• Don't burn your bridges!
• If you are leaving for legal reasons and are considering a law suit, don't let on that you are unhappy. You will loose the element of surprise!
• Two weeks notice should be sufficient unless you are under contract to provide more notice. Managers should try and give three to four weeks if possible.
• Keep your explanation for leaving simple.
• Keep your reason for leaving positive. For instance, "I have been offered a great opportunity that is a better fit for my skills and abilities, and I am resigning".
• Follow with a positive statement "I really appreciate the opportunity you gave me to work here. I ejoyed working for your and appreciate everything you have done for me".  Let your employer know that it was not an easy decision for your to make.
• Also, let the employer know that you want to make the transition as easy as possible  by stating "I want to make this transition as easy as possible for you."
• Also state "I have put my resignation in writing and here is my letter". Make sure your letter reflects the reason your leaving and your last date of employment. Show a cc to Human Resources department if you have one.
• Don't announce your leaving to anyone until you have told your boss.
• Ask your boss how she or he would like to handle letting others know you are leaving. Your explanation to others, should also remain neutral and positive. The same goes for customers or clients!
• Catch up on your work before you leave and leave your working area in a clean and organized condition.
• If you have any pending items that will need to be taken care of after you leave, let your supervisor know.
• If they are able to hire someone before you leave, thoroughly train the new person.
• Your boss may assign someone from within the company immediately to learn your job so be ready to start training some immediately if asked.
• Keep a list of all the things you have trained the new person on and provide a copy to your supervisor. Your boss needs to know that you trained the new worker well.
• Study your handbook ahead of time and know what you will be entitled to. For instance, you may loose vacation time and sick leave that you have accumulated. Also, look into cobra if your new employer will not cover your insurance during a probationary period.
• Return all company information, supplies and equipment. Don't take proprietary customer information or contacts.
• Ask for a letter of reference now. You can simply state "I would like to obtain a letter of reference from you before I leave just in case I may need it in the future."
• Leave your contact information with your boss and/or replacement and let them know they can contact you with questions via e-mail or phone. 
• If you are fired, be humble and apologize and ask how employment verification and reference will be handled.  Ask "what reason will be given to references for leaving". 

Be ready for possible counter offers or your boss may get angry. Keep your cool and listen. Take the high road and remain professional. If you are offered more money to stay, consider what your working environment will be like. Will your job be secure? Will they let you go when they are ready? How will you be treated if you stay?  Your loyalty will probably always be in question and your working environment and relationship with your boss will probably never be the same.

If you are leaving and don't have another job lined up you may want to stick it out until you have something else.  You are more desirable to other employers if you are currently working.  Red flags are raised when are job searching and are currently not working.  Employers may read into the situation. 

Bow out gracefully. Remember your new job may not work out and you may need to call upon your former boss for a reference!  Or, you find yourself back at work with your current employer!

How is Unemployment Eligibility Determined?

Each state administers their unemployment program, which is guided by Federal law so eligibility may vary by state. Here are some general guidelines as of the date of publishing but you should contact your local Workforce Center to obtain full instructions and requirements:

1. You must meet the State requirements for wages earned or time worked during an established period of time referred to as a "base period"(in most States, this is usually the first four out of the last five completed calendar quarters prior to the time that your claim is filed.)
2. You must be unemployed through no fault of your own (determined under State law), and meet other eligibility requirements of State law.

How do you File an Unemployment Claim?

• You should contact you local Workforce Center as soon as possible after becoming unemployed. These centers are usually located throughout the county in your area. In some States, you can now file a claim by telephone or over the Internet.
• It generally takes two to three weeks after you file your claim to receive your first benefit check. Some States require a one-week waiting period; therefore, the second week claimed is the first week of payment.
• When you file the claim, you will be asked certain questions, such as addresses and employment dates for your former employer or employers. To make sure your claim is not delayed, be sure to give complete and correct information. Have your driver's license number and social security number available. Also, know the amount of your last check, date you will receive your last check and the dates that last check covers.

How long Can You Receive Unemployment Benefits?

Here are some general guidelines, but you should also seek advice and instructions for your local Workforce Center.

• You must file weekly or biweekly claims. You will be instructed when to respond to questions (usually on-line, mail or via phone) concerning your continued eligibility.
• You must report any earnings if you worked during the weeks you are claiming unemployment. You must also report any job offers or refusal of work during the week.
• When directed, you must report to your local Unemployment Insurance Claims Office (Workforce Center) or One-Stop/Employment Service Office on the day and at the time you are scheduled to do so. If you do not report as scheduled for any interview, benefits may be denied.

Registering For Work

• Claimants who file for unemployment benefits may be directed to register for work with the State Employment Service (the Workforce Center may be able to assist you with this process). This is to help you find employment. If you are not required to register, you still may seek help in finding a job from the Workforce Center.
• The One-Stop/Employment Service Office (or Workforce Center) has current labor market information and provides a wide array of re-employment services free of charge (Resume Writing, Interviewing Skills, Stress Management,  etc.).
• Employment Service staff can refer you to job openings in your area, or in other parts of the State or country if you are willing to relocate.
• They can refer you to various training programs and possibly assist you with paying for retraining. See  High growth Job Training Initiative and Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Adult and Dislocated Worker Program.  Check with your local Workforce Center to see what training assistance may be available and what colleges or training facilities in your area can you attend.  If you don't ask about this service or let them know about your desire to be retrained or wiliness to upgrade your skills, you may not learn about these services and programs.  If they don't have the funds now for training ask when you should check back again.
• If job openings in your field are limited, they can offer testing and counseling to determine other jobs you might like to do and are able to do.
• If you believe you have special needs or considerations, such as physical needs or other considerations, which may prevent you from getting a job, they can refer you to other agencies for help with those needs. For instance, if you need gas money or bus passes so you can apply for jobs, child care assistance, food, or other services be sure and ask!

What do you do if you were denied unemployment benefits?

• If your reason for separation from your last job is due to some reason other than a "lack of work" a determination will be made about whether you are eligible for benefits.
• Generally all determinations of whether or not a person is eligible for benefits are made by the appropriate State under its law or applicable federal laws.
• If you are disqualified/denied benefits, you have the right to file an appeal. The State Will advise you of your appeal rights. You must file your appeal within an established time frame. Your employer may also appeal a determination if he/she does not agree with the State's determination regarding your eligibility.

How much Unemployment Benefits Can You Receive?

• In general, benefits are based on a percentage of an individuals earnings over a recent 52-week period - up to a State maximum amount.
• Benefits can be paid for a maximum of 26 weeks in most States.
• Additional weeks of benefits may be available during times of high unemployment (see Extended Benefits). Some States provide additional benefits for specific purposes.
• Benefits are subject to Federal income taxes and must be reported on your Federal income tax return. You may elect to have the tax withheld by the State Unemployment Insurance agency.

Other resources that may be helpful:

Dealing with Job Loss

Protecting Your Health Care Coverage and Retirement Benefits 

Your Employer's Bankruptcy and How it Can Affect You

Disability Program Navigator The DPN helps people with disabilities helps navigate through the challenges of finding employment and learning about the support service available.

Unemployment for Ex-Service Members The Unemployment Compensation for Ex-service members (UCX) program provides benefits for eligible ex-military personnel. In addition, former members of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps are covered under the UCX program,  Also see Veteran's Programs.

Disaster Unemployment Disaster Unemployment Assistance provides financial assistance to individuals whose employment or self-employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major disaster declared by the President of the US. It must first be determined that you are not eligible for unemployment compensation.

Trade Re-Adjustment Unemployment The Federal Trade Act provides special benefits under the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program to those who were laid off or had hours reduced because their employer was adversely affected by increased imports from other countries. Those who qualify may be entitled to weekly TRA afteryour unemployment compensation has ended.

Self-Employment Assistance This is a voluntary program for States and, to date, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon and Pennsylvania have Self-Employment Assistance programs. The program is designed to encourage and enable unemployed workers to create their own jobs by starting their own small businesses. Under these programs, States can pay a self-employed allowance, instead of regular unemployment insurance benefits, to help unemployed workers while they are establishing businesses and becoming self-employed. Participants receive weekly allowances while they are getting their businesses off the ground.

Jobscribble.com hopes that you found this article helpful but you should also seek assistance from your local Workforce Center if you need any clarification or have any questions.   There may be other programs and services available.   You can call the them for assistance  to learn more about workforce program services. Information is available in over 140 languages. Call 1-877-US2-JOBS (1-877-889-5627) or visit or call your local One Stop Workforce Center.

Be careful to use proper formatting when you type your e-mail.  Do not use abbreviate words because this is not a text message!  Use spell check before you send and proofread carefully.  There is no need to include the address of the person you are sending it to in your e-mail.  Just start with Dear  Mr. or Ms. or Mrs. (if you are certain the female is married).  At the end of the e-mail include Sincerely yours, and your name, address and phone number.  In the subject line, you can simply state Thank You for Interview.  To help you compose your cover letter and e-mail cover letter, see cover letters tips and sample cover letters.

Include who sponsored the training, what the title of the course, seminar, workshop, etc. and the date or dates you attended.  For dates, you may simply just state the year you attended.   Keep the dates in the same format and placement as in the rest of your resume.  If you received  college credits or Continuing Education Units (CEUs), you may also include the total hours.  If the title does not sufficiently identify what you learned, you may include a brief description. 

List your development in reverse chronological order. If you have attended numerous training events, then be selective by including the most recent, best quality and most relevant.  It is helpful to save you agendas, literature and certificates from your former professional training and development. 

Example Professional Development Section:

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

• 2008  "Successful Sales Strategies",  Texas State University, 15 CEUs
• 2007  "Developing Effective Marketing Brochures", American Marketing Association
• 2006   "Overcoming Sales Objections", General Mills Employee Training Workshop