While crafting a resignation letter is simple enough when you’re leaving an employer on civil terms, what do you do if you’re parting on less than favorable circumstances? Before you give any employer a “piece of your mind”, consider that a prospective new employer will likely call your employer at some future date. Writing a resignation note in anger or haste could become an action you will later regret.
However, this does not mean that your letter cannot reflect legitimate concerns regarding appropriate company policy, or the way that you may have been treated. The key is a respectful tone designed to give an employer thoughtful consideration to the concerns you are addressing. Written properly, your letter might even result in further investigation or remedial action by an employer concerned that their actions may have violated company policy, or the law.
Below are some examples of how your resignation letter might be worded. Click here to see the full text of these letters.
Example #1: Resignation due to bullying, harassment, age discrimination or sexual overtones
“As you may or may not be aware, some members of your management team do not adhere to appropriate company policy. Accordingly, I regretfully tender my resignation having experienced unsuitable corporate behavior.”
See the full letter here.
Example #2: Resignation due to Philosophical Differences
“Please accept this as my official notice of my resignation.
As you are aware, over the last twelve months we have had numerous differences of opinion regarding best practices and goals for the company’s Global project.
Unfortunately, it is clear to me that you and I will be unable to resolve our differences. Therefore, I feel that my resignation is the best option for the team and all concerned.”
Once your resignation has taken effect, you will want to ensure that your former employer offers no unfavorable commentary about you to prospective new employers. A prudent first step would be to have an organization like Allison & Taylor (http://www.allisontaylor.com) conduct a reference check on your behalf, typically with your former supervisor and Human Resources (the two parties most likely to be contacted by potential new employers). If their commentary is in any way unfavorable, you will have some form of recourse – e.g. through a Cease & Desist letter – in discouraging them from offering such commentary again. (The success rate of these letters is extremely high.)
In summary, be sure to craft your resignation letter with the same care that you would with a resume or cover letter. To the best of your ability, leave on good terms with an employer to ensure your next job offer is presented sooner, than later.
To find out more about reference checking, please visit Allison & Taylor.
Are you protected by your old company’s policy to only confirm the dates and title of employment?
Our experience is, that with a little pressure, most managers break company policy and speak their mind to either help or hurt a candidate’s chance at another job. Who from your past job will help you or hurt you – you need to know.
Click here to find out what is really being said about you.
Is your past boss badmouthing you?
50% of our clients have lost good job offers due to bad or mediocre comments from previous employers. Reference-Letters.com will confidentially find out what is really being said about you and give you the power to stop it!
Interviewing well but not getting the job?
Maybe it’s something that a past employer or reference is saying. Could a jealous colleague be sabotaging you? Could your past boss be less than happy at your departure? Reference-Letters.com will help you find out.
Do you have a separation agreement with your past employer? Is it being honored?
Is your past employer giving you the professional and prompt reference that was promised or are they saying, “Well according to our agreement I can only confirm that he worked here.” Reference-Letters.com will find out what is really being said and give you the power to enforce your agreement.
Were you a victim of discrimination, sexual harassment or wrongful termination?
Your previous employers could be affecting your new job search through their comments to prospective employers. Don’t let them continue to hurt you and your career.
Click here to find out what is really being said about you.
Are you being BLACKBALLED?
Last year our clients were awarded more than $2 million in settlements. Reference-Letters.com will find out what is really being said about you and give you the power to stop it!
You’ve put time and effort into your resume, developed your network of possible employers and recruiters, worked on your interview skills – but have done nothing but typed a list of your references. Don’t leave this crucial area to chance. References are the final factor in who gets the job offer. Your past employers – anyone you reported to will be contacted. Do you know what they will say? Reference-Letters.com will find out what is really being said about you.