When it is time to move on with your career, a resignation letter is one way to give official notice to your employer. Whether you decide to email it or hand it in personally, what you write should confirm your plans and help ensure a smooth exit. Remember, writing a thoughtful resignation letter is a great way to leave on good terms and keep the professional bridge you’ve built intact.
Types of Resignation Letters
Resigning from a job is a big step, and the right resignation letter can help you leave professionally and positively. This page offers templates for various situations, like two-week notices, immediate resignations, or transitions under unique circumstances.
Each template includes tips to customize it for your needs, ensuring your message is clear and professional. Use our document editor to personalize your letter and access all templates, including standard options, so you can confidently navigate your resignation process.
Two Weeks' Notice
Purpose: Provide two weeks' notice of resignation.
How This Helps: Helps you leave on good terms by offering your employer enough time to plan and transition smoothly.
One Week's Notice
Purpose: Provide one week's notice of resignation.
How This Helps: Balances the need for a quick departure with professionalism and respect for your employer’s needs.
Immediate
Purpose: Resign with immediate effect.
How This Helps: Offers a clear and respectful way to handle urgent resignations, preserving your relationships.
Due to Health & Stress
Purpose: Resign due to health-related issues.
How This Helps: Provides a compassionate and professional framework to communicate sensitive personal reasons.
Nursing
Purpose: Resign from a nursing position.
How This Helps: Tailored to healthcare roles, supporting a smooth transition for you, your team, and your patients.
Retirement
Purpose: Leave the workforce permanently.
How This Helps: Lets you explain your plans to retire and communicate your availability to help through the transition.
Teacher
Here’s the revised version tailored for a teacher resignation:
Purpose: Notify your school of your resignation with at least two weeks' notice.
How This Helps: Ensures a smooth transition for your students and colleagues while maintaining professionalism and positive relationships with your school.
What Is a Resignation Letter?
A resignation letter is a formal notification to your employer of your intent to leave your position. Typically submitted two weeks before your departure, the letter aligns with company policies, which you can verify in your employee handbook or contract.
What to Include
A resignation letter typically includes the following elements:
- Statement of resignation: Clearly declare your intent to resign.
- Last day of work: Specify your final workday, considering the notice period in your company’s policies.
- Reason for resignation (optional): Briefly share your reason, such as pursuing new opportunities or personal priorities.
- Gratitude: Express appreciation for the growth, opportunities, or support you’ve received.
- Offer of assistance: Provide help during the transition, like training a replacement.
- Contact information: Ensure future correspondence can reach you easily.
What Not to Include
Keep the tone professional by omitting:
- Negative comments: Avoid criticizing colleagues, policies, or management.
- Overly optimistic language: Excessive positivity might seem insincere.
- Immediate departure dates: Resign with notice unless under extraordinary circumstances.
- Personal details: Focus on professional reasons for leaving.
- Emotional language: Maintain neutrality and professionalism throughout.
When to Send a Resignation Letter?
If you decide to leave your company, it is important to give them a formal resignation letter. The letter should be given at least two weeks before your last day but no more than two months in advance.
Why Use
A resignation letter is not just a formality—it’s an opportunity to leave a positive impression. A polite, well-written letter can:
- Strengthen professional relationships
- Secure strong references
- Enhance future opportunities for collaboration
If you’re leaving and starting a new job, use an employment acceptance letter to start your employment on the front foot.
How to Write a Resignation Letter
We recommend that you write a civil, concise letter that contains the following:
1. Date and Address
Start your letter by including the date you’re submitting it and the company’s formal address. Place this in the top-left corner, following a standard business letter format.
Example
“[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Today’s Date]
[Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]”
2. Addressee
Address your letter to your manager or supervisor by name. If appropriate, you may address a team, department, or larger group.
Example
“Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to formally resign from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name].”
3. Resignation Declaration and Date of Departure
In the opening paragraph, clearly state your intention to resign and specify your last working day. This clarity allows your employer to plan effectively.
Example (Career Change)
“I am writing to inform you of my decision to resign from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name]. My last day of work will be [Date], which is two weeks from today.”
4. Reasons for Leaving (Optional)
If you choose to include your reasons for leaving, keep them professional and positive. This section is optional and should focus on acceptable reasons such as personal growth, relocation, or education. Avoid using the resignation letter to express dissatisfaction.
Example (Going Back to School)
“I have decided to return to school to pursue a degree in [Field of Study]. Although I have enjoyed my time at [Company Name], furthering my education is the best decision for me at this time.”
Example (Relocation)
“My family and I have decided to move to [New City/State/Country], so I must tender my resignation.”
5. Thank You Section
End your letter on a positive note by expressing gratitude for the opportunities and experiences you’ve had at the company.
Example (Retirement)
“I want to take this opportunity to thank you and the company for the wonderful years I have spent here. I will cherish the memories and experiences I have gained while working at [Company Name].”
Example (Personal Reasons)
“Thank you for your understanding and support during my time at [Company Name]. I am grateful for the experiences and knowledge I have gained while working here.”
6. Signature
Sign your letter above your typed name if submitting a hard copy. For an online resignation letter, a typed name is sufficient.
Example
“Sincerely,
[Your Name]”
How to Submit
Consider the following when submitting your resignation:
- Schedule a meeting: Arrange a private meeting with your manager to discuss your decision before submitting the letter.
- Follow-up: After your conversation, provide the resignation letter to formalize your intent.
- Communicate with stakeholders: Ensure HR, colleagues, and other relevant departments are informed to avoid confusion during the transition.
Sample Resignation Letter
Below, you can view a letter of resignation sample:
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Write a Short Notice Letter of Resignation?
To write a short letter of resignation, you should include the following points:
- Date and personal details
- Making the intent to resign clear from the initial sentence
- Notice period
- Express gratitude
- Signature
How to Write a Polite Letter of Resignation?
A polite resignation letter ensures you leave on good terms. Follow these steps:
- Keep it clear and concise: Avoid unnecessary details while delivering your message.
- Express gratitude: Start by thanking the company for the opportunity to work there.
- State your intention to resign: Clearly and professionally communicate your decision.
- Provide a departure date: Mention the date of your last working day.
- Optional reason for resigning: Briefly include a professional reason, if appropriate.
- Offer support for the transition: Show willingness to assist during the transition period.
- Conclude with appreciation: End with gratitude for your time with the company.
- Sign and date the letter: Use your full name, and include the date for clarity.
How Long Should a Resignation Letter Be?
A resignation letter should be concise and limited to one page, containing only necessary information.
What Should Your Resignation’s Email’s Subject Line Be?
When writing the subject line for your resignation email, it’s best to keep it simple and to the point. You should include your name and the fact that you are resigning. This way, your manager can quickly understand the purpose of the email. Here are some examples of subject lines that you can use:
- Resignation Notice – [Your Name]
- [Your Name] Resignation Letter
- Two Weeks’ Resignation Notice: [Your Name]
Remember to avoid using ambiguous or vague subject lines that do not indicate the purpose of the email.
How Do You Tell Your Boss You’re Quitting?
When telling your boss that you’re quitting, it’s important to be respectful and professional. Schedule a meeting with your boss, and let them know that you have decided to resign. Be clear about your reasons for leaving, and provide a timeline for your departure. Offer to assist with the transition, and express gratitude for the opportunities provided by the company. Remember to keep the conversation positive and constructive, and follow up with a formal resignation letter.
Is Two Weeks Notice Required?
Whether or not you need to give a two-week notice before resigning from your job depends on your employer’s specific policies. Certain companies require their employees to provide a two-week notice before resigning, while others do not. It is always a good idea to review your employment agreement or speak with your HR department to learn about your organization’s notice period and resignation policies.
What Happens if You Don’t Give Notice?
If an employee leaves without prior agreement, they may be in breach of contract. This could result in a court claim if the employer incurs additional costs.