by Leann Zotis

Created on: May 12, 2010

It doesn't really matter where you want to place the blame.  Perhaps your employer did not live up to the promises made when you accepted the job.  Maybe you grew restless and are ready to pursue other options.  It could be your skills and education level have increased to the point where you owe it to yourself to move on and seek out the opportunities that await you.  It all comes down to one thing, and one thing only.  It's time to tell your employer, in writing, that you have decided to resign from your present position.

It makes little difference whether you liked your job and your employer or if you were chewing on your computer cable in despair and boredom, just waiting for the first real chance to run.  The day you write your resignation letter will be a somber one.  As much as you might like to think you are about to leap forward into that perfect future you've waited for and dreamed about forever, it is never in your best interests to leave your present job on bad terms. 

The words you choose for your formal farewell should be chosen with care.  After all, life is funny sometimes.  You never know when the options and the opportunities you are leaving behind could become necessary to you again.  In writing your final letter of farewell, keep in mind a few important points:

1)  Don't burn your bridges.  You may be ecstatic about your future but it's a mistake to issue any disparaging remarks about your employer or the company you worked for.  You'll want to leave on good terms so that references are favorable.  Who knows, you may cross paths with your former employer or former co-workers some time in the future and you don't want any words written in anger to cloud their memory or opinion of you and your abilities.

2)  Be honest, direct and to the point.  You don't need to write several pages explaining your entire life story and the motivation behind your decision to leave.  Simply state the truth, that an opportunity arose that was too good to pass up.  Part on good terms and state that it had been a pleasure to work at your former job (whether it's a true statement or not, be gracious and grateful) and should the opportunity arise in the future to return to the company, you would be willing to consider any offers.  This gives your employer an option to make a counter-offer, should he so choose.

3)  Don't scribble your resignation on the back of a napkin and toss it in the mail bin in the HR department.  Take time to draft a formal letter, complete with heading, greeting and a signature signed "Sincerely yours."  Be as professional on the way out as you always tried to be while serving as an active employee.  Make your final impression on your former employer a positive one.     

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