How to Tender Your Resignation With Examples

What does the phrase tendering your resignation mean? The expression is a formal way of saying that you’re telling your boss that you will be leaving your job. It's the act of notifying your employer that you are resigning from employment and moving on to new endeavors.

What Tendering Your Resignation Means

When you resign, it means that you are the one who decided to end the relationship with your employer. A resignation is typically a voluntary departure from a job on the part of an employee, as opposed to a firing, layoff, or other employer-initiated termination.

How to Tender a Resignation

Say it in writing. When you tender your resignation, you typically provide written or verbal notice that you are resigning. It is standard practice to provide your employer with at least two weeks' notice when possible so that they have time to find your replacement. A resignation letter is a formal letter indicating that you are leaving your current position and specifying when your last day will be.

Be polite. If you quit gracefully, it will open the door to a smooth, amicable parting from your employer. Done right, you will leave employment on good terms with your employer.

Choose the right way to resign. There are a variety of different ways to tender your resignation, depending on the circumstances. You can resign in person (the courteous way to do it if you don't work remotely), make a phone call to quit, or send an email message to your boss saying you’re terminating your employment with the organization. The most formal way to resign is to provide your employer with a resignation letter containing your title, department, and official leaving date.

Know company policy. Before you quit, consult your organization's employment policies for guidance on formalizing your resignation. If you are covered by an employment contract, check the details and fine print on what you need to do to remain compliant. You may be obligated to stay for a certain length of time, depending on the type of work or contract details.

How to Document Your Departure

When you resign, it is best practice to document your intentions in writing so there is a formal written record. Keep it simple and concise. Note your intended last day of employment and express gratitude for the opportunities you have had while in your current role, if appropriate.

Additional information about why you have chosen to leave is not necessary for the letter, and it may be more appropriate to discuss your reasons in person with your supervisor or human resources department.

Review a Sample Resignation Letter

Here is an example of a letter you can use for inspiration. For emailed letters, delete all the information before the "Dear [Recipient]."

How to Plan a Smooth Transition

Help as much as you can. It is in good taste to write down for your manager and future replacement the status of each of your current projects. Depending on the relationship with your employer, you may choose to offer help finding and/or training the person who will inherit your work.

Tie up loose ends with HR. It is also reasonable to meet with your human resources department to set up an exit interview. This will provide an opportunity to review employment status documents and understand the consequences for your benefits (such as health coverage, 401k status and vesting schedules, leftover paid time off (PTO), and sick time, etc.) amidst your transition.

Be positive. Avoid the temptation of blasting the employer or publicly criticizing staff and company policies. Future employers may make inquiries about your tenure at the organization, and co-workers may retaliate if you were critical or left on bad terms.

What About Unemployment Benefits When You Resign?

Employees who resign from a job are often not eligible for unemployment benefits, although workers resigning under duress or from a hostile work environment may be eligible. Check with your state unemployment office and consult an employment attorney if you have questions about the implications of a resignation.