5 Hints on Writing a Resignation Letter

Time to say goodbye to your current employer, or secured a new role? Here’s our top tips on how to write your resignation letter.

Resigning from a job can be tough, and it is more important than ever to make sure that you stay on good terms with your previous employer. Although not a legal requirement in the UK, it is often written into contracts that written notice may be required on leaving a job. Writing a resignation letter can seem difficult, but read our handy guide below, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

1. Address to the correct person; make sure that you always address your resignation letter to your direct line manager, this will then be handled accordingly to internal processes.
2. Include a leaving date; standard notice period is 4 weeks, however sometimes this may be increased/decreased depending on role – make sure that you check this within your contract, and that this is written in your resignation letter.
3. Say thanks; it is important that you do not leave things on a sour note, and that includes saying thank you in your letter. You may need a reference from this role, so it is important to leave on a good note with your former employer. A nice touch is to note what you have learnt or how you have developed in your time at the company and can go a long way with your previous management.
4. Keep it professional; make sure the language used in your letter is appropriate. As per the previous point, it is important not to burn bridges, so avoid using negative language in the letter, or towards the company. Keep it positive towards former colleagues, and management.
5. Tie up loose ends; before leaving a company, try and make sure all loose ends are tied up, or an official handover is completed with your replacement or person who will be taking over your duties. If you are in the middle of a project, make sure there is a written document in place summarising where everything is at, and what next steps need to be taken.

We hope you find these 5 tips helpful when writing your resignation letter; if you’re currently looking for a new role, and need support with your CV, or alternatively would like us to write your resignation letter for you – please get in touch!