Writing a letter of resignation might be an unpleasant task, but there"s really not that much to it. In its simplest form, you just date your letter of resignation, say when and what you"re resigning, sign it, hand it over, and that"s it. Five minutes, and you"re done.

Unless you possess the judgment1 of an attorney and style of a professional writer, don"t write much more in your letter of resignation if you wish to use your soon-to-be ex-employer as a reference. There"s really no need to explain your reasons for resigning anyway. For one thing, it"s really nobody"s business but your own. For another, however honorable your reasons may be, it"s very hard to strike just the right tone in writing.

For example, if you write in your letter of resignation that you"ve found a more challenging career opportunity, it implies that you"re bored with your current job. If you write that you"re having family or health problems, you"ve just documented that you might be a risky2 hire. Your words may haunt you down the road, when a potential employer contacts your former employers as references. Your words might also be used as evidence against you, should you sue your former employer for a wrongdoing. For example, if you write that it"s been a pleasurable experience working there, then later sue your employer, you might have a hard time proving harm.

In other words, try not to leave anything up to the interpretation3 (or misinterpretation) of the reader when writing your letter of resignation.

1 judgment e3xxC

n.審判；判斷力，識別力，看法，意見

參考例句：

The chairman flatters himself on his judgment of people.主席自認為他審視人比別人高明。

He's a man of excellent judgment.他眼力過人。

2 risky IXVxe

adj.有風險的，冒險的

參考例句：

It may be risky but we will chance it anyhow.這可能有危險，但我們無論如何要冒一冒險。

He is well aware how risky this investment is.他心里對這項投資的風險十分清楚。

3 interpretation P5jxQ

n.解釋，說明，描述；藝術處理

參考例句：

His statement admits of one interpretation only.他的話只有一種解釋。

Analysis and interpretation is a very personal thing.分析與說明是個很主觀的事情。

更多信息請查看英語寫作技巧