How do I write a good letter of resignation?

Question

What should I include? What shouldn't I include? Who do I address it to - my boss or HR?

Answer 1

Dear Sir/Madam

Please accept this letter as my notice of resignation from my position with .

My contract of employment states that I give notice, therefore my employment will end on

Yours sincerely

Answer 2

.You should include your intention to resign along with a date when you would like to leave (depends on your contractual requirements for how much notice needs to be given).

Letter should go to HR, you could give a copy to your boss as well if you wish - especially if you have a good working relationship.

Obviously, do not put anything "against" the company or personal comments against your boss or other employees in the letter - this information could be given to the person conducting the "exit" or leaving interview - some companies have somebody (normally from HR) who interview you before you leave to see why you are leaving, if there have been any relationship problems, etc.

Answer 3

I don't have a great deal of experience, but I would advise that you don't include any negative comments about your time there unless you've had a particularly difficult time in your job. Also, try not to be too specific about your reasons for leaving and where you intend to go. How about...Dear XXX. Over recent times, I feel I've reached a plateau in my life with regards to my professional life and feel that now is the right time for me to broaden my horizons. I believe I have contributed well to the company over the last XX months/years and have thoroughly enjoyed meeting challenges and working with a great team of people. I do feel that I'm ready now to meet new challenges and am in a position to tender my resignation from the company. I am very grateful for all the support and opportunities that have been offered to me and wish the company success for the future. Yours ...

Good luck and best wishes.

Answer 4

It depends on what you want to say. If you just want to leave quietly just state that you are submitting your resignation and the date of your departure.

If (as I suspect) you wish to use it to make a complaint or point, then explain in detail why you are leaving, but make sure there is nothing libelous. Stick to the facts.

Either way address it to your boss. Copy it to HR if you wish.

Answer 5

Keep it short and sweet. Do not give a reason other than "At this time I have decided to go in another direction." Remember, the spoken word fades into thin air, the written word is a permanent record. Do not write anything that you may later regret. Be cordial and do not burn bridges. Many people leave certain employ only to return years later. Oh, and one more thing, make sure you have a job to go to. It is always less stressful finding a job when you already have one.

Answer 6

Address it to the company that employs you and put it in the hand of your immediate superior, give the required amount of notice,thank them very much, ask for a letter of service, workout your notice and move on. Make sure you are paid ALL your entitlements with your final pay .. holidays etc and pay any money you owe the company. If you are in dispute with them do not do battle with them go to a reliable tribunal and ask for help.. it should be free but I can only speak for New Zealand. Best of luck LOL

Answer 7

Address it to your boss.

Keep it simple, never burn bridges. The best are one or two lines.

Dear xxx,

Please accept this as my letter of resignation. I shall be leaving the company on 77/77/7777. I'd like to thank you for making my employment here enjoyable and wish you the best for the future.

Yours sincerely.... etc

Never mention bad points and don't mention your new company in the letter - there's no need to do so.

Answer 8

I would address it to HR. You can always copy it to your boss.
Keep it short and do not mention any issues. You just need to say that this is your letter of resignation and state your last working day, taking any annual leave, into consideration...I have loads of examples!!

Answer 9

It should be addressed to HR. It should be short and to the point. Simply state your proposed date of resignation, and as a matter of courtesy say you enjoyed working there.

Answer 10

Keep it brief, keep it professional, stick to facts and don't get into feelings. Don't bother putting "it is with regret" if it isn't. Date the letter for the day on which you will hand it to them and state that you hereby give one months notice of your resignation from the post of [whatever]. Address it to your boss and hand it to him/her personally.