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How to Craft a Resignation Letter
9th October 2017
Avoid making your remaining time at the company uncomfortable with our resignation letter guide:
What to Include In a Resignation Letter
Although the contents of your resignation letter may not be the most important part, it does actually matter from a Human Resources viewpoint. Keep it short, sweet and to the point, whilst including this information:
- Addressed to the correct person
- Your name, department and position
- Date of writing
- State that you are resigning from the position
- The date of which it will take effect
- A hand written signature
If you are intending including a few extra words, ensure you thank them for your time there and that it was a fulfilling experience nether-the-less.
How to Deliver Your Resignation Letter
Hopefully your colleagues aren’t aware of your plans to leave the company, as this can only cause trouble in an office. Once you have drafted your resignation letter, request a private a meeting with your manager. It’s best to resign face-to face, as this is respectful.
Display both confidence and sincerity when handing over your letter. If they choose to read it with you there, accept what they say and display professionalism in your reaction.
After wishing each other good luck and best wishes, leave it with your manager as to how and when colleagues find out.
When Resigning, Remember To:
- Stay positive. You may require them to be a reference, or you may find yourself back there in the future.
- Don’t procrastinate. A postponed start date will only put you in a negative light with your new employer. Get your resignation in soon after you have confirmation.
- Avoid getting personal. Although you may have left due to someone or something, calling a person out in your resignation letter will only come back to haunt you.
Every situation is different at the point of resigning. By following the structure and method we’ve described here, hopefully this process can be made smoother for you.
