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Resignation Letter

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  • C chriselst

    There has been lots of discussion about CVs, covering letters, interview questions. But what happens if it all goes well, how do you get out of where you currently are? How do you go about resigning? What should a resignation letter contain, is it just a piece of paper for HR to file or does it serve any actual purpose? Is "Dear boss, I'm off x weeks from today, love Chris*" enough or should you pad a little? *I'd use your own name, but you get the idea.

    Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them.

    J Offline
    J Offline
    Johnny J
    wrote on last edited by
    #19

    Here are a few examples: 1[^] 2[^] 3[^] As for #3, you may not even have to go through the whole procedure if you have a copy or two left over from the office christmas party?!?!? :-)

    Anything that is unrelated to elephants is irrelephant
    Anonymous
    -----
    The problem with quotes on the internet is that you can never tell if they're genuine
    Winston Churchill, 1944
    -----
    I'd just like a chance to prove that money can't make me happy.
    Me, all the time

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    • C chriselst

      There has been lots of discussion about CVs, covering letters, interview questions. But what happens if it all goes well, how do you get out of where you currently are? How do you go about resigning? What should a resignation letter contain, is it just a piece of paper for HR to file or does it serve any actual purpose? Is "Dear boss, I'm off x weeks from today, love Chris*" enough or should you pad a little? *I'd use your own name, but you get the idea.

      Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them.

      J Offline
      J Offline
      Johnny J
      wrote on last edited by
      #20

      I just got myself a new job, and because my current boss is almost never in his office, I sent him an email saying that I had got a new job, wanted to resign, and that I had left a written resignation on his desk for the next time he'd come in. I got a return mail consisting of exactly two words: "Ok, Thanks"... I dunno, but I had hoped for a little more than that, perhaps. "Ok, we're gonna miss you" or something like that...

      Anything that is unrelated to elephants is irrelephant
      Anonymous
      -----
      The problem with quotes on the internet is that you can never tell if they're genuine
      Winston Churchill, 1944
      -----
      I'd just like a chance to prove that money can't make me happy.
      Me, all the time

      C 5 M 3 Replies Last reply
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      • L Lost User

        So whats the story, Got a new job? Thought you were pretty much indispensable there. Be prepared for a counter offer.

        C Offline
        C Offline
        chriselst
        wrote on last edited by
        #21

        It's a hypothetical question.

        Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them.

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        • J Johnny J

          I just got myself a new job, and because my current boss is almost never in his office, I sent him an email saying that I had got a new job, wanted to resign, and that I had left a written resignation on his desk for the next time he'd come in. I got a return mail consisting of exactly two words: "Ok, Thanks"... I dunno, but I had hoped for a little more than that, perhaps. "Ok, we're gonna miss you" or something like that...

          Anything that is unrelated to elephants is irrelephant
          Anonymous
          -----
          The problem with quotes on the internet is that you can never tell if they're genuine
          Winston Churchill, 1944
          -----
          I'd just like a chance to prove that money can't make me happy.
          Me, all the time

          C Offline
          C Offline
          chriselst
          wrote on last edited by
          #22

          Last place I worked at my boss didn't say another word to me after I handed my notice in, for the whole six weeks I had to spend there. He'd even walk out of a room I walked in to.

          Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them.

          W 1 Reply Last reply
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          • C chriselst

            Last place I worked at my boss didn't say another word to me after I handed my notice in, for the whole six weeks I had to spend there. He'd even walk out of a room I walked in to.

            Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them.

            W Offline
            W Offline
            Wastedtalent
            wrote on last edited by
            #23

            Similar to me, I got a phone call on my last day saying thanks for my hard work and that he heard the offer I had was too good to turn down etc etc. All very kind words, would have been nice if they hadn't left it 'til my last day though.

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            • OriginalGriffO OriginalGriff

              It's a formal announcement of one of two things: 1) I'm terminating our contract on such-and-such date or 2) I want more money and this may force you to offer it. Either way, keep it short and polite, give the last day of employment and give no reasons. Hand deliver it (or leave it on his desk) marked "private and confidential" Remember, your new employer may want to take up references and there is a lot your current employer can say "between the lines" without giving you a "bad reference" itself.

              Bad command or file name. Bad, bad command! Sit! Stay! Staaaay...

              C Offline
              C Offline
              Colin Mullikin
              wrote on last edited by
              #24

              OriginalGriff wrote:

              Hand deliver it (or leave it on his desk) marked "private and confidential"

              I prefer to use a big red stamp that says "Top Secret". :laugh:

              The United States invariably does the right thing, after having exhausted every other alternative. -Winston Churchill America is the only country that went from barbarism to decadence without civilization in between. -Oscar Wilde Wow, even the French showed a little more spine than that before they got their sh*t pushed in.[^] -Colin Mullikin

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              • D Daniel Pfeffer

                I would say that a resignation letter should contain as little as possible. Specifically: 1. Don't give reasons for leaving 2. Don't make it personal 3. Don't burn bridges Basically, you never know when you might run across your former employer, so it's best to keep things civil. The resignation letter should: 1. Give the last date you will be present (don't forget to check your employment contract for any mandatory notification time) 2. Assure cooperation in a smooth handover before that date The resignation letter may: 1. Indicate availability for consultation after your last day of employment (for a fee) 2. Mention that it was a pleasure to work with them

                If you have an important point to make, don't try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time - a tremendous whack. --Winston Churchill

                M Offline
                M Offline
                Marc Clifton
                wrote on last edited by
                #25

                Daniel Pfeffer wrote:

                • Don't make it personal
                • Don't burn bridges

                But I so WANT TO!!! Marc

                Imperative to Functional Programming Succinctly Contributors Wanted for Higher Order Programming Project!

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                • J Johnny J

                  I just got myself a new job, and because my current boss is almost never in his office, I sent him an email saying that I had got a new job, wanted to resign, and that I had left a written resignation on his desk for the next time he'd come in. I got a return mail consisting of exactly two words: "Ok, Thanks"... I dunno, but I had hoped for a little more than that, perhaps. "Ok, we're gonna miss you" or something like that...

                  Anything that is unrelated to elephants is irrelephant
                  Anonymous
                  -----
                  The problem with quotes on the internet is that you can never tell if they're genuine
                  Winston Churchill, 1944
                  -----
                  I'd just like a chance to prove that money can't make me happy.
                  Me, all the time

                  5 Offline
                  5 Offline
                  5imone
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #26

                  During my "resignation interview" I just got a flat face from my boss and then nothing else till last Friday - today is my last working day! And when I say nothing else I mean I didn't have to pass my knowledge to someone else; I thought I had a little more value, but now I think I should stop overestimating me, I've been here only for 12 years ... :)

                  'Just because nobody complains doesn't mean all parachutes are perfect.' Benny Hill

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                  • C chriselst

                    There has been lots of discussion about CVs, covering letters, interview questions. But what happens if it all goes well, how do you get out of where you currently are? How do you go about resigning? What should a resignation letter contain, is it just a piece of paper for HR to file or does it serve any actual purpose? Is "Dear boss, I'm off x weeks from today, love Chris*" enough or should you pad a little? *I'd use your own name, but you get the idea.

                    Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them.

                    F Offline
                    F Offline
                    Forogar
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #27

                    A long time ago in an insurance company far, far away from the ideal place to work (I only left working on jet fighter flight test analysis because they paid me 50% more - that's how they get you, you know)... My boss used to leave me detailed little Post-its when he wanted things done. So I posted a little yellow square of paper to his monitor one morning - with my resignation on it. He complained that it wasn't enough and I should write a proper one; so I did - but only because he had threatened me with a promotion to management if I changed my mind and stayed! I couldn't risk that!

                    - I would love to change the world, but they won’t give me the source code.

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                    • C chriselst

                      There has been lots of discussion about CVs, covering letters, interview questions. But what happens if it all goes well, how do you get out of where you currently are? How do you go about resigning? What should a resignation letter contain, is it just a piece of paper for HR to file or does it serve any actual purpose? Is "Dear boss, I'm off x weeks from today, love Chris*" enough or should you pad a little? *I'd use your own name, but you get the idea.

                      Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them.

                      R Offline
                      R Offline
                      Roger Wright
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #28

                      "Knock, knock." "Who's there?" "Not me anymore, arsehat!"

                      Will Rogers never met me.

                      1 Reply Last reply
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                      • C chriselst

                        There has been lots of discussion about CVs, covering letters, interview questions. But what happens if it all goes well, how do you get out of where you currently are? How do you go about resigning? What should a resignation letter contain, is it just a piece of paper for HR to file or does it serve any actual purpose? Is "Dear boss, I'm off x weeks from today, love Chris*" enough or should you pad a little? *I'd use your own name, but you get the idea.

                        Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them.

                        D Offline
                        D Offline
                        dazfuller
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #29

                        Same as everyone else really. Check your contract to see who resignations should be addressed to as amazingly it's not always your boss, work out when your last date of employment would be and then keep the letter to the minimum even if you really want to say more. Also if it's not your boss who you need to write the letter to it's worth dragging them to one side and informing them what you're about to do (always try to be the bigger person). Then it's just a case of picking your wording, addressing to your boss or "To whom it may concern" if it's a generic HR department. > Dianne > > This is to inform you of my intention to terminate my employment with Wacky Rabbits Corp as per the terms > of my contract with my final date of employment being the 14th February. I wish you and everyone else all the > best for the future. > > Regards > > Krusty Or something similar. Just don't let it get personal though, you may need to come back for a job in the future, or you may find yourself encountering your current boss at a potential new employer.

                        Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines

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                        • C chriselst

                          There has been lots of discussion about CVs, covering letters, interview questions. But what happens if it all goes well, how do you get out of where you currently are? How do you go about resigning? What should a resignation letter contain, is it just a piece of paper for HR to file or does it serve any actual purpose? Is "Dear boss, I'm off x weeks from today, love Chris*" enough or should you pad a little? *I'd use your own name, but you get the idea.

                          Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them.

                          S Offline
                          S Offline
                          sir_download_alot
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #30

                          Generally I would add the following content: 1) That you terminate the contract as of Date xyz. Mention the last work day (having sorted out the remaining vacations etc.) 2) Reason (career opportunity you cannot resist, sick dog, joining ISIS and so on). Don't write it's because of the money unless it was discussed and declined (event then I wouldn't write it). 3) Thank for the opportunity to work for the company (if you don't want to destroy bridges) Depending in which country you are living, there are different laws regarding the form and maybe even the content of the notice. Where I live it would be enough to send an email (notice has to be in written form). Usually people send it by signed post, well before the notice period starts. It's just important that you have a proof the employer is in the possession of your notice before the notice period starts, otherwise you get into trouble with your next work assignment. The last time I walked into the HR department and let them counter sign my notice letter (double). One for them, one for me. Depending on the relationship you have with your boss, tell him in advance that you plan to leave before you send the notice. Maybe you have to/want to transfer valuable knowledge to your coworkers. Make a proposal (not in the resignation letter) how to make this transition as painless as possible for your employer and your coworkers. Show that you are willing to support this process (unless you don't care or there is no reason for it). As I said, this all depends on legal requirements, maybe the industry, the circumstances and your personal choice. Good luck!:thumbsup:

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                          • D Daniel Pfeffer

                            I would say that a resignation letter should contain as little as possible. Specifically: 1. Don't give reasons for leaving 2. Don't make it personal 3. Don't burn bridges Basically, you never know when you might run across your former employer, so it's best to keep things civil. The resignation letter should: 1. Give the last date you will be present (don't forget to check your employment contract for any mandatory notification time) 2. Assure cooperation in a smooth handover before that date The resignation letter may: 1. Indicate availability for consultation after your last day of employment (for a fee) 2. Mention that it was a pleasure to work with them

                            If you have an important point to make, don't try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time - a tremendous whack. --Winston Churchill

                            M Offline
                            M Offline
                            mbb01
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #31

                            You may give a reason for leaving, but then again you don't have to be too specific or critical. Your employer may well ask you anyway, especially if your resignation is unexpected. So, best make sure you have your reason for leaving well rehearsed.

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                            • J Johnny J

                              I just got myself a new job, and because my current boss is almost never in his office, I sent him an email saying that I had got a new job, wanted to resign, and that I had left a written resignation on his desk for the next time he'd come in. I got a return mail consisting of exactly two words: "Ok, Thanks"... I dunno, but I had hoped for a little more than that, perhaps. "Ok, we're gonna miss you" or something like that...

                              Anything that is unrelated to elephants is irrelephant
                              Anonymous
                              -----
                              The problem with quotes on the internet is that you can never tell if they're genuine
                              Winston Churchill, 1944
                              -----
                              I'd just like a chance to prove that money can't make me happy.
                              Me, all the time

                              M Offline
                              M Offline
                              mrmike
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #32

                              Hmmmm kinda confirms you made the right choice... Mike

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                              0
                              • OriginalGriffO OriginalGriff

                                It's a formal announcement of one of two things: 1) I'm terminating our contract on such-and-such date or 2) I want more money and this may force you to offer it. Either way, keep it short and polite, give the last day of employment and give no reasons. Hand deliver it (or leave it on his desk) marked "private and confidential" Remember, your new employer may want to take up references and there is a lot your current employer can say "between the lines" without giving you a "bad reference" itself.

                                Bad command or file name. Bad, bad command! Sit! Stay! Staaaay...

                                A Offline
                                A Offline
                                all_in_flames
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #33

                                Maybe it's a good thing that all my current employer can do when called for a reference is to confirm dates of employment :laugh:

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                                • D Daniel Pfeffer

                                  I would say that a resignation letter should contain as little as possible. Specifically: 1. Don't give reasons for leaving 2. Don't make it personal 3. Don't burn bridges Basically, you never know when you might run across your former employer, so it's best to keep things civil. The resignation letter should: 1. Give the last date you will be present (don't forget to check your employment contract for any mandatory notification time) 2. Assure cooperation in a smooth handover before that date The resignation letter may: 1. Indicate availability for consultation after your last day of employment (for a fee) 2. Mention that it was a pleasure to work with them

                                  If you have an important point to make, don't try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time - a tremendous whack. --Winston Churchill

                                  P Offline
                                  P Offline
                                  Peter Mulholland
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #34

                                  Mention that it was a pleasure to work with them

                                  So if it wasn't, leave it out or lie?

                                  Pete

                                  D 1 Reply Last reply
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                                  • P Peter Mulholland

                                    Mention that it was a pleasure to work with them

                                    So if it wasn't, leave it out or lie?

                                    Pete

                                    D Offline
                                    D Offline
                                    Daniel Pfeffer
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #35

                                    I did say that it was optional.

                                    If you have an important point to make, don't try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time - a tremendous whack. --Winston Churchill

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                                    • C chriselst

                                      There has been lots of discussion about CVs, covering letters, interview questions. But what happens if it all goes well, how do you get out of where you currently are? How do you go about resigning? What should a resignation letter contain, is it just a piece of paper for HR to file or does it serve any actual purpose? Is "Dear boss, I'm off x weeks from today, love Chris*" enough or should you pad a little? *I'd use your own name, but you get the idea.

                                      Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them.

                                      C Offline
                                      C Offline
                                      C Grant Anderson
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #36

                                      I knew a guy that was an amateur cartoonist. When he resigned he drew up a full page single frame cartoon that showed him pissing on his boss' desk. I think that sent a quite descriptive message about how he felt.... Sorry if this offends anybody. I just thought it was so funny that I should share it here!

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                                      • C chriselst

                                        There has been lots of discussion about CVs, covering letters, interview questions. But what happens if it all goes well, how do you get out of where you currently are? How do you go about resigning? What should a resignation letter contain, is it just a piece of paper for HR to file or does it serve any actual purpose? Is "Dear boss, I'm off x weeks from today, love Chris*" enough or should you pad a little? *I'd use your own name, but you get the idea.

                                        Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them.

                                        B Offline
                                        B Offline
                                        Bob Tervin
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #37

                                        Be Professional, Kind, and Thankful. Leave on good terms. Managers understand that people come and go; that's just life in business. You may find out the new job isn't so awesome until the honeymoon is over [6 months in]. Everyone is on their best behavior during an interview [including the interviewer], but people's real personalities come out 6 months to a year later. Maybe you'll find out your old job wasn't so bad after all? In that case, wouldn't it be great that you could contact your old manager about returning to your prior employer! Or, at the very least your old manager could give you some job lead contacts.

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                                        • D Daniel Pfeffer

                                          I would say that a resignation letter should contain as little as possible. Specifically: 1. Don't give reasons for leaving 2. Don't make it personal 3. Don't burn bridges Basically, you never know when you might run across your former employer, so it's best to keep things civil. The resignation letter should: 1. Give the last date you will be present (don't forget to check your employment contract for any mandatory notification time) 2. Assure cooperation in a smooth handover before that date The resignation letter may: 1. Indicate availability for consultation after your last day of employment (for a fee) 2. Mention that it was a pleasure to work with them

                                          If you have an important point to make, don't try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time - a tremendous whack. --Winston Churchill

                                          J Offline
                                          J Offline
                                          J C Morris
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #38

                                          As the saying goes, "it depends." I've written one resignation letter in my professional career - after 18 years as chief sysprog with an Enormous State University's computer center (and that was 32 years ago; I'm still with my second employer). In my case the reason for leaving was disgust with the university's administration - an opinion shared by the computer center director. I gave the director a heads-up almost a year before I left that I was looking for another position, and in my formal resignation promised to stay through a major installation to help it go smoothly. Since then I've twice been a manager (and both times escaped without serious injury) so I see the resignation letter from both sides. A few comments: * If the departure is amicable, say so. "I've been privileged to work with the highly professional staff at World Wide Widgets but have found new opportunities to develop and use new skills elsewhere". Volunteer to help plan the transition to backfill your position. Don't say that if it's not true, but in that case don't lie. * Note that if the departure is amicable (as was mine), ask your co-workers who think highly of your qualifications for permission to give their names and (perhaps personal) phone numbers to potential employers. Your employer will almost certainly refuse to disclose anything more than your dates of service, but that doesn't mean that you can't tell co-workers that you approve them going into detail. (No, this isn't part of the resignation letter but it's something to consider). * The "normal" expectation by an employer is a two-week notice that you plan to leave, but the employee manual, contract, or other document may require longer notice. If possible give a lead time long enough to make a smooth transition (assuming no need to say "I'm gone"), but consider whether that will trigger security procedures. Many companies have a policy that any employee with access to sensitive data will be terminated immediately upon receipt of a letter of resignation, then be given a payment equal to the salary they would have received between notice and departure (typically called "payment in lieu of notice"). * If you think it necessary to explain - either in the letter of resignation or in the exit interview with HR - problems that led to your resignation, BE POLITE and to the greatest extent possible, describe the problem and not the personalities involved. Even if your current employer refuses to disclose the details of your work a potential employer may hea

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