First, you have to explain why you want to leave the company. There may be a pile of reasons to cite in your job resignation letter, but nothing seems to fit you in order to break up with them smoothly. Second, you have to ask for unemployment benefits and letter of recommendation to your next employer.
Whoever said that quitting a job is easy?
In case you’re on the dilemma between pleasing your current employer and your co-workers, and doing the job you’re happy about, then these tips on crafting a job resignation letter might come in handy:
1. Tell, don’t vent out.
It is important for a company to know why you’re leaving, so be graceful and tell the reasons straight to the point. But mention it briefly, and without hint of emotional distress. However, if you’re not really living for good, it’s better to keep the grievances yourself. The thing is fairly simpler than you thought of. Say it in one or two sentences, never spill grim details and use polite words.
2. Offer them help during the transition period.
This may not be necessary, but it will always be appreciated. Especially if you know that your post will be vacant for long, telling them that you are still willing to be involved until the next person comes is one of the best ways to end it up. However, this doesn’t oblige you to perform your responsibilities until they found a replacement. Just say it out of generosity, let them know that you’ll be willing to help whenever possible.
3. Timing is everything.
Hand the letter a month before you resign if you don’t want to be on bad terms with your employer. It is only fitting and ethical to give them time to process your papers and find someone to fill in your soon-to-be-vacant post. Just put it this way: if you don’t give them prior notice, it’s as good as saying to their face that “I don’t care about your company. What I just want is to get out here fast!” Now, isn’t that a pretty slick impression for your next employer?
4. Ask about benefits and recommendations
But don’t ask demandingly. Just make a mention of it on your job resignation letter, and your employer will already get what you mean. If you will leave while on good terms with them, you’re almost sure that it will be processed fast and without any hassle. If they don’t, at least you are always comfortable to come back and ask for it.
5. Keep in touch
This is one of the wisest things to do. Emphasize on the notice that you will be keeping the communication line open for them and give them your contact details. As your former employer, they have all the opportunity to make or break you in your prospective company. Better if you will also give your contacts to your co-workers in case you want to put them as your reference. It is networking that will build you toward the work you want to have, so store plenty of linkages.
No matter how you wanted to cut the bond with your current employer totally, always remember that a smooth separation takes some time and preparation. A job resignation letter is not just an instrument to cut professional ties. It is also a medium toward understanding and continual growth.
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