Create the Resignation Letter You Need as You Embark on a New Career Journey

Congratulations. You found the job you wanted. Time to write a resignation letter. Now, it is time to let your current employer know.

Don't worry if you have butterflies at the thought of turning in your notice. Everyone does, at least the first time. Why? Because most people don't know that... There Is A Wrong Way To Resign A Position.

Yes, a wrong way. Here are some tips to keep your letter on the right path:

• Keep it short.
• Keep it generic.
• Watch your language.

Keep it short

A good resignation letter is short and to the point. No need for it to be more than a few sentences, if that. Just include the pertinent information, sign it and that's it.

Keep it generic

This goes along with watching your language, but other than putting the name of your supervisor or human resources person int he greeting, there is no need to get personal.

Watch your language

What you say in a resigning letter can come back to haunt you if you aren't careful. Do not sing the praises of your employer. If they were so great, you wouldn't be leaving, right? And do not use your resignation letter as a platform for addressing all of your complaints, either.

What should a resignation letter contain?

A successful resignation letter reads like the one below. It gives vital information:

Notice that you are leaving.When your last day will be.

Can it be that simple? Yes - look:

Dear Mr. Smith
I am leaving my position with this firm. My last day of work will be July 15, 2008.

Sincerely,
Jaine Dough

After you turn in your resignation

Be prepared for questions. However, do not feel obligated to answer any of them. Unless you have an enforceable non-compete contract with your current employer, there is no reason to tell them where you are going.

In fact, doing so can actually hurt you.

I was working as a medical malpractice paralegal at a large, nationwide personal injury firm. However, I was very unhappy there and looking for something less stressful. In the course of a few months, I secured a legal secretary position. One problem - the firm was a defense firm with cases against my current firm.

In the interest of full disclosure and to maintain my integrity, I told my employer where I was going to work. My supervising attorney wished me well and stated that he was happy with my willingness to stay away from the one case he had with the firm that hired me. All seemed well. Ha!

Instead, the attorney whose office was closest to mine, but for whom I NEVER worked, decided that I knew too much about his cases. He went behind my back, contacting my new employer without my knowledge or consent, and basically threatened that firm with forcing them out of his cases if they hired me.

I lost that opportunity, all because I wanted to be honest.

Next time, I will not tell where I am going, why I am going, or anything. I will just say that I have chosen to leave and state the final day of my employment.

Remember, resigning to move on to a better position, where you will be happier in your work and personal lives, is a cause for celebration. It should be something you look forward to, not dread.

So keep it simple. And good luck in your new job!