How To write a Letter of Resignation

You are going to leave your job.

Maybe it’s in a year. Maybe it’s in five. Or maybe it’s in 30 years when you can finally hang up the stethoscope and retire. The point is we all leave the job.

Hopefully you’re leaving for better opportunities, but there’s one necessary evil that comes with the territory of leaving, and that is writing your resignation letter.

Now, a resignation letter isn’t how you actually deliver the big news to your boss that you’re jumping ship (I’m saving this for a separate article!); it’s more of a formality that HR would like to have on file.

The goal of a resignation letter is in the name—you’re simply stating that you’re resigning from your current position. You’ll want to keep it short and professional, even if your medical director is two years older than you, more of a friend than a supervisor, and your happy hour companion. Stick to the script.

This is something that will go in your permanent record at the company, and may serve to help you should you ever choose to come back in the future. (Hey, weirder things have happened.)

So! Let’s get to it. Here’s a break-down of a sample resignation letter template.

Step 1: The greeting. Don’t be tempted to over engineer this. “Dear” works wonders. Simple!

Dear [Medical Director’s Name],

Step 2: The resignation and last day notice. Before you have even made the decision to leave, check your contract to see how much notice you are required to give. Contracts can vary from 30-120 days.

Please accept this letter as my formal notice of resignation from my position as [title] with [company name]. My last day of employment will be [date of last day].

Step 3: The thank you. Hopefully you’re leaving on good terms, but even if you hated the job, find something nice to say. Remember: permanent. record.

I am grateful for all the opportunities afforded to me at [company name] over the past [##] years. As an anesthesia professional, I have grown in the areas of [skill 1] and [skill 2], which will continue to help me throughout my career.

Step 4: The transition. Reassure your boss that you won’t just leave ’em hanging.

During my last [number of weeks/months] with [company name], I will continue to provide excellent anesthesia care and help the department as needed. I am also happy to train new employees if necessary.

Step 5: Well wishes and sign-off. End your note on a positive note.

I wish [company name] continued success/all the best.

Sincerely/Best Regards/Sign-off of choice,
[Name]

And that’s it! With any luck, your employer will be bummed but understanding, and accept your resignation graciously. And if not, let it serve as a reminder of why you’re resigning in the first place. Good luck!