How to resign and write your resignation letter

Resigning is not always easy. What should you think about, how do you communicate this at work, why is it important to leave in a decent way and what if you have doubts? Use these tips on how to quite your job and write a decent letter of resignation.

Resign and resignation letter example - Hays.nl

Do you want to resign? Then think about the following:

How to hand in your resignation
How do you tell your manager?
What to do when in doubt?

How to write your resignation letter?

Once you have made the decision to resign, always tell your manager in person. In addition, you should also let your manager know in writing.

A letter of resignation is the formal way to announce your decision. It is also a legal document which states the date on which you wish to start your notice period.

Download your resignation letter example

How you write your resignation letter depends on the circumstances of your departure. A simple resignation letter will mention the addressee, the termination of the employment contract, when the notice period starts and your signature.

If you are leaving on good terms, or if you are particularly sorry to leave valued colleagues and friends behind, you can add a couple of extra sentences thanking your manager for the opportunities you have been given. A few well-worded sentences expressing your feelings can work wonders.

Does your resignation have to do with unfavourable working conditions or a conflict with your manager or colleague? Then don't go into detail. There is no point in elaborating on it. In such a case, announce your resignation in a neutral way.

Remember that the letter of resignation has only one purpose: to inform your employer about the date you wish to stop working. Keep it short and to the point. Do not put any bitterness on paper.

How do you tell your manager you want to resign?

It is not unusual to experience a lot of emotions when you resign. Feelings of guilt often come first: They will think that I have let them down! Then comes the fear: How will I be treated once I quit my job? What if they try to convince me to stay? What if they don't? Maybe you are sad about friends you will leave behind.

The reality is that most people, including your supervisor, have already been in a similar situation in their lives. Despite the fact that you may have been a valued team member, the company will not be ruined now that you are leaving. You are not the first person to resign and you will not be the last. Do not feel guilty.

And remember, if you don't want to tell where you are going to, that is your right.

Additional tips for reporting your resignation:

Keep it confidential: your manager will appreciate that he can decide himself to whom, when and how he communicates the news.
Try to find the right moment to tell your manager; just before he has to address a board meeting is not the right moment.
It may happen you get a negative reaction. Chest up, let it pass and repeat the facts clearly and simply; remember: you are just resigning, the initial shock will pass.
Be sure of your reasons for leaving and stick to your opinion.
If there is a transition period to train a colleague or replacement, assure your manager that you will be helpful and cooperative. Don't be negative.

What if you have doubts?

It is crucial to be absolutely convinced that you are making the right decision before handing over your resignation letter. Think about the following points before you make your final decision:

What are the pros and cons of your current job? And of the new job?
Have you made use of all the promotion opportunities with your current employer?
Would you leave if you were offered more salary or career opportunities?
Listen to your heart, but stay rational: listen to your head too
Think back to your motives for looking for another job in the first place. What made you unhappy? Do you think those circumstances will change?
Don't be thrown off balance by comments from friends or family like "But you were so good there" and "Who knows where you'll end up?
Be positive and don't underestimate your capabilities. If you have goals and ambitions, try to achieve them!

If your current employer offers you a salary increase hoping you won’t resign, then remember that most people who accept this offer leave within three to six months anyway.