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How to Respectfully Resign from Your Job
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How to Respectfully Resign From Your Job

The Betts Team
July 1, 2015

Resigning from a job is never easy, even if you can’t wait to get out of there. You have to set up a time to discuss your decision, and no one really finds those conversations “comfortable.”

If you find yourself itching for a change in the workplace, you may need to put these next few steps into action. A crucial phase of resigning from a job is writing a resignation letter. This document should clearly and simply state your resignation in a kind and respectful manner.

Here are three ways you can resign in a well-written letter:

Don’t waste anyone’s time

It’s very important to be straightforward when writing your resignation statement. You may feel like there is a laundry list of reasons for your departure, but keep it concise. For example, you could say, “I have accepted a position with Company X because I feel that I can better further my career with them.” That’s probably better than going on and on about what’s wrong in your current role, which leads us to point number two.

Show your employer gratitude

Thank your employers for the opportunities they have given you during your time at the company. Be sure to highlight a significant moment during your tenure that had a positive impact on your career. You want to resign on a good note and leave them with a positive impression of your character. You never know when you are going to need a job reference!

Give a clear timeline

Lastly, deliver a few lines explaining your timeline and how you plan to wrap-up your duties. You should be dating this letter at least 14 days prior to your exact leaving date. This courtesy ensures you have a standard amount of time to tie up loose ends, and your employer can begin to find a replacement. Offer to assist during the transition to make the process more smoothly. Remember, this letter is much more about your employer’s needs than yours.

Check out the below template for an example of a well-structured letter:

“To (Name of Supervisor):

It is with mixed emotions yet firm conviction that I write this letter of resignation from my current position at XYZ Company in San Francisco, CA.

My experience over the last X years with this excellent company and its many fine people has been a significant part of my professional and personal life. Please understand that I have made my decision after considerable deliberation, and only because an outstanding opportunity presented itself to significantly further my career and help me achieve my goals.

I am therefore resigning from my position at XYZ Company effective (End Date). This will allow sufficient time to complete current commitments prior to commencing with my new employer on (Start Date).

I hope that you will understand and accept my decision, and that I will have your support in making this change as easy as possible for the staff and department.

Sincerely, Your Name”

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Article author: Brooke Salyer