Resigning by Letter

There are numerous reasons for wanting to write a letter of resignation. Usually it will be because you have found another job. Other reasons may be that your job description has been changed and you don’t wish to work under the new working arrangements. Perhaps, the atmosphere has changed and there are people or situations that make it uncomfortable for you to stay in your current job.

How to Write a Letter of Resignation

One of the most important things to remember, however, with regard to letters of resignation, is that they should be written and sent as soon as you have decided that you intend to leave your current job. Often this is dictated within the terms and conditions of your employment. This can vary from company to company. Some employers may require you to give a week’s notice, some a month’s notice and some even longer than that. On the other hand, you might very well be in a position where you can tender your resignation with immediate effect. The general guidelines, however, is to refer to the terms and conditions of your employment contract and see what your employer requires you to do, where you intend to resign from the company.

You should begin your letter by clearly stating the fact that you are resigning from your job and the exact date upon which your resignation comes into effect. This not only allows your employer to know your intentions but gives them time to arrange a suitable replacement for you (if that is what they intend to do). It also enables the HR or payroll department to calculate your final pay so that it includes any holiday pay or other sums of money which you are entitled to.

Refrain from Being Negative

There may be one or more of several reasons why you wish to resign. The important thing to remember is that, whatever the reason – even if it’s negative, you should refrain from making any derogatory or disparaging comments about any employee or the company itself, even if you feel that you would be justified in doing so. In fact, you don’t even need to include a reason for your resignation. You’ve decided to resign for whatever reason so a resignation letter should simply stick to the facts, include the relevant date and it’s polite to also offer your gratitude to your employer for the opportunities you have been given during the time you have spent with them, unless you simply feel that you are unable to do that for whatever reason.