Time to hand in your notice?
Congratulations on getting that new role! However we know that nerves on handing your resignation notice in, can sometimes put a damper on the initial celebrations.
Don’t panic, a resignation letter can be achieved with tact and respect, no matter what your reasons for leaving your current role may be, allowing you to step away whilst maintaining your professionalism.
What’s in a Resignation Letter?
A resignation letter is the first stage of formally handing your notice in.
This letter can be crucial to your next role, as the date you formally hand this in will trigger the start of your contracted leave period with your current employer and let your new one know when you’ll officially be available to work.
Resignation letters may feel ceremonial or sometimes un- needed if you’ve already had the conversation verbally, but they help to clearly start and document the process of your leaving in an official capacity.
The art of a good resignation letter?
Aim for three things when composing your letter. Keep the details simple, remain professional and be courteous.
Simple – As mentioned above, this is the recorded documentation that starts the process of leaving the company. There is no need for huge pages of text but a simple 2-3 paragraph letter is more than enough and certainly no more than one page is needed.
We recommend that you start the letter using a formal letter format, with your details at the top right and the date of the letter below this.
Within the body of the text, it is a good idea to confirm your believed end date based on your leave notice from your original employment contract and also mention if there is any holiday period you would like to use up during this period.
Simple clear details are always best to keep everyone with the same expectations.
Remain professional – When writing your letter, there is no need to state or describe your reason for leaving if you do not wish. Unless leaving is over a serious grievance (by which you’d already be in process with a HR department and raising your complaints) we recommend leaving any negativity out of the letter.
For those who would like to express reasons for leaving, then some simple details such as ‘a new career development opportunity’ is enough to explain your exciting new job offer, for example.
It’s also good to let your employer know that you plan to carry on with professionalism for the duration of the notice period. You can do this by offering to help prepare for your departure by either asking “if there are any areas in particular you would like me to focus on during my notice period, please let me know” or you can offer to provide outlines of your daily tasks and let them know you are able to be on hand during this transition period to initially train or hand over with any replacements if in place.
Be Courteous – It is a great idea to close your resignation letter with thanks for your time at the company, the opportunities it has given you and gratitude for any knowledge and skills you have developed whilst there.
Despite leaving to take on a new role, you may still need to contact your former employer in the future for references and it is always best to leave with positive professional relationships maintained. Aim to keep a positive, professional tone in your writing and avoid any negative language towards the company, your managers or colleagues.
Example Letter
Dear (insert line managers name)
Please accept this letter as notice of my official resignation from the position of (position title) at (company name).
As per the terms of my employment contract, I will continue to work for (insert the company name) for the next (insert leave period) completing my employment on (insert last working day here)
I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the team here at (insert company name) and am grateful for the many opportunities you have given me during my time here.
If there are any areas, in particular, you would like me to focus on during my notice period, please let me know, if not I would be more than happy to help train or conduct any handovers if needed.
It has been great to work with you and I would like to wish (Company Name) all the very best of successes in the future.
Yours sincerely
(Insert your name)
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