by Kevin Donlin - Guaranteed Resumes - Click for Info

First and last impressions are important in your career. And you never get a second chance to make either!

If you resign gracefully from your current job, it can smooth the transition to your next one. Why burn bridges? If you leave on positive terms, you can maintain a network of ex-coworkers and managers to call on later for help at your next company.

Likewise, a well-written acceptance letter can help set a positive tone for your first day on the new job.

First, let's say goodbye.

In your resignation letter, emphasize the best parts of your employment. Include one or two achievements you were especially proud of. This will reinforce the value you created and help create a lasting, positive impression of you.

Language like this may help get you started quitting:

"Dear Steve,

This will confirm that I will leave ABC Company on October 1, 2001 to accept a position at XYZ, Inc. It's been a pleasure working with you on such projects as the Widget Deluxe roll-out and the Web site upgrade. I will be more than happy to assist you and my replacement in making this transition over the next two weeks and thereafter, so please feel free to contact me at XYZ should you have any questions."

Writing your acceptance letter can often be easier ... and more fun.

Here, your task is to reinforce the skills or expertise that made your employer want to hire you in the first place. You might follow this format:

"Dear Cindy,

I'm delighted to accept your offer for the position of Assistant Manager. I look forward to starting on the programs you and I discussed in our last interview, particularly your online marketing initiative, which will allow me to use the professional contacts and research skills I've developed over the last four years. I look forward to seeing you Monday morning, July 1."

The exact words aren't important. Just try to stay upbeat and positive in your letters. Do this and you'll enjoy a smooth transition from one successful job to the next, and the next, and the next ...

Best of luck to you!

Kevin Donlin is President of Guaranteed Resumes.

Since 1996, he and his team have provided resumes, cover letters and online job-search assistance to clients in all 50 states and 23 countries. Kevin has been interviewed by USA Today, CBS MarketWatch, The Wall Street Journal's National Business Employment Weekly, CBS Radio, and many others.

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