Are you overworked, super-stressed, underrated and underpaid? If yes, then know that it’s time to step down, pack your stuff and move on! Whether you wish to quit jobs because you found a better offer or simply don’t get along with your fellow workers or boss or have to relocate, saying ‘I Quit” in style and with grace can leave you with quite a few perks. After all, nothing earns you positive favor and a great recommendation letter than a well-styled resignation letter. So, you better do it right! All said and done, know that writing a resignation letter is a serious bet and it isn’t something that should be aimed for in a ten minute coffee break. Irrespective of why, how and on what terms you choose to part ways, it’s important to be extremely professional when writing a resignation letter. After all, a classy, graceful exit can open your doors to bigger career prospects as well as earn you a positive feedback. Here are a few tips on how to make the best impression with a well-written resignation letter. Read on to know more on this.
Writing A Resignation Letter
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A resignation letter is more than just business etiquette or professional courtesy. Remember, your decision to quit the job is more than just a career move. Thus it needs to be planned and presented well. Using a good quality paper, type a standard business letter. Avoid using a company letterhead and do ensure that your letter is well-written. Proofread your document and keep away from typos and spell-errors. Remember to add your home address on the top and your name underneath the letter unless you want to keep your employer guessing your signature.
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It’s always good to address your resignation to your CEO, current employer or any other concerned person and always hand out your letter in person. In case you need to provide multiple copies of your letter to different departments, you can either include the names of all the concerned persons in your letter or draft separate copies addressed to them. Keep the salutation formal and always begin with “Respected Sir/Madam”.
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Remember, a resignation letter is a formal letter. So don’t forget to cite the subject of your letter with reference to the context before proceeding with the content. Cut out the superfluous details and sum up your subject in just a single line. It’s best to restrict your subject to 35 characters. However, you can stretch your word-limit, if you deem important. And yes, do not write in capitals and don’t forget to emphasize your subject line.
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Nothing can mar your impression more than a sloppy resignation letter crammed with gratuitous details and ambiguous reasoning. To cut a long story short, keep your resignation letter short, sweet and to the point. Begin your letter, preferably the very first sentence, clearly stating your purpose. Keep the tone formal and refrain from sounding immature, ambiguous or threatening. Remember, a good resignation letter is more than just a notification and how you begin it can make a big difference on how you end your term with the company.
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One of the thumb rules for a perfect resignation letter is to keep it short and snappy. However, make sure to add on the vital info like your date of departure to your resignation letter. You can generally notify the timings depending on your company’s terms and policies, if any. However, in case you cannot choose to serve the notice period for a genuine emergency, make sure to specify it clearly on your resignation letter.
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Agreed that your resignation letter should be brief. However, you can incorporate another paragraph highlighting your achievements and expressing your appreciation for the company. This part is particularly important, more so if you are vying for a positive recommendation from your previous employer. Just briefly highlight your achievements and accomplishments and keep the tone subtle. You can write things like, “It was a pleasure representing the company on Global meet…” or “I immensely enjoyed being a part of the advanced research team…” and so on to draw the spotlight to your feats without sounding pompous.
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Before signing off your resignation letter, make a point to extend your appreciation to your current employer and your fellow-workers. If you have been in the bad-books of the company, use this opportunity to straighten out your impression. Be cordial and appreciating. Who knows where your courtesy and professionalism can land you at the end of the day.
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Sign off your resignation letter on a very formal tone. Instead of concluding your letter with clichéd and impertinent endings like ‘yours truly’ or ‘yours faithfully’, use more credible sign offs like ‘Sincerely’ or ‘Thanking You’, followed by your name and signature underneath.
