Leaving a job is stressful, whether you’re excited to move on to a better opportunity or you’re fed up with your employer and need a way out. If you have a good relationship with your boss, you may be worried about disappointing him or her. If you have a bad relationship with your boss, you may be worried about getting into a verbal argument or losing your cool right before you leave. Either way, you’ll have to write a resignation letter, which can send some people to hide under the covers.
Typically, resignation letters are given to HR or your employer two weeks before your last day on the job. The letter serves as the official announcement of your termination, and it also provides your company with important information, like the day you’ll be leaving, so that they can prepare. Getting the resignation letter right is a step toward making an easy, drama-free transition out of your job and into your future.
Your resignation letter should:
- Get the point across clearly so there’s no confusion
- Have the correct tone — professional and respectful
- Be concise and quick to read, with no irrelevant information
- Show appreciation for your time at the company
- Avoid burning a bridge (even if you secretly hate your job and know you’ll never want to return to the company)
If you have a lot to say or you’re unsure of how to write a resignation letter, hitting all those marks can be tough. Let’s go through the different components of a resignation letter, along with templates and samples that you can steal.
