How To Resign

We encourage our candidates to go in with a closed envelope containing their resignation letter, and we advise an opening statement that goes something like this: ''Mr. Employer, I've made a final decision to accept another opportunity. I'm sure, because of the respect you've given me and the respect I have for you, that you won't disappoint me by our going back and forth with any type of emotional counteroffer. I'm taking advantage of a new opportunity and I've accepted.''

We also asked a candidate to reply to the employer's question; ''What company are you going to?'' With something like this: ''The company has asked me not to disclose where I'm going. There's been an internal change, and it hasn't been announced yet. But I guarantee, because of the relationship we've had, that as soon as I'm settled you'll be the first person I will inform.'' This eliminates the possibility of the employer making derogatory comments about the company or the position, because they aren't known.

Another question the employer might ask is; ''How much are they going to pay you?'' The candidate should respond that the reason for leaving is not money but opportunity; therefore, money isn't a relevant issue.

Sample Resignation Letters

The ABC Company
P.O. Box 2259
Columbus, OH 43205

Attn: _____________

Dear _____________:

This letter serves as an official notification of my resignation as a salesman with
the ABC Company, effective Friday, May 1, 2000. I have accepted an
outstanding position with the DEF Company where my employment begins May
4, 2000.

It is very important that it be understood that my decision to resign was based solely on the opportunity afforded to me with DEF Company.

I sincerely would like to thank you, ____________ , for making available to me
the opportunity to work for ABC Company and a friendship with you and your
family that l hope will continue to grow.

Respectfully, Your name

Dear (Immediate Superior and Human Resources):

This is to inform you of my decision to resign my position with (Current Company). This decision was not an easy one and involved many days and hours of thoughtful consideration, particularly with respect to my own plans for the future. Please consider this decision final.

I will always be grateful for a very rewarding professional association. I have grown and learned more during my time with (Current Company). I have also developed many professional and personal relationships with people who, I hope, will support me in this important career move.

I have accepted a written offer from (a New Company). I would consider it a violation of professional integrity to go back on this commitment. I request that we do not make this process more difficult than it is with discussions of the reasons for my decision or whether it can be changed.

My main thoughts now are to work as hard as possible to wrap up my affairs here
and turn over my responsibilities as you direct. I would like to join (my New
Company) as soon as possible. Therefore, I would like you to waive my
termination notice period if at all possible.

With sincere thanks and best wishes for the future.

Your name