So, you found a new job. Awesome! During the Great Reshuffle, many professionals across the country are finding new careers and embracing their futures. The first step of that transition includes telling your current employer that you are leaving. For some, this can be daunting. But writing a resignation letter, though not always required, can make the process a little less awkward.
Start with the basics
You’ll have to begin with some basic information, as well as the position from which you’re resigning from. In the upper lefthand corner of the page, address the person you’re writing to with their full name, position, the company name, and address. From there, you can jump right into the letter and immediately get to the point. An ideal first sentence might be: Dear [Boss’ Name], Please accept this letter as a formal resignation from my position as [position title] with [Company Name]. This gets right to the point and keeps it simple.
Generally, people give two weeks’ notice when leaving a company, but that’s not always the case. At this point in the letter, be sure to note your definitive last day.
Thank your employer
It’s a good idea to thank your employer for the opportunities they allowed you or the skills they taught you. The Muse notes, “This is true even if you’re thrilled to be leaving. Remember—you may need these people for a reference down the line, and leaving things on a good note will leave a lasting (positive) impression.”
Include a line thanking them for the experience, such as, “[Company name] has been a great home for me for the past [number] years, and I thank you for being a big part of that as my boss and mentor.”
Offer to help with the hand-off
Leaving your position open might result in a bit of panic, both from your manager and team. Your work and duties will need to be covered until your position is filled again. Offering to assist in the transition can help bridge this gap and ease the transition. For example, you can say something along the lines of, “I understand the effect my leave may have on the team and offer to train my colleagues in how to fulfill some of my more complex responsibilities.”
Sign off and keep it simple
Here’s where you can wrap up your letter with one more quick “thank you” and “Sincerely, [your name].” Remember that a resignation letter does not have to be complex or long winded. There are optional sections, such as offering a reason for your resignation, that you can consider including, but are not necessary. That information may be more suitable for an exit interview.
If you are considering leaving your job, or already have, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of Green Key’s talented recruiters! Or, if you’re interested in learning about recruiting as a career, check out our internal careers page!
