You’ve made up your mind to leave your current company for greener pastures, now what? “I am furious. I think your company stinks and I believe I have been treated terribly. I am going to tell everyone I know not to work here. Goodbye and good riddance!”
And that, dear job seeker, is the worst possible way to resign.
In a world governed by your baser instinct, resigning would be an emotional release that allows you to vent all of your frustrations in one foul swoop. The reality is that we exist in professional space that requires a resignation letter that strategically improves your career. The trick lies in the methodology.
Say No To Emotion
Firstly, be clear as to why you are leaving your position. Reasons vary from ‘not enough money’ and ‘unacceptable working conditions’ to ‘the lack of opportunities to advance’. This step is for your clarity only.
The Informal Alert
Once you’re clear that resigning is the way forward, you need to inform your direct manager in an informal manner. This should not be done at the coffee machine, 8am, when all eyelids need toothpicks to assist with vision. Informal means by private discussion.
You may be asked why and you need to be prepared for this as it is not the appropriate forum to air grievances.
The Resignation Letter
This piece of paper is considered a legal document and should be worded in a formal manner. Your reasons for resigning do not need to be stated on the document. It should include:
Make sure that you have all your facts at hand, such as how many days leave are due to you. Although you do not include this in the letter, leave days owing to you may be taken off your notice period or paid out to you (depending on company policy). This will need to be negotiated.
Counter The Counter Offer
The process of resignation is a formalised one and need not be negative. In the event that a counteroffer is made, you need to consider why it took a resignation letter to prompt better pay/working conditions.
Most career advice strongly suggests not taking a counter-offer at this point. It is something that should have been negotiated before resignation occurs.
The Exit interview
So you are thinking – when do I get to tell them some of the real reasons why I am leaving? Sometimes, unfortunately, companies are not ready to listen. However, certain companies do offer an exit interview, which is the appropriate forum to discuss these issues.
Yet again, while you can be truthful, you need to be professional. Have your thoughts worked out beforehand. Remove anything emotional and focus on constructive criticism.
Exit With Style
Cooperation is the key and will facilitate relations.
Resignation Letter Template
Below is a very generic resignation letter template to use but make sure to write it in your own unique words and customised for your situation. Keep it formal and devoid of any negative or emotional content.
Your Name
Your Address
Your Town/City
Main Contact Number
Work or Personal Email Address
Date
Name and Job Title
The Company Name
The Company Address
Dear [Your Boss/Manager’s Name]
This letter serves as notice of my resignation from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name], effective from [Date].
It has been my privilege to work and grow during my time at [Company Name] and would like to take this time to thank you for the opportunities afforded to me during the past [duration of employment]. I wish the company the best of success in the future.
I am here to offer any kind of support to ensure a smooth handover for my replacement.
Sincerely,
(Print out a copy and sign it here)
Your Name and Surname
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