When it comes time to progress in the world of work, sometimes you have to take the first step by submitting a letter of resignation. For some, completing this task is better said than done. The awkwardness of telling an employer that you no longer want to work for their company can become a daunting task. It sometimes causes strained relationships and can even ease some sleepless nights. Also, in many work circles, the situation is quite complicated and how you handle this task can make or break your future job prospects. Why write a resignation letter?
The proper way to alert an employer that you no longer wish to work for them is by writing a letter of resignation. As he navigates the proper channels of politics, it is this act that will ensure his legitimacy as a responsible worker when he applies for other means of employment. Walking away from the work scene shouting the words “I quit” is highly unacceptable. It will surely reflect in his job performance reviews and seriously damage the positive feedback that the last reference of him will provide.
Many employees write resignation letters because they have found a different job that offers the type of environment they are interested in or pays a higher salary. In general, money is the determining factor that leads workers to flee their current employment situation. Sometimes it’s for personal reasons, like creative differences with superiors. Others have simply had enough of their current job title and possibly their boss to the point that they dread returning to their office day in and day out. In the worst case, some will write a letter of resignation even before they have found a replacement job.
Resignation letters also come when employees get the feeling that they are about to be fired. It allows them to beat their blows to the blow and save some fragments of dignity. In a future job application, it always looks better to have left a previous job of your own free will than to say you were fired.
Even if you have verbally resigned, a letter of resignation is still an appropriate action to complete. Hopefully, he can still maintain a positive association with his former employer, who may be asked to write a letter of recommendation in the future. Resignation letters should be completed in a professional manner: typed and neatly filed.
The ups and downs of resignation letters
Before you sit down to write your resignation letter, you should have already thought through why you want to leave your job and that you are absolutely certain that this is what you want to do. Many times, employees have written the letter, tendered their resignation, and after finding alternative measures worse than before, want to return. Unfortunately, at that point, going back to your old job is no longer an option.
Sometimes going back to your old job is a possibility, but how you express yourself through your resignation letter will determine whether or not it’s for you. If you’ve chosen your words carefully so as not to offend your employer, you may have a position waiting for you at your old company or office. If you’ve tendered your resignation with attitude, disgust, and stubbornness, chances are you won’t be received with open arms.
proper procedure
As a general rule, two weeks is the most acceptable and reasonable period of time to give notice on your resignation letter. The only exception to the rule is if you have already signed a contract stating otherwise. In some cases, it could be a week, while others might have to wait a month.
If an employer asks you to stay more than two weeks or beyond your contractual agreement, you are not required to stay. Depending on your situation, you may have a new employer waiting to start your first day or maybe this is one of those situations where the boss is still trying to take advantage of you. Two weeks is the maximum amount of time your job has to reap the benefits of your hard work.
Tips for writing a resignation letter
When writing a resignation letter, you should leave personal jokes out of the text and stick to the announcement of leaving the company. Emphasizing the positive is also suggested to earn points with your former boss (if necessary) and talk about how the company has helped you grow. When it comes time to move on, a reason should always be given. Negativity is of no use since you are already leaving; therefore, dating on good terms will work much more in your favor. Below are some additional tips to consider when it comes to writing a resignation letter.
1) After the salute, begin your resignation letter with the purpose of your departure. Regardless of whether you’re moving to Boston or have found employment elsewhere, you should state why you’re leaving so employers don’t feel slighted.
2) Show praise by pointing out the opportunities, experience, skills and knowledge you were able to gain during your time with the company.
3) Offer help, such as telling them that you can be of some assistance during the transition. This may involve training a replacement during the last two weeks on the job.
4) Tell the employer that if you have any questions or need more details, they can be contacted. It is recommended that you provide up-to-date contact numbers in the letter.
