Resignation
 
After you have made the decision to accept a job offer, you must resign from your present position of employment. You should do this in the most calm, courteous and professional manner possible. Here's how.
  • Resign in a manner that discourages a counteroffer from being made. You may wish to use a statement like, "I have been presented with an opportunity I cannot pass up."
     
  • To eliminate any possible misunderstanding, submit your resignation in writing. Your typewritten letter should be brief and should contain a) an ambiguous statement of resignation, b) an expression of thanks for the professional association you have enjoyed, c) a final date of employment, and d) a cooperative statement expressing your willingness to help during the transition period prior to your last day of work.
     
  • During your resignation meeting, you should be prepared for any kind of reaction, ranging from congratulatory handshakes to guilt trips to out-and-out anger. Regardless of the company's reaction, you should remain calm and professional. Rather than attempt to answer, simply reply, "I'm sorry this has upset you. That wasn't my intention, but I do want to help. Is there anything I can do to help during the transition period?"
     
  • It is imperative that you handle your part of the resignation meeting in a courteous and professional manner. The kind of character reference the company will give you in the future will be strongly influenced by the impression you left behind when you resigned.
     
  • Your employer may ask, "What's really wrong here?" As satisfying as it may be to "unload" about your manager's failings or the company's problems, it is never a good idea. Nothing is accomplished except leaving behind a bad impression.
     
  • Co-workers will be curious about why you are leaving. Tell them exactly what you tell the company. Anything you say will get back to your employer.
     
  • Do not underestimate the importance of your performance during your last two weeks. It is a serious mistake to become "mentally unemployed" and let down while working out your notice. Give it your best effort up until the last minute you're there.
     
By using the strategies and techniques outlined here, you can resign with a high degree of professionalism without burning any bridges behind you.
 
Examples
 
To see examples of good resignation letters, click below. Documents are available in Microsoft Word or PDF formats. (Note: you must have Adobe Acrobat reader to view PDF documents. A link to this free software can be found at the bottom of this page.)
 

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Susan Lee & Associates
 P.O. Box 387
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Phone: 952-897-1170
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