When an employee is announcing their resignation from a job, it is very important to remember to do so in a way that will not cause problems further down the line. No matter how eager a person may feel about leaving a job behind and moving on to supposedly better things, it is always best to leave on good terms. Besides the point that it is simply the "right thing to do," there is always the
. possibility that what seems like a great move now may not pan out to be. Many an employee has attempted to return to an old job after realizing that the grass was not actually greener on the other side of the fence, and if the resignation is done properly, there is a better chance that the former employer will take them back without reservation.On the other hand, even if the new position is all that the employee hopes for, there are many reasons to leave a job on the best of terms. People remaining in the same field might continue to do business on some level with the old company and in many cases this could actually further enhance the new career. Networking is a huge part of every job, and knowing other people in the business besides those with whom you directly work is always an asset. It can be enriching to the social life as well.There may come a time when another career move is imminent, and often people in the middle of a job search prefer that their current employer not know of their plans until they are solidified. In this case, a reference from a past employer becomes very important. It is always acceptable for a potential employee to request that their current employer not be contacted, but if the preceding employer is also off bounds, it may look as though something is amiss.Resignations should always be given in writing. They should be written in a formal style and should be addressed to the Human Resources Director with a copy sent to the direct supervisor. A minimum of two weeks notice should always be given, with longer periods of time when possible in order to enable the company to train a replacement employee.Letters or resignation may be brief, but should always be professional. Sample resignation letters can be found at the sources listed below.
