1.
Workplace Etiquette Written
Essentials
•Cover Letter
•Resume
•References
•Job Application
•Thank You Letters
•Resignation Letters
1
Ms. Karabelas - '09

2.
Today’s Focus –
What is this letter for?
When an expected or unexpected circumstance is causing
you to leave your current job
RESIGNATION  Resign to leave, quit, give up
2
Ms. Karabelas - '09

3.
Why is it important?
1) You must leave gracefully and not burn any bridges
3) Your letter will be placed in a permanent exit file that can
be used up to 10 years later as a reference resource
4) Your job history will forever follow you and the world is
much smaller than you think
5) Professional courtesy
3
Ms. Karabelas - '09

4.
Why is it important (cont..)
6) Maintain a positive professional reputation
7) First and last impressions are just as important as
your work performance
8) Helps you maintain a network of friendly
coworkers and managers
9) You may re-apply to this company years down
4
Ms. Karabelas - '09

5.
Some Reasons for Resigning?
No need to feel guilty this happens all the time…
• Work location is too far from home
• Better opportunity came up
• Salary and benefits were not satisfactory
• Continuance of education
• Maternity leave
• Personal last minute resignation
• You plainly don’t like your job or boss
• Change in career paths all together
5
Ms. Karabelas - '09

6.
WARNING!!!!!
***If you happen to leave due to bad
circumstances and want to sue your employer
(for example-sexual harassment), you should
consult your lawyer BEFORE you SAY or DO
anything!
6
Ms. Karabelas - '09

7.
Pay Careful Attention to ..
• Never leave on bad terms
• Be certain about your reasons for leaving
• Give enough notice to your supervisor (at least 2-4 weeks -but consult
your employee handbook in case they expect more)
• Offer to help your current employer find your replacement (whatever will
make this transition easier)
• You must work devotedly until the very last day
• Before walking out make sure you have key contact information of
supervisors and co-workers for your references/contact list..and be sure
you thank them for their help and support
• Keep your story straight! Rumor travels fast in a work place!!!
7
Ms. Karabelas - '09

8.
When and How do I do it?!?!?
Ask your employer or appropriate supervisor for a meeting in
his/her office. (Think about what you will say to them before doing this)
Announce or confirm your resignation. You then can offer
your letter of resignation at the end of the meeting.
Remember to be:
-Calm
-Professional
-Positive
-Brief
The announcement meeting, letter, and how you function in the company from the
time of your announcement to the time you leave will form a lasting impression.
8
Ms. Karabelas - '09

9.
What to be ready for after you
announce your resignation?
• You may be asked to be escorted out of the building ASAP
• Make sure you copy and remove your personal files and
software from your computer. Remove personal belongings
and information and get your workspace organized.
• Guilt from co-workers or your boss & GOSSIP
• A counter-offer to entice you to stay (BEWARE) 75% of
employees who accept counter-offers are no longer there 6 months later!
• An exit interview – be careful and professional (BEWARE)
9
Ms. Karabelas - '09

10.
What do I include in the letter?
• 1st Paragraph
State your intention of leaving the company, which position you
currently attain, and when your exact date of departure will be.
• 2nd Paragraph
If you feel comfortable give a reason why you are leaving. To leave
on a good note, compliment or refer to a positive that your current
job experience has given you.
• 3rd Paragraph
Thank your supervisors and the company and end
with a good will statement.
10
Ms. Karabelas - '09

11.
SAMPLE 1- General Purpose Letter
March 25, 2009
Suzy Jones
Blue River Company
12345 South Road
Mason, IL 60225
Dear Ms. Jones:
This is my formal notification that I am resigning from Blue River Company as Administrative
Assistant. Friday, June 25, 2009 will be my last day of employment.
I appreciate the opportunities I have been given here, and wish you much success in the
future.
Sincerely,
(your signature)
Amy Linden
11
Ms. Karabelas - '09

12.
SAMPLE 2- Better Position
March 25, 2009
Suzy Jones
Blue River Company
12345 South Road
Mason, IL 60225
Dear Ms. Jones:
Please accept this letter as my two-weeks notice of resignation. My last day of work will be
Friday, June 25, 2009.
While I have been satisfied at Blue River Company, I have decided to make this move to
advance my career. I have enjoyed working with you and appreciate the opportunities I have
been given here.
I will do my best to complete my current projects prior to my final day here. Please let me
know if you need my help in any other way.
Sincerely,
(your signature)
Amy Linden 12
Ms. Karabelas - '09

13.
SAMPLE 3- No Notice
March 25, 2009
Suzy Jones
Blue River Company
12345 South Road
Mason, IL 60225
Dear Ms. Jones:
Please accept this as my resignation to Blue River Company, effective
immediately. I regret the inconvenience it will cause, but circumstances have
left me no choice. I will be in contact with Human Resources to make
arrangements for my final paycheck. If problems arise you may give me a call
at 847—888-7589 and I will do my best to help.
Sincerely,
(your signature)
Amy Linden
13
Ms. Karabelas - '09

14.
SAMPLE 4- Expressing Regret
March 25, 2009
Suzy Jones
Blue River Company
12345 South Road
Mason, IL 60225
Dear Ms. Jones:
I regret to inform you that I’m leaving Blue River Company. I have enjoyed working
with everyone and have learned a great deal. Please be informed that I am
resigning as of Friday, June 25, 2009. I will do my best to finish my current
assignments before my last day.
Sincerely,
(your signature)
Amy Linden
14
Ms. Karabelas - '09

15.
**A VERY PROFESSIONAL LETTER**
March 25, 2009
Suzy Jones
ABC Company
12345 South Road
Mason, IL 60225
Dear Ms. Jones:
After a considerable amount of thought and careful consideration, I have decided to pursue a
different career and resign from my position as Software Engineer with ABC Company. Following
with company policy, I am giving you a full month’s notice that my last day will be April 25, 2009.
I want to stress that my decision to follow a different career path has nothing to do with my
experiences at ABC Company. I have gained countless work experiences and a great deal of
knowledge at this company, and I am very grateful for the opportunity I had to work here, in
addition to the many friendships that I have gained. I would recommend this company highly to
anyone searching for a career in Software Engineering.
If there is anything I can do to make my last weeks here more productive, I would be glad to honor
any suggestions you might have. Thank you again for the opportunity to work at such a wonderful
company.
Sincerely,
(your signature)
Amy Linden 15
Ms. Karabelas - '09

16.
Always Remember…
Your job history follows you
around, and frequently the world
is much smaller than you think.
First and last impressions are very
important!
16
Ms. Karabelas - '09

17.
How to Address an Envelope
17
Ms. Karabelas - '09