Job-Hunting and Employment-Related Correspondence Resignation on bad terms Background: Make this letter simple and straightforward. No embellish- ments, no explanation. The boss already knows why you are resigning. It's a sore spot, so why bring it out into the open? No one benefits, and it just makes one or both of you look bad. It is especially important to maintain a signed printed copy of this kind of resignation letter for yourself, so don't use e-mail. If relations between you and your employer are particularly bad, the worst thing you could do is to send an e-mail that the employer might later claim was never received-- or, worse, falsify your resignation terms by typing over your message. Essential elements: This is as simple as business letters get. State your resignation and the date you are leaving. Sample: Dear Mr. Smith: This letter is to notify you that I'm resigning from my position at Global Affiliates to take a new position at Associated Systems. My last day will be October 11. By giving you six weeks' notice I'm hoping to provide you with some extra time to find a replacement.