Resignation letter – What to Say When You Quit a Job

Your resignation letter and in-person conversations should contain as many of the following elements as possible.

Thank You for the Opportunity. An expression of gratitude for the opportunity to grow in your current job or learn new skills. This might include a brief reference to specific skills or knowledge. Expressing thanks for the opportunity to work with colleagues might also fit into this category.

Why You Are Leaving. You do not need to mention the specifics of your new job or pursuit but might choose to allude to this in a general way. For example, if you were working in inside sales, you might mention that you have landed an outside sales job. If you are leaving to go back to school, relocating to care for an elderly parent or with a spouse who has found a new job, you might mention this fact. It is hard to imagine a scenario where it would be beneficial to mention (particularly in writing) anything that reflects badly on the employer or fellow employees.

Help With the Transition. If appropriate you might state that you are willing to help train a replacement or be available to answer questions after you have moved on.

Notice. Give as much notice as possible while protecting your own interests for continuing income should you get an adverse reaction. Two weeks notice is the traditional amount of notice employees give if they are not required by a contract or labor agreement to give a different amount of notice.

The Date You Are Leaving. State a specific date for your expected last day of employment…

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/resignation/qt/what-to-say-quit.htm