How to write a formal letter?

How should I write a formal exit letter after my resignation date has already been decided?

• Should I even write it? Earlier this year I made a decision to leave the company I was working at after much thought. I highlighted to my boss months ago about my plans to resign from the company by the end of the year. This however, happened during a meeting and I came unprepared when I made my intentions known; I did not produce a resignation letter then. Since then we have confirmed my last day in the company and I feel like I should at least write a formal letter to my boss. I'm not sure what it should be called; exit letter? farewell letter? Additionally, I have not secured another job. I understand employees would usually mention their further career plans in the letter, but I have none. How do I put this discretely in the letter? I would appreciate any advice on how I should formulate this letter (i.e what I should include, and if I should even highlight my resignation date as a formality).

• Answer:

  If everything is already in process, there's no need for a "formal" letter of resignation.  I'd just let it all come to a close as naturally as it seems to already be progressing, and make your exit with your head held high and plans for the future formulating in your head.