So, I've found a new job. The old job isn't horrid, but they don't offer healthcare and I'm not paid very much. The new job offers more pay and insurance.

As much as I hate to do it, I have to resign from my current job. I've never written a resignation letter before and I don't know where to start. Can anybody offer any pointers? What should I leave out? Should I include my reasons for leaving or is that too close to bridge burning?

Help, please.

IQ, I am not sure of the conventions in USA, but I would not bother giving reasons. The K.I.S.S. Principle applies here

Something simple like-

Quote:

---

I wish to resign from my position as of close of business 30 November, 2004. Please forward and outstanding monies or other correspondence to my home address.

---

should suffice.

I would also include a request for a statement of service/reference.

I spent several years in the Personnel section of a major government, and probably processed 1,000 resignations in that time. Reasons for leaving were not a consideration.

I think it would depend how close you were to your "old" employers. If it's a big corporation or something similar then just tell them you're tendering your resignation as of such and such a date and thank them for their employment and a quick bit about the benifits of your new job. If it's a smaller place and you're friends then maybe a wider sxplanation would be needed.

THis site might be useful for you.

I agree with Ozzz and Copago and your statement about bridge burning. There is absolutely no benefit to bringing up past corporate transgressions and hurt feelings about a job that you are leaving for a new job that pays a bit more and has different or better incentives.
Who knows, maybe someday your current company may realize their mistake in letting you go and want you back at twice the salary with better perks. They just don't realize what a gem they have until you're gone.

Thanks for the advice guys, I'm taking the KISS approach as you've all suggested.

I have one more question. I work for a very small company. Very small as in, I'm the only employee. I work alone while my boss works from home. So, I never see her. Is it ok to fax my resignation letter to her? I know it should always be given in person, but that's almost impossible.

I am of the opinion that it should be done personally, but the second best thing would be in a 'real'letter. Faxes are a bit sudden and impersonal, and maybe even impolite.. If I were a boss (heaven forbid) I would prefer a simple letter in an envelope.
Congratulations on the new job!

Can I stick my work hat on here?

I assume that you have checked the amount of notice that you have to give according to any contract and /or law? I say this as certainly here the length of time a person has been employed has a bearing on the amount of notice which has to be given, also here notice is due on the day you are actually paid - this can be very important.

Check what is applicable where you live to ensure that you comply - failure to comply here can mean that the employer has a claim for payment in lieu of notice!

Excellent advice, Sue. I checked my employee handbook which has no policy on resignation. I didn't check local regulations, but I'm almost positive they say give 2 weeks' notice.

I have to give three months notice, that is in my employment contract. Not that I am thinking of changing jobs - at 57 who would want me? Tomorrow I have my annual assessment, presumably the boss will be asking (again) if I intend retiring at 60 or 65!

Congratulations on the new job, I hope that you enjoy it.

May I add one other piece of advise. Most of us change jobs much more often than our parents did, they had jobs for life!. When leaving a company always do so in good faith, and with a smile on your face. You may come back someday as, CEO. Good luck.

I'd also add a sentence or two about how you enjoyed working there, whether you actually did or not.

I did that, Ladymacb. I thanked them for giving me the opportunity to work for them and wished them well. They are nice people and I certainly don't want to hurt their feelings.