With the high rate of unemployment, you cannot surf the Web without seeing at least a few articles about how to write a better resume or how to nail an interview. It is good to know how to write a resume and land the job; however, when it comes time to leave the job, it is also good to know how to write a professional resignation letter. Even if you want to embrace a country song ("Take this job and shove it -- -- ."), it is never a wise decision to burn a potential bridge you may need in the future. I have been in the situation where I wanted to tell my employer exactly what I thought about him and his company but common sense took over and I did what I knew was more beneficial for me -- I wrote a resignation letter that maintained my professionalism, dignity and experience.
To write a professional resignation letter, keep in mind you need to:
Be positive. Do not let any negative feelings seep into your resignation letter. Negative comes across as bitter and that is a slippery slope you do not want to start down. Furthermore, a few years from now someone reading your file to provide a reference will be reviewing your resignation letter as a reflection of you.
Be clear. Do not give the impression you want to negotiate or you want a counteroffer. Be clear with your resignation, stating that you are submitting your resignation as {title} effective {date}. A two-week notice is the minimum you should offer; however, senior employees should offer more notice as a consideration of their position.
Be formal but friendly. Most resignation letters follow the same guidelines as a business letter. Use the person's first name if you are familiar with them rather than being petty by addressing them by their last name.
Be gracious. Thank your employer for the opportunity to work for the company and all that you have learned while performing your duties for the company.
Be honest. While you should not rudely point out that your immediate boss took credit for all of your work, a resignation letter can serve as an opportunity to clarify your value to the company. While thanking your employer for the opportunity to work for the company, recall some of your accomplishments that stand out so that anyone reading your file will be left with a good impression of your abilities and contributions to the company.
