Leaving Your First Job? 5 Important Items To Write In Your Resignation Letter

Ah, the first job. There is nothing like it. Receiving a golden notification in your email box, nailing that job interview, and sealing the deal with a signed contract. The butterflies just cannot flutter in your stomach enough. 

But like most first loves, they may not always be your last.

Whether you had a blast or not, it founded the base of your career – or, a shift towards a completely different path, for some. While some people tend to stay on, you are here reading this article. So if you have chanced upon this, you must have gone past the reflection phase. 

You wish to say goodbye, but you are wondering how. Well, semantics and “graduation goggles” aside, you need to write a resignation letter. What kind of resignation letter? There is really only one kind – the straightforward, two weeks (or a month’s, according to Philippine law) notice. 

Since this is your first time, we can take you through the motions of an amicable, “good” goodbye. But before that, we take a look at the reasons why people leave their first jobs. 

Why do people leave their first job?

In the ever-changing landscape of the workforce, the values the previous generations upheld have shifted too. Manila Bulletin shares that more Filipinos quit their jobs – specifically a percentage of 176%. While it is unknown if it was their first job or not, they share several reasons.

Such has cited work-life balance failure, lack of job security, and debilitating mental health as some of the reasons. Others also wanted to pursue their passions, and the rest wanted to become stay-at-home parents. 

But JobStreet senior manager Ryan C. Tordesillas also approaches such data with caution. In an interview with ABS CBN, he shares that it is difficult to put such reasons in black and white. He further explains that newly minted professionals seek companies that prioritize work flexibility, CSR initiatives, and job security. 

On top of that, employers must also be able to consider that stereotypes just do not cut it. Companies must look at employees in terms of attitude, working ways, and personality as factors for hiring, and not the generation they belong to. 

What comprises a proper resignation letter format? 5 items to consider

Before you write your letter, it is best to review your employment contract. Why? There are core items you need to have in your letter that the document answers. If you wish, you can also have that document by your side as you write. Items like date of employment and resignation conditions are shared there. 

So as you are ready to write, you may be wondering, “how do I write one?” Saying goodbye may be difficult, but it does not have to be. At least not in the letter. If you are having a hard time breaking down what you need to put, fret not. We have selected the most common items to put in your letter, lest you forget. 

1. Date your resignation letter

The date you put on top of your letter is not for archival purposes, but for documentation. There are two reasons for this, and the other one is especially beneficial to you. 

Firstly, having a date on your resignation letter can determine the length of your terminal period. Some companies have a certain amount of days they require you to stay prior to your departure. You can refer to your employment contract for this, too. Most have a thirty-day window, while others have sixty (60) or even ninety (90). 

Secondly, dating your letter can help determine your tenure. This refers to the length of stay within the company. If you stay five years or more, you usually get a salary incentive which HR calculates for you. To better understand your benefits, you can speak with your Human Resources representative to help you. 

2. Address your supervisor properly

Aside from being your immediate manager, your supervisor should be the first to know about your resignation. Until you have submitted your document, do not share this information with your co-workers. Not only will you look bad, but your boss may feel like the news sprung on them. 

In the letter, you can address your supervisor as (Name, Position) so that (a) HR will know what department this belongs to, and (b) for formality in the best way possible.

3. Focus on essential information

Despite the personal connections you built, work is still work. Therefore, professional boundaries still apply, and that includes the information you put in your letter. You can save the inside jokes, the tears, and the emotional words for your exit interview or post-resignation gimmick. 

For now, focus on the reason why you are leaving. You can dedicate one paragraph to this. Be clear and concise – do not explain too much. If you have a personal grudge against your employer, company, or supervisor, do not show it here. The exit interview is also another avenue for you to share your reasons, and it can include your grievances, too. 

While you have work friends, you do not owe them a complete explanation as to why you are leaving. Be as vague as you can, if possible. But at the same time, burning bridges is never good. As much as possible, maintain your ties as former employees and colleagues can form part of your professional network.

4. Be grateful

Whether you had a blast or a blasted time, do not skimp on the gratitude. You do not have to exaggerate on the thanks, but just enough to show your appreciation for the opportunity. Even if the job has taken a toll on any aspect of your health, do not add on anything negative here. 

You can always file a complaint to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) if you wish to take action. Take that as the perfect opportunity to use your reasons and grievances as evidence. 

5. Offer a helping hand

When you extend assistance, make sure you walk your talk. If you say you will finish up on your remaining tasks, do them. If you promise you will help find a replacement, you can share referrals too. Make sure that when you commit, you do so with conviction. After all, a half-done promise is still not well done. 

On the other hand, tasks like training your replacement are not necessary unless you promised this in your resignation letter. But if you have some free time on your hands, you can always opt to do it.

Resigning from a job is never easy, especially if it is for the first time. Whatever your reasons are, they are always valid enough for you to seek other opportunities. Good luck on your next career opportunity! 

It’s time to kickstart your career so #LetsGetToWork! But before anything else, make sure you take a look at our comprehensive Career Tools to ensure you get the help you need. 

Update your profile then search jobs on our website or download the JobStreet app on the App Store or Google Play. 

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