It is commonly considered polite to informally advise your manager of your intention to resign and then follow up with an official letter of resignation. The formal resignation letter may be the first time the employer is aware of your decision, or you may have already told your manager/employer, and the letter is only a formality for Human Resources (HR) purposes. What is the purpose of a letter of resignation?Īt its core, a resignation letter is an official document that informs your employer that you are leaving the employment of that company. Crucially, it also enables you to give your new employer a precise start date so you can start your new role. This allows your current employer to begin the recruitment process for your replacement quickly. Once you have received written confirmation of a new job offer, you should tender your resignation as soon as possible.
If you have not had much experience applying for new positions, online courses are available to help sharpen your application and interview skills before you begin your search.Ĭheck out the University of Sheffield’s business skills courses, including How to Succeed at: Writing Applications and CQ University Australia’s comprehensive Work Ready Skills course. However, if you are looking to move to new employment, it is advisable to wait until you have applied and been offered a new role before resigning officially.
Hence, a professional and courteous resignation is still just as important. Even if you are leaving for personal reasons, it is still a good idea not to burn any bridges. If you are going to leave your current employment to take retirement or for family, educational, or personal reasons, you can hand in your resignation as soon as you make the decision. When should you hand in your resignation letter? This concept is explored in more detail in Welltodo’s ExpertTrack course: Job Opportunities in Wellness.Ĭommunication and Interpersonal Skills at Work Take a look at our Workplace Wellbeing: Stress and Productivity at Work course by Manchester Metropolitan University to find out more about finding the balance. Or perhaps you are interested in achieving a better work/life balance by moving into a more fulfilling position? Indeed, as we know at FutureLearn, personal and professional achievement should not be mutually exclusive.
Now is the right time to move into the role you have been aiming for. Perhaps you have already been investing in yourself, improving your CV through further education, or upskilling by taking online qualifications or short courses. If you are in the process of exploring your career options, the FutureLearn Career Mapper can help you evaluate your options and set realistic goals.
It can be uncomfortable to confront the reality of leaving behind a familiar environment, well-respected colleagues and the security of an established role. They say a change is as good as a rest, and people at all stages of their careers may find themselves looking for new opportunities for a variety of reasons, both professional and personal.Įven though it may be the best time for you to make the leap, many professionals still feel apprehensive about how to write a resignation letter and precisely what it should include. Crafting your own letter of resignation.Example professional resignation letter.What is the purpose of a letter of resignation?.
When should you hand in your resignation letter?.