Resignation Letter

The decision to resign from a job is usually not pleasant. It has to be thought out carefully. While you are in the decision-making process, do not discuss it; keep your thoughts private. If you decide to resign from a position, however, be sure your decision will remain irreversible regardless of the counteroffer your employer may make. You can then state in unmistakable terms your final decision to resign.

To eliminate any possible misunderstanding, always submit your resignation in a typewritten letter. By following the guidelines outlined below, you can resign with a high degree of professionalism without burning any bridges; you do not want to leave the organisation on bad terms.

Guidelines

• Give enough notice.
  
  
• Keep your letter brief, simple and positive; the sole purpose of your letter of resignation is officially to document the date on which you gave notice and the final day of employment.



• Do not explain your reasons for resigning (it is your business). Your statement of resignation must be unambiguous to avoid interpretation-or misinterpretation. In a resignation meeting, remain calm.



• Be sure to express thanks for the professional association you have enjoyed. You can also express your willingness to help during the transition period prior to your last day of work or even offer to help find a replacement.



• Maintain the element of surprise until you hand over your resignation letter, especially if you are leaving because you feel you are being treated unfairly. If it happens that colleagues are curious about why you are leaving, tell them exactly the same thing you told the organization (i.e. the date of your departure and nothing else).



• Consider your audience while writing your resignation letter. It is usually just for Management, with a copy to the Human Resources Department, and they will not pass your letter over to your colleagues. Hence, there is no need to mention them in your letter. If you want to show your gratitude towards your colleagues, it is more appropriate to take them out to lunch or send them individual thank-you cards or notes.



• Keep courteous towards all, not just towards your friends, and keep contact information of colleagues for networking purposes. Even better, try to get an agreement from someone in the organization (e.g. your supervisor) to serve as your reference later on.



• A very simple statement can be powerful enough to be used as a letter of resignation.



• Do not copy letters verbatim from websites.



• Keep a signed copy for your records.



• Keep your performance at the same level until the last minute on the job. Do not make the mistake of mentally resigning before you have finished.



• Make sure you discreetly have prepared to leave. Things should be 'lined up' by the time you submit the letter.



• Before your last day:
  
  • Clean out thoroughly your office and desk;
  
  
  • Ensure that all filing is completed in an organised fashion;
  
  
  • Complete a comprehensive hand-over file;
  
  
  • Ensure that all your administrative check-out details are complete.