Whether it just didn’t work out or you found someone, err, a new company with better pay, benefits, or
whatever, resignations should be handled delicately. Especially for previously fresh graduates who just got an
experience boost from the time you spent on the company you’re currently trying to resign from.
The key here is your resignation letter. Amicable terms or not, you still need to submit one of these to your
supervisor and the human resources (HR) department. What to include in the letter though? No worries! We’re
here to help. See below for the things that you should include in your first resignation letter.
1. Decide how you want to present your letter
While giving your resignation letter in person is a preferable to that of email, you can also utilize new ways to
get your letter across. Just be sure to copy the HR department to your email and if possible, present a signed
hard copy of the resignation letter for filing purposes.
2. Be clear with the date
The standard here in the Philippines is a 30-day notice or one month, even two, depending on the company
policy and contract you signed. However, do bear in mind that Article 285 of the Labor Code does away with
the 30-day rendering phase if the employer committed the following against the employee:
Serious insult on the honor and person of the employee
Inhuman and unbearable treatment
Commission of a crime or offense
If that’s not the case, though, give the employer as much notice as possible so that they’ll have enough time to
find a replacement for you. Also, clearly state the date you plan to leave the company.
3. You can include a reason
Don’t give too much details about the reason why you’re leaving or what your plans are. Keep this vague as
much as possible without being entirely untruthful. This provides some sort of closure on your employer’s part
without you including all the grievances you have against them. The corporate world is a small one, blowing up
bridges just for spite might come back to haunt you later in your career.
4. Thank them
Since this is just part of the letter, you can do this while making a face. JK! Expressing gratitude is a courteous
act that might help you in the future. If, on the other hand, you’re parting on less than amicable ways, don’t say
anything negative in your letter. Save that for the letter you’ll draft to the labor department or your lawyer.
5. Offer your assistance
Unless you’re parting on severely bad terms, it is common courtesy to train your replacement or to properly turn
over your job and deliverables to the colleagues you’re leaving behind. These acts of goodwill will reap
dividends later if you ever need a letter of reference from them in the future.
Below is an example of a resignation letter that you can use as a template.
Juan C. Dela Cruz
17 E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave.
New Manila, Quezon City
jcdelacruz@gmail.com
February 16, 2018
Mr. Mark T. Nicolas
Chief Content Officer
Hobbes Feat. Articles Inc.
Robinsons Bldg., Pioneer St.
Mandaluyong City
Dear Mr. Nicolas:
This is to inform you that I am officially resigning from my position as Content Editor for the Hobbes Featured
Articles Inc., effective March 16, 2018. I have decided to make use of my education background and pursue a
career in journalism.
Thank you for the support and opportunities that you and the company have given me during my stay here. I
have learned a lot and really enjoyed working with you and the rest of the team. I will always be grateful for the
encouragement that I have received from you and the rest of Hobbes Featured Articles Inc.’s management in
pursuing my professional and personal growth objectives.
If I can be of any assistance during this transition, please do not hesitate to ask.
Sincerely,
Juan
