You worked with Burchard & Associates and found a new job. Congratulations! Your hard work, interview preparation, and countless applications have finally paid off. You’re ready and excited for your new role — everything is falling into place.

But first, you need to quit your current job. Part of that is writing a resignation letter.

Why do I need to write a resignation letter?

No matter how you feel about your current job, boss, or company, you should strive to keep things professional when you quit. Not only is a resignation letter courteous, it also creates a paper trail documenting that you’ve given proper notice should there be any issues after you leave.

First, Talk to Your Boss

Before you turn in your resignation letter, you need to let your boss know you’re resigning. This should be a face-to-face meeting — don’t quit through email or text. Let them know that you’ve accepted another position and the date of your last day. While two weeks’ notice is customary, everyone’s situation is different. Just make sure you’re not leaving them high and dry — you don’t want to burn any bridges on your way out.

Draft Your Resignation Letter

Your resignation letter doesn’t need to be a long diatribe about all the reasons you’re quitting. To the contrary, it should be simple, courteous, and to the point. Use this simple opening line:

Dear {bosses name),

Please accept this letter as my formal notice that I will resign from my position with {company name} two weeks from today.

Next, thank them for the opportunity. Again, you don’t want to burn any bridges. You never know if you’ll need them as a reference in the future. Say something like this:

I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to work as a {position} at {company name} the past {number} year(s).

Finally, offer any help you can as you make the transition to your new job.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do during my last two weeks to help with this transition.

Turn in Your Resignation Letter

You’ve drafted your resignation letter and now it’s time to turn it into your boss. Print out a few hard copies so you can give one to your boss and one to human resources. They may also request an electronic copy as well.

Not every company will require a resignation letter. You should evaluate your personal situation and consult your employee handbook to decide if one is required when you quit. Unless your company explicitly states that a resignation letter is not required, you should write one. It will create a paper trail for the future, demonstrate your professionalism, and keep you in good standing with your old boss should you need a reference in the future.