How to write a resignation letter? (Samples included)
So, you’ve accepted a new job offer, that’s great! But we all know that leaving a job can sometimes be awkward and difficult. Whether you’ve loved or hated your job, you want to leave on a high. But how should you start to write your resignation letter? What should you include and what do you need to provide?
To help you out, below are some tips on what to include in your resignation letter:
What to do include in your resignation letter:
1. State your intention to resign
You want to make sure you give adequate notice to your employer through this formal resignation letter. This should state your intent to leave and provide information about your last day of work. This will help to ease any transition required for both yourself and your employer.
Dear [Boss’s name],
Please accept this letter of notice as my resignation from my position [job title] with [company name]. This is effective as of [today’s date] and my last working day will be [your last working date should take into account your notice period].
2. Show your appreciation and thank the relevant people
Although you may be moving on, you want to use this chance to thank your employer or your manager for the opportunity. You can include some of the key learnings you’ve had, what you’ve enjoyed and what you may be very thankful for. Remember, you don’t want to burn any bridges and these people may be required to provide references for you in the future.
It has been a great experience working with you and the team over the past [how long you’ve been with the company or role]. Thank you for the opportunity, for supporting my professional development and for the opportunities you’ve given me such as [state a couple of opportunities given]. I have truly enjoyed being part of the team and have learned so much, all of which I will continue to take with me throughout my career.
3. The transition and handover
You want to offer your willingness for the transition. This can be in the form of recruiting or training your replacement, or putting together a handover document for your team. In this way, you can leave amicably with a sense of respect from your manager and team.
During my last [notice period], I’ll do anything I can to help with this transition. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can do to aid this period of transition and handover.
I wish you all the best and wish for [company] to have continued success in the many years to come. I hope to stay in touch in the future.
Yours sincerely,
[Your name]
[Contact information]
Of course, feel free to adjust the above according to your experience, company and job responsibilities before submitting it to your HR or the relevant parties. But before you write your resignation letter, below are some Resignation Dos and Don’ts to take note of.
What not to do before you resign:
1. Don’t tell your colleagues before you’ve told your manager
You’ve just landed a new job, so you’re probably bursting to share the news with your team members. But it’s not the best idea to speak with them before you’ve had the conversation your boss. For one thing, it’s just common courtesy; imagine your manager hears that you’re leaving through the grapevine? It’s not only awkward, but highly unprofessional. Finding this out second hand isn’t the best way to end your professional relationship. Wait until you’ve had this initial chat before speaking with your team.
2. Don’t burn bridges
You want to leave in style so try your best in your final weeks with the organisation. Help out as much as you can! You have a network of colleagues around you, and you never know when your paths may cross again – creating a strong lasting impression is one of the most valuable things you can do. You may also never know when you need their help!
What to do when you resign:
1. Do give adequate notice
Legally you’ll have to work your notice period, but even just out of courtesy, it’s never a good idea to drop everything and go! You’re not obliged to work any longer than your notice period of course, but try your best not to leave your team in the lurch. They’ll need time to find a replacement and you don’t want to make things harder than they need to be. Don’t forget that you may need your team and your manager for their reference.
2. Do complete a handover
When you’re moving into a new role, it's standard practice to complete a handover – try to make this as detailed and informative as possible for your replacement. You may also use this time to conduct any trainings where relevant so that the transition for your team is as smooth as it can get.
3. Do remain positive
Whatever your personal feelings have been about your current job, remaining upbeat in your last few days means you’ll be able to leave on a positive note. Think about how much you’ve learnt and try to focus on the benefits you had from your time with the company.
4. Do get your colleagues’ contact details
You never know when you’ll need to call upon your former colleagues, and it’s great to keep in touch with your network. Offer out your personal e-mail address and make sure to connect with your colleagues on LinkedIn.
5. Do finish strong
Don’t fall into the trap of getting sloppy in your last few weeks! You want to make sure your colleagues and manager are left with a great lasting impression of not only your skills, but your professionalism and work ethic.
6. Do ask for a reference
If you’ve left gracefully, you should be rewarded with a strong reference from your employer. Make sure to ask for this before you leave the role. It’s also a good idea to get them to endorse you on LinkedIn so that they can publicly showcase how wonderful you are!
We hope that the above has helped you learn how to write a resignation letter as well as understand what to do before you resign and what not to do when you resign from your job. Starting a new job can be very exciting but you want to quit your job in the best way possible. If you have any further questions on this, feel free to approach our recruiters at Progressive Recruitment.
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