What not to say in a resignation letter

Is it time to move on from your current role? While you may be desperate to grab your coat and rush out the door and into your new life, it’s important to resign professionally and gracefully first. Grab a drink, settle down, and find out everything you need to know about quitting a job. In this article, we’re looking at what not to say in a resignation letter. 

Why are resignation letters important?

A resignation letter is a non-negotiable part of quitting your job for several reasons: 

• It is your formal notice to your employer, informing them of your decision to leave. Employers usually want resignations confirmed in writing, even if you’ve already given verbal notice. 

• It shows you understand professional etiquette. You may come across your current colleagues further along in your career but, even if you’re taking an entirely new direction, it never hurts your reputation to do the right thing. 

• It helps maintain relationships. It’s never a bad idea to leave a positive impression behind you and a graceful resignation helps to maintain relationships with individuals, managers, and the business. 

• It signals the start of your notice period. Your contract is likely to specify a minimum notice period for when you leave, which is only confirmed when the business has your intention to resign confirmed in writing. 

Ideally, your resignation letter should be sent well in advance of your desired leaving date and certainly no later than your formal notice period requires. It’s considered polite to inform your manager verbally first and then follow up with either a printed or emailed letter. 

What not to say in a resignation letter

Of course, whether you’re excited about the pay rise, desperate to get away from your awful manager, or embracing a better work-life balance, you can’t just throw together a letter saying “I’m outta here, losers!”

No, even when you’re high on the thrill of starting a new job, you need to maintain the professionalism you’ve shown up to this point. So what should you never say in a resignation letter? 

Criticism

If you’ve hated the job, hated your colleagues, or hated the company culture, it can be tempting to let rip with your reasons for quitting. Hold your horses! This is never a good idea. A resignation letter is not the place to air grievances or call out bad practices. Don’t burn bridges when you’re this close to the exit, but instead keep a professional tone and stick to the necessary facts. 

Oversharing 

While employers often appreciate understanding your reasons for leaving, getting too personal in your resignation letter is not advised. Remember this is still a professional communication and, even if you get on very well with your immediate manager, the letter will likely be seen and retained by the HR team. Keep the personal out of your letter and don’t get over-emotional.

Your joy at leaving

You may be over the moon at the prospect of your new job, but try not to sound too delirious with delight. After all, while you dance out the door, the rest of the team will be scrabbling to pick up your work while a recruitment process, with all the costs that involves, is carried out to replace you. While no doubt your colleagues will be pleased for you on a personal level, try not to rub it in their faces. 

Inappropriate language 

Once again, we come back to keeping the letter professional. If your language isn’t suitable for the Director, your grandmother, or your headteacher, there is no place for it in a business letter. Rein in your emotions and keep the tone measured. 

Should resignation letters include a reason for leaving?

If you can phrase it positively, employers often like to understand your reason for leaving as it helps them to identify problems within the business. If, however, you’re struggling to phrase your reasons in a positive manner, it’s absolutely fine not to refer to them at all. 

Many businesses hold exit interviews now, which are likely to touch on why you’re leaving, and this is a better opportunity to state your reasoning. It’s often better to cover sensitive topics face-to-face. 

Top tips for sending a letter of resignation

To resign with grace, and to avoid any faux pas, follow these top five tips for a professional resignation: 

• Tell your manager of your resignation verbally first

• Keep the letter short, professional, and factual

• Confirm your final leaving date

• Express gratitude for the opportunities you’ve had within the business

• Proofread and fact-check your letter before sending

Resign gracefully and don’t burn bridges

A new job can feel like a breath of fresh air, but your professional reputation rests nearly as much on how you leave as how you worked. Now you know what not to say in a letter of resignation, you’re well positioned to make a fresh start. 

Desperate to resign but no job to go to? Why not send your CV for a free CV review by the experts at TopResume? You’ll receive feedback that will help you to elevate your applications and land more interviews.