Resignation Letter, by Employee 

Date:

Dear ________________:

I hereby resign from my position at the Company effective today.  If you would like me to continue for up to two weeks, I will be happy to do so in order to assist in an orderly transition of my responsibilities.

The only reason I am leaving is because I was offered a substantial increase in both responsibilities and income.  I sincerely all you have done to make my time at the Company productive and useful for all concerned. 

My thanks again,

With best regards and thanks,

__________________
Resigning Employee

cc Any other person in organization you would like to receive a copy

Resignation Letter, by Employee 
Review List

This review list is provided to inform you about this document in question and assist you in its preparation.  Orderly resignations are extremely important for both Employer and Employee.  The resigning Employee should keep in mind that they will probably need the Employer’s reference for any job after the one they are resigning to take.  With that point of self-interest in mind, the Employee is advised to put the best possible face on the reasons for resignation so the Employer remembers you well.  When I resigned from my first post-MBA job at General Foods, time was of the essence to get my new Umbroller stroller company off the ground.  Despite that circumstance, I still stayed 5 weeks to be sure the transition was orderly and complete.  Several people at General Foods remembered that courtesy years later.

Resist any temptation to “tell them off.”  Be nice; be courteous; leave graciously – or you will fall into the proverbial trap of acting in haste and repenting at leisure.  And, as the result of acting nicely on your departure, most employers will rise to the occasion as well.  As Shakespeare said, “All’s well that ends well.”

1.	Give the original to your boss, usually after discussing it first.  Make a copy for your own files.  If you feel the need to give it to someone else at the Company, make the appropriate copies.  You are usually best off just speaking to your boss and letting them handle the formalities.  It shows respect for the hierarchy; keeps your boss in control; and leaves the right impression on all concerned.

If you have the intent of suing your employer for some form of discrimination or harassment, your Resignation Letter is the first volley in your litigation battle.  Do not draft or send it yourself.  Have your litigating lawyer do so since they are expert in these matters and you are not.