When you want to resign your position, you should put it in writing to formally give notice of your intentions.

You need to agree a termination date so that you can take up your new position. The HR department need to sort out your final payslip, consider unused holiday etc.

Keep it brief and to the point. Don’t be tempted to use the opportunity to vent your feelings about the company, its practices, or its management and staff. You can do all that in an exit interview, or in a private meeting with your manager.

Maintain a professional tone. This letter will be kept on file with your contract, and performance reviews, and may be reviewed if a reference is requested.

Check your contract for your specified notice period, and abide by this if you can.

The minimum information a standard resignation letter should contain is;-

1. Today’s date – your notice period starts from this date
2. Your managers name
3. A statement that this is notice of resignation
4. Your notice period length and the last day you intend to work
5. Your signature

There are a range of other things you might want to add in to the basic letter. For example if you have a good relationship with the company and your manager, but are leaving to take up a post that will further your career, you may choose to write something a little less stark. Remember to cover the points listed. For example you might want to write a longer resignation letter with an explanation.