How To Write A Resignation Letter
In my life, I have had my fair share of shitty jobs and bosses. If you are like the average working woman or man, I'm sure you have had a few of your own that you absolutely hate. Even though you may despise them, when you leave, you have to resign with a certain level of class and professionalism.
As tempting as it may be, you shouldn't quit by cursing your boss out nor should you give him or her your favorite finger on your way out the door.
Even though you hate your job or your boss, you never know when you may need one or the other. Besides giving your employer a considerate two weeks notice, it is important to also send in a written resignation letter that is professional and not tacky.
When you leave your job on a good note with a well-written and proper resignation letter, you are keeping yourself open to obtaining references, connections, and other opportunities. Also, if you ever wanted to go back to the job that you quit, you will have a better chance at being rehired if you left on a good note and submitted a professional and poised resignation letter. Keep in mind, the resignation letter that you submit will be sent to HR and it will set the tone of your last two weeks on the job.
Here are 6 simple steps in writing a resignation letter to a job that you hate:
1. Keep it short and sweet.
Just like writing a cover letter when you are applying for a job, your resignation letter should be a quick read and straight to the point. At all times, your resignation letter should not exceed one page. Honestly, it shouldn't even exceed a few paragraphs. Although it may be a million and one reasons why you are quitting, do not write a full five-page paper on why you hate your job and how it was such a waste of time.
2. Don't be an asshole.
In your letter, use words that exude positivity and don't use the moment in your letter to rant about co-workers that you hated. Keep in mind nobody likes pettiness, so being petty in your letter and placing blame on others will not make anyone miss you or wanting you back on the team. (Remember, you always want to leave on a good note because you never know when you may need someone.)
3. Be humble and gracious.
Saying thank you goes a long way and when you are genuine to someone, it has its perks. When you are pleasant, people are more inclined to do nice things for you and say even nicer things about you. Depending on your career industry, a lot of the high-level managers and HR pros hang in the same crowd, so you should want to always leave a good impression and make it known that you are thankful for the opportunity that you were given. Although you may hate your job, you did learn something out of that experience. Maybe you learned how to be a better supervisor if your manager sucked, or you learned what you don't want out of your next job or company.
4. Offer your help.
Once you submit your two-week notice, it doesn't mean that you are free to do whatever you want to do except for work. During your last two weeks, continue to work hard and also take time out to train other people on your job. In your letter, let your boss know that you will help out in anyway that you can so that you exit does not negatively affect the team.
5. State your last day.
It is the standard to give a two weeks notice, but depending on your job industry, it may be normal to give more than a two weeks notice. No matter what the standard is, be sure to give your employer a specific last day of employment. Doing so, there will not be any confusion on when your last day of work is and it will give your manager a better idea of how soon they should be looking for your replacement.
6. Deliver the news in person.
If you are able and if your job allows it, always deliver the resignation letter in person. If you work from home, be sure to email your resignation letter and never quit via phone or text message (and especially not word of mouth).
Here is an example of a resignation letter:
Have some tips to add? Share them below!
Featured image by Shutterstock
Brittani Hunter is a proud PVAMU alumni and the founder of The Mogul Millennial, a business and career platform for Black Millennials. Meet Brittani on Twitter and on the Gram at @BrittaniLHunter and @mogulmillennial.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage