Resigning

[The_Universe]

I'll be giving my current employer my "two weeks notice" this friday. I start a new job on the 22nd of August, and my last day here will be the 12th of August - giving me the week of Gen Con to relax and enjoy myself before starting my new employment.

However, since I've never really had to formally resign from a place of employment before, I'm really not sure how to go about it. What should a letter of resignation say? Who has to see it? This is all new to me, and I want to make sure I don't accidently burn any bridges here as I move on to other things.

Your advice and experience is welcome! Tell me your tales of resignation!

 

[Xath]

Well, I've never actually worked a "real" job like you have. But I gave my two weeks-ish notice today. My last day will be August 5, and then I'll have a few weeks to relax before school starts.

So I just went in to see my boss and said: "Uh, remember that my last day will be August 5?" And he said. "Okay."

But I'll start working for them again once the semester starts, so I guess it's not a resignation as much as it's an "I'm going to take a few weeks vacation and when I come back, I'll only be working a few hours a week."

But yes. Usually, I just go tell my boss, and they're fine with it.

 

[der_kluge]

I bet if you google'd for "resignation letter" you'd find a lot of examples.

It doesn't have to be long. A guy I worked with one time had a resignation letter that said "I quit. Ron".

The general form is to state your intentions of leaving, and that you are tendering your resignation effective immediately. You can then list positive aspects of your employment if you like, highlighting the good things of your tenure. Be sure to stress that you're leaving, not because of any ill-will towards the employer, but that you've found a better opportunity for yourself, and that perhaps you would be inclined to work for your current employer again at some future date should the right opportunity arise to do so.

 

[reveal]

Quick search turned up this: http://jobsearchtech.about.com/od/letters/l/aa030998.htm

Here's the simplest form

 

[Arnwyn]

Tell me your tales of resignation!

It's different in every place, because of the 'corporate culture'.

When I changed jobs a few years ago, I just told my boss verbally that I was giving my 2 weeks notice, and then asked what exactly she needed from me. The place I was working at was really great, though, and we had a good relationship so I could do that easily.

 

[Dominic]

Depends on your employer, and how formal their Human Resources department is. When I've done this, it normally involves an actual paper letter (shocking), to both your direct supervisor, and HR. If possible, and if you can trust it will get done, let your supervisor contact HR, or ask him/her who you need to give the letter to. Incase you think you need to CYA, get some kind of reply, or paperwork response.

Then sit back and organize the going away party - coworkers optional.

To have the week of GenCon off between jobs - what a treat.

Goodluck with your new employer.

 

[IronWolf]

I tend to make my resignation letters a little longer than just I quit. I attempt to leave without burning any bridges and include a little more in the resignation letter. I often thank them for the opportunities they presented to me and that I was happy to be a productive employee while I was there. However at this time a more attractive opportunity has arrived that will allow you to grow your skill set even further, etc, etc. This may not work for you, but it has worked well for me in the past. I can contact all of my previous employers with little hesitation as we left on good terms in all cases.

 

[The_Universe]

My current work environment is pretty laid back - I might just ask my boss what he needs from me to make it all work, but it's nice to have a little background with other people's experiences before I start poking around, here.

 

[DaveMage]

Your "official" resignation letter (i.e. the one you send to HR) should be similar to the one reveal lists above. Keep it short and simple.

However, if you feel the urge, you can additionally write an e-mail thanking those who you've worked with to let them know that you appreciate them.

If you had a bad experience there, then say nothing other than the official letter. You should never, ever burn bridges.

 

[reveal]

You should never, ever burn bridges.

I can definitely attest to that. I left my last job with a bad taste in my mouth, especially after my exit interview with the VP of IT. He was a jackass. I didn't say anything though and actually used him as a reference since he thought I did a great job. He gave me a glowing recommendation when my new company called him.