Your resignation letter should contain three components:

1.The effective date of your resignation.
2.An explanation for your resignation.
3. A brief mention of the positive aspects of working for your current employer.

One of the most important things to remember when creating your resignation letter is that it may be kept on file for future reference. For example, it may be used when future employers request references or in the evaluation of past performance if you re-apply for a new position with a previous employer or company.

Therefore, regardless of the reasons for your resignation, NEVER make negative statements about your company, coworkers, supervisors, bosses, owners, or policies within this letter or in any interview situation.

The resignation letter needs to remain professional, and if not positive, at least polite. It should act as a bridge builder, not a bridge burner. There may be lots of things you want to achieve with this letter, but getting even with a past employer or taking out your frustration on the company should not be one of them.

Do not use the company letterhead for your resignation letter. While a resignation letter may seem to fall under "official company business," it does not. The intended use of company letterhead is to represent the company. The resignation letter is representative of you, as an individual. Your resignation does affect the company, and it may seem to be "company business," but using stationery that the company has paid for in order to tender a resignation is simply poor form.

Provide carbon copies of your resignation letter to all relevant leadership in the company. For example, if protocol requires that you submit your letter of resignation to your immediate supervisor, make sure you provide carbon copy submissions to the department lead (your supervisor's supervisor), the director of human resources, the company president, etc. Also make and keep a copy of this resignation letter for your own records.

Note: It is normal protocol to give at least two weeks notice prior to your date of resignation, but check your company's policies and what terms you agreed to when you were hired. Some companies will choose to terminate an employee immediately upon resignation (regardless of what you offer), so be prepared for this. The choice to resign may or may not be an easy decision, but once you have made this decision, understand the potential consequences.

Putting It All Together

(Your letterhead containing your contact information)

January 5, 2009

John Doe, CEO of ABC Company
123 North Someplace
Anywhere, USA

(Note: include a formal address even if you are hand-delivering this letter.)

Dear Mr. Doe:

(Intent:)

It is with both regret and anticipation that I submit this letter of resignation, effective January 23, 2009.

Sample leading statements for a resignation letter include:

It is with great reluctance that I submit this letter of resignation, effective ________.
With regret and anticipation I submit this letter of resignation, effective __________.
Circumstances require that I resign my position as _______________, effective on ___________.

(Cause:)

I have accepted a position with CDE Company, as an opportunity to further my current career goals and achieve growth within a supervisory role.

(Note: If you're leaving this employment for reasons other than accepting a new position, you may be honest in your response, but avoid negative statements. Always refer to the positive things you are moving toward, rather than the negative things you are leaving behind.)

Other examples for cause of resignation include:

I have decided to take this time to evaluate my current goals and investigate new opportunities.
I have decided to further my education in pursuit of (a particular degree or future position).
I have decided to change the course of my current career goals and will be pursuing a new direction in ____________.

It is very important that you include some positive aspects of your time and association with this company. This is true for future interview situations, as well. For some, this can be the most difficult task. If nothing else, consider what this position has taught you, what positive skills it has allowed you to acquire, and how it has helped you determine your career path for the future.

(Appreciative Statements/Summary:)

It has been a genuine pleasure working for ABC Company during these past four years. I have enjoyed working with ABC's fine staff of professionals, and I will miss my associations here. I wish you and ABC Company continued success in all your endeavors.

(Note: If this company is one you may need again, whether in continued work or networking, or you desire a continued allegiance in the future, consider offering to help in the interviewing, hiring, or training of your replacement.) For example:

(Assistance for Closure:)

If I may be of any assistance in the hiring process or training of my replacement, please know that I will gladly make myself available to this effort during the next four weeks (or "until February 14th," or "until ______").

End your letter without closing the door on the future:

Thank you for allowing me to serve ABC Company.
Again, I wish ABC Company continued success.

Sincerely:

Your Name

Here is a link to a pdf. version of a sample resignation letter: http://www.1st-writer.com/ResignationLetterExample.pdf

Writing a professional resignation letter would ensure that people remember you when you leave and the employers keep their gates open, in case you decide to come back in the future.

Dear Mr Peter,

I would like to resign from my job with immediate effect. I have taken this decision to pursue another opportunity that would act as a catalyst in my career.

I would be serving a one month notice starting tomorrow and would like to be relieved of my responsibilities by February 15, 2007. I would like to thank you for your support and insights that made my stint a great learning experience.

I am currently working on the following projects:

Conducting market research for our proposed product -- slated to be completed by end of this week.
Studying the sales trends for the last six months and providing a report -- slated to be completed by February 8.
I would like to discuss the following when we meet:

My pending bonus for the current financial year.
Vacation time and its adjustment with the notice period.
I would like to recommend a few team members for my position and would be happy to train and support my replacement.

Please let me know of a convenient time to meet and discuss the same.

Yours sincerely,
Edward
Designation & department

So, when you realise that it's time to say goodbye, do it in style and make a positive exit!

Hi there Rodel. Aside from just learning how to make a resignation (which is abundant in the online world), you must also be aware of the pros and cons of resigning, and considering that your previous employer may refuse to grant you a good reference for future jobs.

Here are a selection of sample business letters (ie. letter templates) that cover a variety of issues - http://www.small-business-software.net/samples.htm
Sample resignation letters are included.

It's really hard to write a good resignation letter especially if you want to end this up in a nice way.
But before resigning, I think it is important to consider some factors like maybe your previous employer may refuse to give you a good reference for future jobs.

Tendering a resignation can be really stressful. All your letter of resignation really needs to confirm is the fact that you are resigning and the effective date.

The two suggestions above (which are both excellent) contain detail that you can work out with your employer separately. From my perspective, as an employer, I suitable resignation letter would look something like this:

"I hereby tender my resignation. I have taken this decision to pursue another opportunity. I will serve my month notice period, and my last day of employment will be date."

Good luck!!!