How to: write a resignation letter

The world of work is a small one - somehow everyone knows everyone. So no matter how big the temptation is to write an honest resignation letter (i.e. telling your boss exactly why you are leaving) don't do it! This letter may be included in your employment file and could be shared with potential future employers; therefore, it should be professional and polite.


Below we show you how to write your resignation in a way that won't leave a negative impression of you with your previous employer. Things to keep in mind are:

• be simple: include the fact that you're resigning and the last day you will work.
• be brief and focused: get to the point. No lengthy explanations as to why you are leaving.
• be positive: even if hate your job, don't say it. Make sure that you do not include anything negative about the company, your supervisor, your co-workers, or your subordinates. 
• be polite: thank your employer for the opportunities you have had during your employment. 

When to give a reason: if you're resigning under positive circumstances - you're relocating or going back to school, for example, it's fine to include the reason. If you're resigning because it's a bad job, it's better not to give a reason. 


Example:



Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:


I would like to inform you that I am resigning from my position as Key Account Manager, effective Monday July 15th. 


I'd like to thank you for all the opportunities that you have provided me during the last two years. I have enjoyed working for the company and very much appreciate the support I have received during this time.


If I can be of any help during this transition, please let me know.


Sincerely,


Your Signature


Your Typed Name


Click here for more templates

"Alas, I am dying beyond my means."

"Alas, I am dying beyond my means." said Oscar Wilde, as he sipped champagne on his deathbed. 


Why is this witty?


'Living beyond your means' is an expression used to say that you are spending more money than you have. People who eat out at expensive restaurants, drive expensive cars, go on fancy holidays, buy designer clothes, but have modest salaries, little savings and no other sources of income, tend to live beyond their means.


Example: 'They bought that house beyond their means'
Definition: Referring to a belief that they cannot afford the house - that they can't meet the mortgage payments 


Extract from The New York Times Opinion Pages 'Living Beyond Your Means'


First, the expansion of consumer credit in the United States has allowed middle class and poor Americans to live beyond their means, masking their lack of wealth by increasing their debt. We might think that people who have "zero net worth” have nothing. But in fact, having zero net worth increasingly means owning a lot (cars, televisions, even houses) – but also owing a lot. As a result people with zero net worth, and even negative net worth, can still feel that they are living the American dream, doing “better” than their parents did while keeping up with the Joneses.


Click to read whole article

Word bank: click on the words to discover the meanings

• witty
• to afford
• mortgage

What does 'afford' mean?!

The most common meaning of the verb afford is; if you can afford something, you have enough money to be able to pay for it.

Example: I bought a new car earlier this year, so I can't afford to go on holiday (I don't have enough money to pay for a holiday because I spent a lot of money on a car.)

I got a bonus at work, so now I can afford that Gucci bag that I have wanted for ages (before my bonus, I didn't have enough money. Now that I have some extra money, I can buy something expensive)

The word afford usually follows: can, could or be able to

For more meanings of this verb click here.

Word of the week: witty

Witty (adjective) means clever and amusing.

A witty person can think of clever, funny remarks and comebacks, making people laugh.  (Not usually rude or offensive).

5 witty quotes:

• Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.
• Never interrupt your opponent while he's making a mistake.
• It may look like I'm doing nothing, but I'm actively waiting for my problems to go away.
• Confessions may be good for the soul, but they are bad for the reputation.
• If you look like your passport picture, you probably need the trip.

Quotes from: www.witty-quotes.com

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IDIOM: To be dog tired

To be dog tired means to be completely exhausted.

Business	“After working on this report for 8 hours, I am so dog tired that I can barely see the screen.”
Everyday	“He went to bed dog tired after a long day of shopping with his wife.”

 

How to: ask someone to be a reference

Here are two sample letters asking someone to be a reference for you. If you request this by email, the subject line of the email should read: Your name - reference request.


Formal:

Dear XXX,

I am writing to ask whether it would be possible for me to put you as a reference. I am in the process of seeking employment and the recruiters I'm working with have asked me to provide potential names. 

If you were able to attest to my qualifications for employment, and the skills I attained during my tenure at XXXXX (company name), I would sincerely appreciate it.

It was a pleasure working with you. 

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

(your name)

Informal/Friendly

Hi XXX,

How are you? I'm fine - am getting down to the job search which is a job in itself! 

Would you mind if I gave your name as a reference for recruiters? It would help me out a lot if you would 

attest to my qualifications for employment, and the skills I attained during my tenure at XXXXX (company name)

It was a real pleasure meeting and working with you. 

Many thanks,

(your name)