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Resigning - Thoughts For A Candidate On Resigning - Sample Resignation Letters
Resigning - Thoughts For A Candidate On Resigning - Sample Resignation Letters
A candidate will need to write a letter of resignation and give it to their boss to open the
resignation meeting. I suggest a very simple four-sentence, two-paragraph letter of
reference that is direct and to the point. The letter reads like this:
Dear Boss,
Please accept this letter as my official notice of resignation. I
appreciate the work we have been able to accomplish together
at (company name), but I have now made a commitment to
another organization and will begin with them in two weeks, or
sooner if the situation permits here.
Know that it is my intention to work diligently with you to wrap
up as much as possible in the next two weeks to make my
resignation as smooth as possible. If you have any suggestions
on how we can best accomplish that goal, I hope you will share
your thoughts with me, as I am eager to leave on the most
positive note possible.
Sincerely,
It is also no accident that "thank you" or "I'm sorry" does not appear in this letter. There is
nothing to say thank you or I'm sorry for at this juncture in one's career. Yet,
inappropriately, that is how many resignation letters begin. Furthermore, candidates
giving notice must understand it is unprofessional and improper for them to use the
resignation letter to tell the current boss where they are going, what they are doing in
their next job, and/or how much they are making.
I suggest that with the above letter in hand a candidate open their resignation meeting
conversation by saying:
"Boss, I have made a commitment to join another organization and will begin
working with them in two weeks, or sooner if the situation here permits. Please
accept this, my letter of resignation. I would ask that you take a minute to read
my letter before we discuss together how we can make my transition as smooth as
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possible."
Almost no boss in the world doesn't know what is about to happen when their employee
walks into their office with an envelope in their hand. The opening gets right to the point
without unnecessary small talk. It also makes it clear you are not planning to talk about
your decision to leave. Instead, it is clear that what you plan to discuss is the transition
now that you have made a commitment to leave. It makes the transition the most
important item to discuss in the conversation that is about to occur.
Every time the boss asks anything not related to ensuring a smooth transition, a candidate
should deflect the other questions simply by saying:
"I know you may be curious about that, but it is not my intention
to discuss where I am going or why. My decision is made. I have
made a commitment to another organization. If it is really
important for you to know where I am going and why, let's talk
about it when it is not an emotional issue for us, say a month
from now. Today, my goal remains to discuss how to make the
transition as smooth as possible."
To help my candidates feel comfortable about using the above deflector, I ask them why
it is that on the day they give notice suddenly their opinions are so important to their
boss? That perspective usually reinforces that there is no purpose to the resignation
meeting except to leave on as positive a note as possible through a carefully planned
smooth transition. That is the resignation meeting's sole purpose.
Informing your current employer of your resignation takes tact and discretion.
If they inquire as to whom you new job is with, it is best to tell them that you
cannot disclose that information until your new employer announces it within
his/her own organization. The following sample letters are suitable
correspondence to announce your resignation.
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This decision was not an easy one, and involved many days and hours of
thoughtful consideration, particularly with respect to my own plans for my
future. Nevertheless, the decision is final.
Please do not make this process more difficult than it need be by discussions of
the reasons for my decision or whether it can be changed.
My main thoughts now are to work as hard as possible to wrap up my affairs
here and turn over my responsibilities as you direct. However, I would like to
join my new firm as soon as possible. Therefore, if convenient, please notify
me if you wish to wave my two week notice and conclude my employment any
sooner than _______.
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Address
City, State, Zip
Dear _______________,
Subject: Voluntary Resignation of YOUR NAME
This will constitute my notification to you of my resignation from COMPANY
effective DATE.
Please accept my sincere gratitude to both you and COMPANY for the
opportunities extended to me during my time with your company. My decision
to resign was reached with great difficulty; however, I have accepted a position
with another company which will be in the best interest of my family and my
career. Please understand that I am not in a position to consider an alternative
offer from COMPANY since my decision to resign is final.
Again, thank you very much for all your past courtesies.
Sincerely,
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