Writing a Letter of Resignation

Keep it Simple

While it may be be an unpleasant task, there's really not that much to it. In its simplest form, you just date your letter of resignation, say when and what you're resigning, sign it, hand it over, and that's about it. Five minutes, and you're done.

Unless you possess the judgment of an attorney and style of a professional writer, don't write much more if you wish to use your employer as a reference. In most cases, there's no need to explain your reasons for resigning. However honorable they may be, it's very hard to strike just the right tone in writing.

For example, if you write that you've found a more challenging career opportunity, it implies that you're bored with your current job. It may come back on you down the road, when a potential employer contacts your former employers as references.

Article
Keep it Simple · Stay Cool · Consider the Audience · In Conclusion

Resources
More Advice · Download Samples · Simple Example 1
Simple Example 2 · Formats and Tools

Subscribe to The Job Searching: Technical Newsletter
Name	Email

Comments, suggestions or questions? Found a great career resource and want to share it? Send feedback. Want to network and discuss technical job searching, employment, and careers with others? Go to the chat room or bulletin board, both open 24 hours daily.

Job Seeker's Toolkit
Previous Features

More Like This:
Avoiding I and My in Your Resume
Create Your Own Web Resume
Portfolio Power
Preparing for Interviews
Preparing to Leave Your Job
Reference Checks
Resumes 101
Rewire your Resume for the Internet
Submitting Your Resume: Tips and Tricks
Writing a Thank-You Letter
Writing Cover Letters
Writing Letters
Writing Resignation Letters

JSN

Job Searching - Technical supports Equal-Opportunity Employment.
Clipart courtesy of Corel Corporation.
Copyright © 1998, J. Steven Niznik. All Rights Reserved.