any of that in there, do I?

 

[arminnie]

Originally posted by Princess_Aurora

“This letter is to formally notify you of my resignation effective xxxxxxxx. I have learned a great deal by working for you.

See my editing above. I would not put anything in writing about "circumstances" . You will most likely have an opportunity for an exit interview and you can do it then orally.

The second sentence is optional. Basically you just let them to know in writing that you are resigning and on what date.

A funny side story: Many years ago a friend of mine chose to leave a really intolerable boss. She went into his office at the end of the day and gave him the resignation letter. He said "Mrs. X - how much longer will you be with us?" She slowly looked at her watch and said "About seven minutes".

 

[caitycaity]

Originally posted by Kimberle
Short and don't say why you are leaving.

Keep it simple.

Dear xxx,
I am resigning my position effective xxx (date). Thank you for the opportunities. I have enjoy working for xxx (company).

You don't need to say much more.

 

[Lynda Silk]

No, I wouldn't put any of that in. All that's needed is the fact that you're resigning, the effective date and it's always nice to thank them for the opportunity, all that you've learned, etc. You never know how people will interpret and perceive something, and you don't want to burn bridges. Just resign graciously and professionally.

If you really feel bothered about the circumstances re your resignation, you could talk to your boss about it but in a nice, non-judgemental and constructive way. This can be hard to do, so you have to really keep control over your emotions. I've seen too many people who leave a job in a huff, make their feelings very well known, and then find themselves meeting that very same person in another position or in another aspect of their lives!

Short and sweet! That's all you need!

 

[Lynda Silk]

arminnie, that story was too funny! Had to post another reply just to tell you that!

 

[Princess_Aurora]

Another question, if I've already been hired at another job does the letter have to be turned in 2 weeks in advance??? I know my boss and I know if I give it to her that early she's going to make me feel guilty about leaving, try to talk me into staying, and since I don't like confrontation I'll probably agree to stay there. So if I have another job lined up already, is it okay to pack up my stuff, give her the letter and just leave??? Or better yet, go up there at night when she's not there, pack up my stuff and leave the letter on her desk so she doesn't have the chance to talk me into staying? I know of at least two people that use to work for her that did it that way, but I didn't know if they already had jobs lined up or not.

 

[Maleficent13]

Another question, if I've already been hired at another job does the letter have to be turned in 2 weeks in advance??? I know my boss and I know if I give it to her that early she's going to make me feel guilty about leaving, try to talk me into staying, and since I don't like confrontation I'll probably agree to stay there. So if I have another job lined up already, is it okay to pack up my stuff, give her the letter and just leave??? Or better yet, go up there at night when she's not there, pack up my stuff and leave the letter on her desk so she doesn't have the chance to talk me into staying?

Although I know this is tempting, this is not the way to go. This only makes the person look sneaky and unprofessional. The best way to handle it is to give it to her two weeks in advance, and then if she tries to weedle you you'll have to stick to your guns. Just keep in mind that at the end of two weeks you never have to see her again. But professionally, anyone hiring you is going to want to know why you didn't give notice, and they'll be wary of hiring you wondering if you'll sneak off into the night on them as well. I do all my hiring, and this is something I definitely look at.

Having said that, stick to your guns and good luck on your new job!

 

[Ella2]

NO, you really should give two weeks notice, that is the professional and mature thing to do. It's always a little uncomfortable to leave one job for another but it is MUCH worse to leave your current boss stranded and just walk out. The only time I would ever consider that is if there was some type of harrassment or danger at your current job, and that does not sound like it is the case with you.

Good luck with your new job.

 

[Lynda Silk]

Definitely give the 2 weeks notice! Even if your boss hassles you, it's only 2 weeks and just be professional about it all (ie. ignore it!). The other posters are right on the mark!

 

[stinkerbelle]

also - NEVER burn a bridge when you leave.

As much as I'd like to say "Yo - my **** is outta here on the 5th" and leave it at that...you NEVER know who you'll be working for/with in the future...especially if you are not changing fields.

 

[frannn]

If you don't give notice and are ever seeking another job, you will not get a great recommendation from your current boss. If your current boss tries to get you to stay, pick an amount of salary that you feel would be impossible to turn down. If she agrees to pay you that, better for you. If she doesn't, still better, because she hasn't met your terms and you will not feel obligated to stay. Always be very sweet on the way out of a company. At the very worst, you will never see any of the people again. But, there is always a chance you will need a reference, or be working in a different company with one of them, or be living next door to one of them....

 

[peg2001]

Here's the resignation letter I used when I left my last job:

Dear XXXX:

Please accept this letter as notice of my resignation from XXXX. I have accepted a job offer from XXXX. My last day at XXXX will be XXXX.

Although I would ideally prefer to complete the XXXX project, I can not allow this opportunity from XXXX to pass by. I have enjoyed my 6-plus years at XXX and would certainly be interested in future employment with XXXX, should a suitable opportunity arise.

Sincerely,
XXXX

 

[MosMom]

Knowing your boss from previous posts, she would probably burn the bridge with you regardless of how professional you handled yourself. However, I would still give the 2 weeks notice. She might even tell you just to leave if is irritates her enough.

 

[floridafam]

I would not include the name of your next employer in your resignation letter. If there is bad blood with your current boss, who knows what they could do.

Just keep it nice and simple.

 

[Disney Doll]

Give 2 weeks notice. It looks betetrm and even if oyur current boss is an idiot, you should be the bigger person.

I usually do something like:

Dear X:
This is to notify you that I am resigning from my position of X. My last day of work will be X.

I have learned much from working with you at X company, and I thank you for the opportunities which have been afforded me during my tenure here.

Sincerely:


You will notice that paragraph 2, while seemingly complimentary on first glance, can also be effective to convey a negative. Like "I have learned much from working with you"...yeah, like how NOT to treat people!!!!!!!!

Professionalism is always the best tactic to take when leaving a job.

 

[Princess_Aurora]

Originally posted by Disney Doll
You will notice that paragraph 2, while seemingly complimentary on first glance, can also be effective to convey a negative. Like "I have learned much from working with you"...yeah, like how NOT to treat people!!!!!!!!

That is SO true! You must know my boss or something. She owns this firm but sometimes I think she must have just woke up one morning and said, "I'm going to open my own court reporting firm." and didn't even bother learning how to be a good manager of people.