While unceremoniously yelling “I quit,” tossing a drink in your boss's face and storming out of the office may seem like the most satisfying way to kiss that job of which you are sick goodbye, it isn’t a good idea -- particularly if you want to collect unemployment. Though it is not as easy to qualify for unemployment if you quit your job, it is still possible. To ensure that your departure doesn’t hurt your claim to this between-jobs-cash-assistance, sharpen your pencil and compose an appropriate resignation letter. It’s true that handing this letter off to your boss won’t be as satisfying a tell-off, but hey, maybe it will give him a paper cut.
Step 1
Keep your letter professional. Though it may be tempting, a resignation letter is not a venue for venting your frustrations. The purpose of this letter is simply to politely submit your official resignation. When stating your reasons for resigning, focus on the problem, not the people. Don’t call people out, but instead describe situations in broad terms that relate the facts plainly.
Step 2
List a specific reason for resigning that proves that your resignation was not preventable. If your reason for resigning is that your work life was in some way intolerable, you may be eligible for unemployment. Some common situations that fall into this category include: hostile work environment, substantial reduction in hours, medical conditions and forced relocation. When determining your eligibility for unemployment, the case worker will likely review your resignation letter, so including a reason that is among one of these – if one applies in your case – can bolster your claim.
Step 3
State that you gave your boss notice of your concerns and provided him ample time to address them. In order to be eligible for unemployment, you must have given your boss the chance to correct the problem that has left you ready to quit, warns the Connecticut Network for Legal Aid. Make it evident in your letter that you met this obligation by composing a paragraph in which you state when, where and how you told your boss of your concerns and detail steps that he took, if any, to right the situation.
Step 4
Speak to your employer about your impending application for unemployment. When you apply for unemployment, the state office processing the claim will contact your former employer and inquire as to whether there is any reason why your claim should be denied. If you discuss the situation with your use-to-be-boss, you can potentially induce him to accept the claim which will save you time as the unemployment office will almost always simply accept this and not subject your claim to further scrutiny, suggests Suzanne Lucas of CBS MoneyWatch.
