Writing a letter of resignation might be an unpleasant task, but theres really not that much to it. In its simplest form, you just date your letter of resignation, say when and what youre resigning, sign it, hand it over, and thats it. Five minutes, and youre done.

Unless you possess the judgment of an attorney and style of a professional writer, dont write much more in your letter of resignation if you wish to use your soon-to-be ex-employer as a reference. Theres really no need to explain your reasons for resigning anyway. For one thing, its really nobodys business but your own. For another, however honorable your reasons may be, its very hard to strike just the right tone in writing.

For example, if you write in your letter of resignation that youve found a more challenging career opportunity, it implies that youre bored with your current job. If you write that youre having family or health problems, youve just documented that you might be a risky hire. Your words may haunt you down the road, when a potential employer contacts your former employers as references. Your words might also be used as evidence against you, should you sue your former employer for a wrongdoing. For example, if you write that its been a pleasurable experience working there, then later sue your employer, you might have a hard time proving harm.

In other words, try not to leave anything up to the interpretation (or misinterpretation) of the reader when writing your letter of resignation