The point when you come to write your resignation letter can represent a difficult period of time. Writing a resignation letter isn't always easy - you need to handle it professionally or it could have a serious impact on your career in the future.

Resist any temptation to sound off about any grievances you held or where they can stick their job, the short-lived satisfaction really is not worth the possible consequences.

Address the Resignation Letter to your boss by name.

Try something courteous and professional which doesn't 'beat about the bush', but gets to the point and notes positive reasons for accepting the new job, NOT negative reasons for leaving this one. Make sure you have tied up the loose ends as far as possible.

If you have work that someone will need to take over, write a separate note to go with your resignation later which lists important things like urgent work or passwords.

State your contractual notice period, but you might offer to stay a reasonable amount of time. More often than not, it won't be taken up, but it is a good parting gesture to make. You could offer some time to train up a replacement which is a good way for your employer to remember you (instead of just walking out).

Try this for an example:

Mr Bill Gateson

Departmental Manager

Beesons Domestic Products Inc.

Dear Bill

Letter of Resignation

As you know Ive been keen to develop my career in B2B sales and have been offered a superb opportunity with Johnson Industrial, which will give me a small team to manage plus a couple of Key Accounts. I am therefore giving you the required one calendar month's notice of resignation and will leave the company on 31st October 2006.

I will of course ensure that all my work is up to date and do all I can to help a smooth handover before I leave. If you need assistance with training a replacement I will be pleased to assist you during my remaining time.

Thank you for your guidance over the last 4 four years; although sad to be leaving, I have enjoyed working with you.

Best Regards

John Blacksmith.

When you write your resignation letter this way, you leave responsibly without closing any doors too firmly and without cutting off contacts that you may find useful in the future.

Peter Fisher
http://www.cover-letter-world.com/