The Resignation
Focus on the Positive
Make sure to mention how much you appreciate the experiences, skills, and relationships you’ve built at your company. Gratitude goes a long way toward softening the blow of an unexpected departure.
Stand Strong
Your decision to leave your company and pursue other options was likely made over a period of time and only after careful consideration. Be clear and firm: put your resignation in writing (see examples below), and include a specific date at which your employment will end. Your boss’s reaction may include any of the following:
- Supportive acceptance: “We are very excited for you, and we wish you the best of luck with your new move.”
- Counter offer setup: “I’m extremely surprised to hear you say this. Let’s go have lunch and talk about this in more detail.”
- Outright anger: “If that is your decision, then go ahead and pack up your stuff and leave now.”
No matter what, remain confident in and committed to your decision to move on.
Offer Your Help
Replacing a valued employee is a challenge for organizations, so make sure you give ample notice to minimize the impact on your company (two weeks is normal and customary), and make yourself available to assist in finding and training a replacement.
Every organization will react differently to the unexpected loss of an employee, but being firm, positive, and helpful will help you to make the transition as smooth as possible for both your company and yourself.
Following are three sample resignation letters that demonstrate these principles in action:
“Dear _____:
I have been employed with _______ since ________, and I appreciate the challenges and growth I have found here. I have given my future career path a great deal of thought, and I have decided that the time has come for me to tender my resignation. This has not been an easy decision, as I have enjoyed my career with _______.
I would like to request that this transition be made as smoothly as possible. I have accepted a new position, and I have committed to the start date of ______. My decision is final. I am not open to reconsideration, and I would not accept any counter offer if tendered; therefore, it would be appreciated if that kind of pressure could be avoided.
I am more than willing to assist you in finding my replacement, and I will make myself available in the future to answer any questions that may arise.
Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation. I wish you the best in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
_________”
“Dear _____:
This letter is to inform you that I will be leaving _______. This was a difficult decision, as working for _____ has been a positive experience -- one for which I am very thankful. I have learned a lot and enjoyed working with you; however, my career plans have led to me accept a position with another company. This decision was reached only after thorough and careful consideration.
In order to lessen the impact of my departure at this critical time, I have postponed the effective date of my resignation for two weeks.
My decision to leave is final, but I wish continued success to _______ and to you. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any further assistance to the company.
Sincerely,
_________”
“Dear _______:
I have worked at ______ since _____, and I have enjoyed my work, the personal relationships, and the opportunity to be employed here.
After much thought and careful consideration, I have decided to pursue a another direction for my career. I have accepted a new position, and I am committed to a start date of _____. Please accept this letter as my resignation, effective on ______.
My family and I are very enthusiastic about my prospects, and I have made a firm commitment to the new position. Therefore, I am not open to any type of counter offer or reconsideration.
I will work with my replacement in every way possible to ensure that my work is covered effectively during the transition period.
Thank you for the opportunity to have worked with ______. I wish you the best in all your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
_________”