In today's economy, it is unfathomable to think that people may CHOOSE to leave their job. Maybe their family needs to relocate, they decide now is a good time to go back to school or they just aren't happy. If you're one of these people and you decide it's time to leave your job, it's in your best interest to leave on good terms with your employer.
“You don’t want to burn bridges” is a term that is used often—almost to the point where it’s become a cliché—in advice columns. Short and sweet, it’s used to visualize causing a scene. But when you take the time to analyze it, the phrase means more than that.
Inside Your Resignation Letter
One of your first steps to resigning is to write a resignation letter. Though you may be tempted, this letter is not the outlet to vent any personal frustrations; you need to write your resignation letter while you are calm. “If you want to vent, use a confidential exit interview to do so,” said Dr. Rachelle J. Canter, author of “Make the Right Career Move”. “But be constructive and make sure you trust the person handling the exit interview. Constructive feedback can help others and relieve any concerns you have about helping to resolve a bad situation that you are leaving”.
Keep your resignation letter short and to yourself. Your manager should be the first to know, not a co-worker. Type your name and address at the top right and your employer’s name and address at the top left. It’s common to address the resignation letter to your employer, however each office culture may be different. If you’re unsure, go with you gut feeling.
Here is a template you can use:
Your name
and address
Your employer’s name
and address
The date
Dear (Employer),
I am writing to let you know that I have decided to resign. My resignation will begin 14 days from this letter (month, day and year). Thank you for the opportunity to work with you and (company name). If there is any way in that I can assist with the transition of my resignation, please let me know. I would be happy to help.
Sincerely,
Sign your name here
Your Name
That is it! Keep it short and to the point.
Leaving With Your Good Reputation
Many people have trouble working those last 14 days. It can be difficult to care about your job when you know you are leaving, but you must. You cared about it enough to take the job. Understand that your employer will be discussing your employment with your new employer, and probably has their contact information. Be honest and polite. Keep up with your work and leave with your workstation clean and your inbox as empty as possible. If your employer asks after you hand in your resignation, help train someone else to take over your job. If you don’t have someone to train leave some notes behind with instructions and helpful tips.
You Have a Business Network to Maintain
Although you are an employee you still have a business to take care of, the business of getting good jobs. One step in ensuring your next will be better than your last is by maintaining your network. Your boss and your co-workers are all part of your business network. You have a reputation with all of them. Hopefully it has been good in the past. Remember, these people can help you in your future careers as well. You can maintain that good reputation by being professional in your resignation letter. Lindsay Olsen, a partner and recruiter with Paradigm Staffing, adds, “Resignation letters should always be short and concise. You should remain positive and graciously thank the company for the opportunity you have been given, but still keep a firm and professional tone. There is no reason to explain the reason for leaving—only that it’s a personal decision and you should indicate the last day you plan to work for the company. It’s important for the reader not to question whether or not you will leave and it makes it easier for all parties knowing the decision to leave is final. I suggest giving the letter of resignation at the same time you give your direct supervisor the news. More than likely the company will ask for it and by having to go back to your desk and type one up draws out an already uncomfortable and difficult process”.
The author of three Sourcebooks, “Bad Bosses, Crazy Coworkers & Other Office Idiots”, “301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions” and “Power Sales Words”, Vicky Oliver, offers these tips from a speech she gave at the New York Society For Security Analysts on January 15:
1. Resign with Grace. Emphasize the positive, not the negative. You’re leaving because you received a great new opportunity. You love your old firm, and you are writing the letter to thank your boss for the opportunity s/he gave you.
2. Thank your Coworkers in Person. But there’s no harm in mentioning the “team camaraderie” that you experienced at the firm in your resignation letter, if true.
3. Never Criticize Your Boss In Writing. Leaving is often perceived as an opportunity to vent, but don’t be tempted.
4. Remember The Expression, “Loose Lips Sink Ships.” Honesty, while a laudable trait, is not the best policy. Letters are legal documents. Take care not to damn any person, any team in the company or any management practice.
Resigning on good terms will send a positive, professional message to your current and prospective employers.
Nicole LaMarco is a full-time freelance writer with 7 years of experience. She specializes in ghostwriting and copywriting, and often writes on the topics of business, career, fashion, beauty, literature, finance, health, fitness, and animals. Visit her website at http://www.nicolelamarco.com
