It is resignation time. The time has come to move on from the present job. The time to reach out for a writing pad and draft out the resignation letter. So what do you do? Should you give a list of reasons why you are leaving? Should you feel guilty about leaving your team and the organization in a lurch? Should you give a list of reasons about how badly you were treated? Should you get sentimental and list out all that you gained and how wonderful it was?

The ideal resignation letter is the one that is the shortest, to the point. Give the date of resignation and enquire when the organization could let you go. The more detail you go into the more explanations follow. Giving reasons for leaving could be open to all kinds of misinterpretations, so a simple “I would like to resign from the post of xx as on this date” would do. There is no need to feel guilty about leaving the organization in a lurch because it is a professional relationship and just as you have a right to your career opportunities, the organization also has a right to throw you out when it does not need you.

So there is really no need to feel guilt. But yes, if the job requires that you train someone else or to finish something that you have begun, it is only fair that you complete that part. If you are quitting due to some bad experiences, it is not a great idea to put that on paper because then the organization might get wary about your motives and stall the process. Just as well there is no need to get all sentimental about the organization because if for some reason you have to sue the employer, your letter will make it rather difficult to prove that you had a difficult time in the organization. All these issues point out in one direction. When it comes to the resignation letter, keep it simple and straight, courteous and formal. Add a touch of gratitude because it always pays to be grateful. And most importantly keep it in mind that you may have to seek a reference from your ex-employers at some point of time in the future.