How do you write a professional and respectful resignation letter that leaves a good impression?

To write a professional and respectful resignation letter that leaves a good impression, start by clearly stating your intention to resign and include your last working day, typically providing at least two weeks' notice. Express gratitude for the opportunities and experiences gained during your time at the company, highlighting specific aspects that you appreciated. Maintain a positive tone throughout the letter, avoiding any negative comments about the organization or colleagues. Offer to assist with the transition process and express your willingness to stay in touch. Finally, conclude with a polite closing, reinforcing your appreciation and well-wishes for the future of the team and the organization.

I've written a resignation letter or two. I've never been fired from any job I've ever had. I've had several. It's a good thing. I've seen a lot. Lots of problems solved. Some unsolved. Be respectful. Point out the good in people. Point out the difficulties. Let them know you will be fine. Let them know you don't dislike them. Be respectful. Be nice. I guarantee it's not that critical. Or maybe it is. Everyone has some reason. Wish them well! Oh and write in clear sentences. Group them in a way that makes sense. Use the language you want. It's your time to shine. Or go get some rest, and send it later. Feel good about it. Or move on without another care in the world. Include your name and contact info. Say "sincerely" at the end.

Although it seems more efficient to write your resignation in the body of an email, writing it a formal letter that is attached to the email is more professional, formal method for handling resignation. This is particularly important if you want to leave a good impression and preserve the relationship with your manager. Take the time to formalize what you're saying. From a legal perspective, having that letter saved to a thumb drive or other storage device may prove useful.

Be very specific about what you have learned from your job, and give detailed praise, not only of your boss/manager, but of other members of your team. This attitude of gratitude permeates the correspondence and helps soften the blow significantly.

I make it a habit to document the policies and procedures associated with my job whenever I begin a new job. Not only does this help me learn, it serves as a training document for others who may need to perform my duties, whether due to absence or resignation. Plan ahead when you intend to resign by gathering this information, if you don't already have it available. Let your manager know that the documents exist and you are happy to utilize them while training your replacement, and you will be leaving that information with the company for their use.

A few years ago, I wrote a resignation letter. When my manager responded, she insinuated, among other things, that she paid me more than I was worth and that there was no way the job I was taking would pan out. Her comments were hurtful and negatively impacted my perception of her as a manager and as a person. Despite my feelings, I decided to hold my head up and train my replacement to the best of my ability. When she approached me and asked me to return to the company 18 months later, I recalled her reaction to my resignation and turned down her offer. As much as I loved the culture of the company and my coworkers, her response overshadowed all the good. Maintain professionalism, no matter what.