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How to write a letter of resignation
Writing a letter of resignation can be difficult, depending on the circumstances. For one thing, it’s hard to strike just the right tone. Even if you’re leaving a position because you’re not happy or making enough money, you don’t want to risk alienating your superiors or co-workers. You never know when you might want to ask one of them for a reference or recommendation.
The best tactic is to keep your resignation letter simple:
- use company letterhead
- state only the barest facts
- date your letter
- state the date on which your resignation is official and the position you’re resigning
- sign it and hand (or send) it to the appropriate person
For example, in British English:
|
3 June 2015
Miriam Jones Human Resources Manager A1 Plumbing & Heating 52 Annex Road SouthMiddleton Christchurch 8024
Dear Ms Jones:
I am writing to let you know that I am resigning my position as Administrative Assistant to the Vice President for Marketing, effective 17 June 2015.
It’s been a pleasure working for A1.
Sincerely,
[signature]
Joseph Clayhurst Administrative Assistant Marketing June 3, 2015, Miriam Jones Human Resources Manager A1 Plumbing & Heating 31 Gravel Drive Harrisburg, PA 17101 Dear Ms. Jones: I am writing to let you know that I am resigning my position as Administrative Assistant to the Vice President for Marketing, effective June 17, 2015. It's been a pleasure working for A1. Sincerely, [signature] Joseph Clayhurst Administrative Assistant Marketing |
It is also appropriate for the addressee to acknowledge receipt of the letter of resignation. For example, in British English:
|
5 June 2015
Joseph Clayhurst Administrative Assistant, Marketing A1 Plumbing & Heating 52 Annex Road SouthMiddleton Christchurch 8024
Dear Mr Clayhurst:
It is with deep regret that I accept your resignation as Administrative Assistant to A1’s Vice President for Marketing, effective 17 June 2015.
We here at A1 are aware of the demands that this position has placed on you, and we appreciate the excellent work you have done as an administrative assistant.
I wish you success in your new position.
Best wishes,
[signature]
Miriam Jones Human Resources Manager June 5, 2015 Joseph Clayhurst Administrative Assistant, Marketing, A1 Plumbing & Heating 31 Gravel Drive Harrisburg, PA 17101 Dear Mr. Clayhurst, It is with deep regret that I accept your resignation as Administrative Assistant to A1's Vice President for Marketing, effective June 17, 2015. We here at A1 are aware of the demands that this position has placed on you, and we appreciate the excellent work you have done as an administrative assistant. I wish you success in your new position. Best wishes, Miriam Jones Human Resources Manager |
Back to How to write a business letter.
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