The Great Resignation is alive and well. Many people are choosing to resign from their current positions in search of something new. Are you doing so too?
Maybe you simply want to follow your passion. Or, perhaps you've found a new opportunity with another employer that you're excited about. If you're here, you're probably searching for how to resign the right way. We've got you covered here.
The Basics of What to Include in Your Resignation Letter
The first thing you'll need to do is create a resignation letter. This letter is simply a statement of your resignation, explaining the basic details your employer needs to know, including:
- The current date: You'll want to include today's date or the date you deliver your resignation.
- Clear resignation statement: You'll want to clearly state that you're resigning from your position. Be sure to include your work title. This is the first thing you should state in your resignation letter. For example, you could say, "I am writing to inform you of my resignation from my position as [insert position]."
- The date of your last workday: You'll want to include the date that will be your last working day. This helps your employer tie up any loose ends before your departure, such as scheduling an exit interview or finding a replacement.
- Appropriate notice: Most of the time, employers will expect employees to give two weeks' notice when resigning. This provides adequate time for your employer to prepare for your departure. Plus, it ensures you don't burn any bridges should you want to come back to the employer in the future.
- Your signature: Finally, close your resignation letter with your name and your signature, if you must provide a physical copy of your letter.
That, before quitting your job, it would be wise to consider these financial decisions following your resignation.
5 Tips for Writing a Good Resignation Letter
1. Keep Things Brief
Your resignation letter should be short and sweet, only providing key details about your departure. Avoid going into too many details, as they're not required.
If you wish to state a reason for leaving, keep it brief. For example, you can simply say you're pursuing other opportunities.
If you wish to go into more detail about your departure with your employer, ask for a quick phone call or exit interview.
2. Stay Positive
Is your resignation due to a negative work atmosphere? Micromanagement? A toxic culture? No matter your reasoning, it's best to keep your resignation positive, no matter how much you might want to scold your employer.
Keeping things positive can help ensure you're able to obtain a reference from your employer for future endeavors.
It's also possible that your resignation letter could be shared with potential employers later on. So, stay kind.
3. Show Your Appreciation
Be sure to thank your employer for the opportunity of being a part of their team. If you feel inclined, you could include specific things you're grateful for in your letter, too.
For example, maybe you were able to learn new skills. Or, maybe you made lasting friendships. Whatever it is you're grateful for, feel free to share.
4. Offer to Help
The next couple of weeks will be tough on your employer. They'll need to work hard to find a replacement for you, while figuring out what to do with your tasks until they do so.
In your resignation letter, offer to help tie up any loose ends. You could even offer to help train your replacement, which may take some stress off your employer's shoulders.
Resignation Letter Templates
Struggling to write a resignation letter? There are plenty of templates available out there that can help. Simply download the template and edit it in your word processing tool of choice.
Here are some of the best resignation letter templates we've found:
- Seek Resignation Letter Template: This template is short, sweet, and to the point without seeming rushed or impersonal. You can use it as is or add to it, depending on your needs.
- Betterteam Resignation Letter Template: This template is also short, but offers a great note of appreciation and thanks to the employer.
- The Balance Resignation Letter Template: This template is the shortest of them all and is compatible with both Microsoft Word and Google Docs.
Best of Luck in Your New Endeavors
You now have the tools necessary to resign with confidence and without burning any bridges. Whether you're moving into a new position with another employer, starting your own business, or simply taking a break from the grind, we wish you the best of luck!
