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“yes” to a job offer. Or you can confirm, in writing, the results of your
jobhunting, interview, and negotiation efforts: the terms of your em-
ployment agreement. Remember that whatever you put in writing
stays on the record. So be certain your facts are accurate.
The Negotiation of an Offer: Typically, negotiating a job offer is han-
dled in person or by phone, and often by a recruiter or placement
agent. If you find that you must negotiate in writing, be clear and to
the point. Justify your requests with support points that are important
to the reader. Above all, remember that whatever you put in writing
is on the record forever. Don’t exaggerate, prefabricate, or make
promises you can’t keep.
The Offer Rejection: Whether or not you’ve turned down a job offer
in person, you may wish to put it in writing as well. You may, for ex-
ample, be asked to put your rejection in writing for the company’s
records, or you may wish to do so for your own records. (If, however,
you’re writing to maintain friendly relations so that you may be con-
sidered for future positions, this is a Follow-up Letter.) If the inter-
view process was lengthy, you may wish to give a reason for your de-
cision. (“Although you had...I chose to...”) Generally, there’s no need
to say where you’ve accepted an alternate job, especially if you’ve
moved to a new field. If the person you’re writing has gone out of his
or her way on your behalf, be sure to acknowledge this kindness.
The Letter of Resignation: Congratulations! Your hard work paid off
with a job offer that you’ve accepted. Now comes the fun part: quit-
ting your old one!
You’ve heard the advice of the experts, “Don’t burn your bridges.”
They counsel against composing a scathing, biting attack on your old
boss, your mean spirited co-workers, the associate who sabotaged
you, and the negative corporate culture. And they’re right because
you never know where these people will land when they switch
jobs—perhaps at the firm you’ve longed to work for all your life. Who
knows? You might be asked to return and serve as their boss one day!
(Isn’t revenge sweet?)
So now is the time to write a professional, positive letter of resig-
nation. You simply state that you are relinquishing your position and
when. That is all you are required to do, although few people stop at
that. The following sample letters demonstrate several alternative
methods for resigning: the happy camper, the disgruntled (but pro-
fessional employee), and the one who “plays it close to the vest.”
Choose your own style—just remember, whatever you put on
paper remains on the record forever!

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