By Kevin Donlin
Regardless of personal feelings, it's crucial that you part with your present company on the best possible terms. Because today's boss could become tomorrow's client.
A good resignation letter will help you do this. It can set the stage for a smooth transition from one job to the next.
Your letter must do two things:
* clearly state when you're leaving and
* avoid burning any bridges.
Writing your resignation letter need not take more than 10 or 15 minutes. At a minimum, date your letter, tell your manager when your last day of work will be, include contact information (if you're planning to move), sign it and hand it over to your boss.
It's a nice touch to include your home phone number and/or email address, in case your replacement has questions about how to do your job. Staying in touch with former co-workers will also broaden your professional network.
In most cases, there's no need to explain reasons for resigning, so avoid going into detail. For example, if you write that you've finally found the career challenge you've been yearning for, it implies that your current job was boring.
Another caution -- don't jeopardize future references by using your resignation letter to vent and to tell your boss exactly what you thought of him or her. If you have serious legal reasons for leaving, don't commit to paper what might be seen as a slanderous statement. Share such thoughts with an attorney instead.
Here's an example resignation letter to get you started.
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November 10, 2000
Dear Mr. Smithers-Jones:
This is to inform you that I am resigning from Green and Company. My last day of employment will be November 24, 2000.
I will be assuming the duties of Editorial Assistant at Moehler, Inc., in San Francisco, CA, starting December 1, 2000. If you need to reach me with any questions relating to my present duties, my new phone number will be 650-555-1212.
I'd like to express my thanks to you and the rest of my colleagues at Green and Company for giving me an opportunity to serve here over the past three years.
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Remember, you'll build a good reputation and a network of contacts by moving gracefully from one company to the next. Resign tactfully and you'll do just that.
Best of luck to you!
-- Kevin Donlin is the author of "The Last Guide to Cover Letter & Resume Writing You'll Ever Need," a do-it-yourself manual that will help you find a job in 30 days ... or your money back. For more information, please visit http://www.CollegeRecruiter.com/guaranteed-resumes.php
