Three Steps to Tactfully Notifying Your Workplace of a Last-Minute Resignation

Angela Ogunjimi reports:

"Open your letter with a brief, unequivocal statement announcing your intention to depart. Include the effective date of your resignation or the last day you will be available to work...Whether the date is four weeks or four days from now matters not; your company needs to know your plan...Thank your employer for the opportunity to work with the company. Name your supervisor or a mentor who has helped you during your stay...Offer support. Although your last-minute letter gives your employer little time to appoint your replacement, avail yourself to helping in any way you can. Write in your letter, 'I offer my support in the transition and hope to close out the following projects.' In practice this might mean training your nearest co-worker and providing detailed notes about your assignments...Keep your letter positive and upbeat. No matter your reason for leaving, you want a drama-free record of your employment on file. Chances are[,] other employers will call for a reference. Keep the letter short, too, for the same reasons. You don't want any words coming back to haunt you. Offer no reasons as to why you're leaving, and don't blame anyone or any situation for your resignation...Expect to cause a stir, maybe some anger with your short-notice departure. Your co-workers will resent that you're moving on and you've left them with your workload. Your company might even want you off the premises immediately if you have access to important company secrets. Don't make a habit of last-minute resignations; your reputation might outrun you."