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How to write a letter of resignation

Writing a Letter of Resignation

​The time has come, and you’ve decided to part ways with your current company. You may have accepted an exciting offer with a new organization, or are planning to take ten and explore a new career path, either way before you can embark on this new journey, you will first have to write a resignation letter. While writing a letter of resignation is a formality that will follow once you’ve given your notice, and it’s a step you don’t want to skip, as it closes out your time with your current company and will help notify HR and senior members of the team.

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To ensure you are ready to formalize your departure, we’re sharing the key points that you’ll want to be sure to include in your resignation letter.

Take it back to basics

Remember, a resignation letter is not a creative writing sample and shouldn’t dance around the reasons why are you choosing to leave your current role. Rather, the letter should begin with you formally stating the position that you are leaving and the date that you plan to do so (this may be two weeks, or less). You and your manager likely had a prior discussion about your reason for departure, which allows you to keep the introduction to your letter short, sweet, and professional.

Offer assistance in the transition

Now that you’ve stated your resignation, it’s important to include an offer to help assist in the transition of your current position. Whether this be an offer to help train or find a replacement, showing that you care for the future of your role as well as the smooth transition of responsibilities will leave both you and your employer with a mutual sense of respect and closure when it’s needed most.

Thank you, kindly

Finally, your resignation letter should include a note of appreciation to your current employer. Even if you are over the moon about finding a new opportunity, it’s important to remember that you were able to do so with because of the experience gained at the company you are leaving, so a simple thank you can go a very long way. Our recruitment agency team recommends including key things you’ve enjoyed and/or learned in your current role to add a touch of personalization and amicability in this final piece of your resignation letter.

Don’t go there

As your resignation letter is a formal document that will be kept on file with HR, it’s best not to air your grievances within, as this may be a piece the team comes back to down the road. Our recruiters shared several additional points that you will want to leave out of your resignation letter to ensure things are kept buttoned up and state only what is needed.

  • Avoid going into great detail as to why you are moving on.

  • Avoid going over one full page – keep it short and to the point.

  • Avoid saying anything negative about your boss, coworkers, and the organization.

  • Avoid including the company you are leaving your current role for.

  • Avoid using a negative or angry tone, as you don’t want this letter to cause any pain points down the road.

Take a deep breath

Submitting a letter of resignation may feel like a formal and dated step, but it’s one that should not be ignored nor should it be a source of panic. Our recruitment team recommends creating and submitting your resignation letter shortly after speaking to your manager to ensure that all bases are covered while allowing you to tie up any loose ends that may be present.

Remember, show your gratitude, offer a helping hand, and professionally prepare to part ways as you ready yourself for a new and exciting opportunity that lies ahead.

For more professional development tips and insights from our recruitment agency team, click here!