Sample Resignation Letter

(Date)

Name

Company

Address

Dear (name of manager),

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 plan to begin with them in two weeks.

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,

The Resignation Meeting

At the time you decided to take another job this person ceased to be your “boss”, “manager” or “superior”, you are now his/her peer. There are plenty of variations to a good resignation letter. However note that the words “commitment,” “two weeks,” “together,” “smooth as possible,” and “positive” are not accidentally used in this letter. It is also no accident that “thank you” does not appear in this letter. There is nothing for which to say thank you. Your work has benefited the company and you received payment for that work. It was a professional arrangement, not a favor. The giving notice meeting is conducted on equal terms. If your boss tells you other wise by refusing your resignation or putting off the meeting he/she is playing the “I’m superior and you’re my employee” game. I suggest that when you give notice that your conversation go something like this:

“(Boss’ name), this is my notice. I have made a commitment to join another organization and will begin working with them in two weeks. I would ask that you to take a minute to read my letter before we discuss together how we can make my transition as smooth as possible.”

Your goal is to keep the conversation positive and professional so you leave them with a good impression all the way through the end of your relationship. Your boss knows exactly what you are doing as soon as you show up at his door with an envelope. He/she will want to get into where you are going and why you are leaving to gather information to rebut your decision. You will be best served by avoiding this conversation until emotions have settled down. The response I would recommend is as follows:

“I understand that you may be curious about that however they have not made their internal announcement yet. As soon as they do I will be happy to relay that information to you. Today, my goal remains to discuss what I can do to help make this transition as smooth as possible for you and (company name).”

You are keeping everything very positive and professional. Your boss will quickly recognize that and appreciate your sincerity.

The Hanover Consulting Group

Executive Search for the Financial Service Industries