You should always notify your current employer of your plans to leave and when your last day will be, prior to handing in your resignation letter. When deciding the date you will leave, consult your contract and your employer about the notice period. Be sure to ask to speak with your employer privately about this and do not announce it to your colleagues beforehand. Once you have notified your employer of your plans to leave, you can follow up with a formal resignation letter which must be handed to your employer. It is also a good idea to keep a copy of this for yourself.
How to create a resignation letter:
- Put the date at the top of the letter (the date you are handing your resignation letter in).
- Address your employer (i.e. Dear [name of your employer/ company]).
- The first line should mention that it is your resignation letter as well as the position and company that you are resigning from.
- State your reason for leaving.
- Mention what your notice period is and when your last day will be.
- Thank them for the experience and opportunities they have given you. This will be your closing statement.
Complete your resignation letter by including your full name and signature at the bottom.
Top Tips
- Your resignation letter should be approximately half a page in length.
- Leave on good terms by being respectful and following this correct procedure for resigning.
- Remain polite and respectful throughout this process, especially in the final month of your employment. Your future employer may ask them for a reference so make sure there is no reason for you to receive an unsatisfactory one.
