Resignation letter - wordy or to the point?

[antspants]

I will be handing in my resignation either tomorrow or Friday, and wonder whether my resignation letter should explain my reasons for doing so, or just state that I'm resigning?

Also, I am currently a board member and will be leaving to join another company as a director. Not done this before, are there any implications that I should be aware of?

[Du1point8]

straight forward and to the point...

simple said:

Dear <boss>

I would like to inform you that I am resigning from my position as <job title> for the <company>, effective August 1.

Thank you for the opportunities for professional and personal development that you have provided me during the last <x> years. I have enjoyed working for the agency and appreciate the support provided me during my tenure with the company.

If I can be of any help during this transition, please let me know.

Regards,

<you>

No need for the reasons, etc...

Im assuming they cant put you on gardening leave to cause some hassle with start date of new job?

[silverous]

antspants said:

I will be handing in my resignation either tomorrow or Friday, and wonder whether my resignation letter should explain my reasons for doing so, or just state that I'm resigning?

Also, I am currently a board member and will be leaving to join another company as a director. Not done this before, are there any implications that I should be aware of?

Straightforward and to the point, I'm sure they'll ask why.
RE: Board member, just make sure that your contract doesn't restrict you from doing so and for example taking clients with you/contacting clients etc. There may be a non-compete element in there.

[antspants]

Du1point8 said:

No need for the reasons, etc...

Im assuming they cant put you on gardening leave to cause some hassle with start date of new job?

Start date will just reflect my notice period, new company are happy to wait.

I'm going to a company doing something different so there are no competition issues.

Thanks for the letter content, much appreciated

[Bapple]

You should get an exit interview to explain why. If not you can always burn your bridges at the leaving speech before dramatically storming out.

[casbar]

antspants said:

I will be handing in my resignation either tomorrow or Friday, and wonder whether my resignation letter should explain my reasons for doing so, or just state that I'm resigning?

Also, I am currently a board member and will be leaving to join another company as a director. Not done this before, are there any implications that I should be aware of?

Your a board member and you have to ask on a forum how to write a resignation letter! Ask your new company they might find it amusing!

[antspants]

Bapple said:

You should get an exit interview to explain why. If not you can always burn your bridges at the leaving speech before dramatically storming out.

Yes I had one of those as well this morning. It's a fairly small company so it was therefore pretty informal, just a chat between me and the MD. The letter is just a formality for personnel records.

Thankfully he understand my reasons for leaving, asked me to extend my notice period beyond the usual 4 weeks to help transition (which is fine as my start date is not till end of May), and told me if things don't work out to give him a call.

Pleased to be leaving on good terms

[antspants]

casbar said:

Your a board member and you have to ask on a forum how to write a resignation letter! Ask your new company they might find it amusing!

Useful, thanks for contributing. By the way it's "you're a board member".

[casbar]

antspants said:

Useful, thanks for contributing. By the way it's "you're a board member".

No worries, always happy to help! With such superior English skills at least the writing bit should be ok. Still think it's a little unbelievable you have to come to an open forum to ask how to write a resignation letter. But happy to help, so, keep it short, then give them your reasons on your exit interview.

[Hugo a Gogo]

A simple, succinct, classy "I regret to inform you..."









written in poo on the boss's carpet

[antspants]

casbar said:

But happy to help, so, keep it short, then give them your reasons on your exit interview.

See that's what I was after

It's all done and dusted now to be fair, but I had a moment of doubt as I drafted the letter. It sounded rather abrupt for somewhere that I've enjoyed working for over 5 years, and a second opinion is always useful.

I've found PH to be a wealth of information on many different subjects over the years - this included

Hugo a Gogo said:

A simple, succinct, classy "I regret to inform you..."

written in poo on the boss's carpet

Not sure that will improve the quality of my reference, but once that's out of the way I'll bear it in mind for my last day.

[Kudos]

You're a board member and you have to resign and talk to the MD??

Regardless, what does your service agreement say about obligations? As much as you're leaving on good terms there could still be conditions attached

[10 Pence Short]

Words to the effect...

"Dear xxx,

Further to our conversation yesterday/whenever, it is with regret that I wish to resign from my position of xxx.

In accordance with my contract of employment/our agreement I give xx days notice from today, therefore my last day in employment with xxx being xx/xx/xxxx.

I would like to put any platitudes you think might be worth putting here.

Yours sincerely,

Your name."

[mph1977]

10 Pence Short said:

Words to the effect...

"Dear xxx,

Further to our conversation yesterday/whenever, it is with regret that I wish to resign from my position of xxx.

In accordance with my contract of employment/our agreement I give xx days notice from today, therefore my last day in employment with xxx being xx/xx/xxxx.

I would like to put any platitudes you think might be worth putting here.

Yours sincerely,

Your name."

exactly then this can't be used against you , save the dirt for exit interview with senior HR bod, or as as the OP stated he was a director the MD/CEO or Chair ...