An immediate resignation letter ensures professional communication when you need to leave a job without the notice period stated in a job contract. While this is not standard practice, there are valid reasons for immediate resignation.
Reasons for Immediate Resignation
- Health complications
- Family relocation
- Workplace harassment
- New job offer
- Death or illness of a loved one
- Burnout
- Ethical concerns at work
Tips for Writing an Immediate Resignation Letter
How you leave a job can affect your relationship with future and past employers, including when you need a letter of recommendation. Before you get started with your immediate resignation letter, keep in mind the following tips:
- Use Professional and Respectful Language: Regardless of the reason for resigning or your experience with the employer, being respectful in the letter protects your reputation and indicates professionalism.
- Review Your Job Contract: Go through your employment contract to understand whether and how resigning immediately may affect different aspects of your job, including compensation.
- Speak to Your Employer: If you’re uncertain about the impacts of resigning effective immediately, consider speaking with your employer and explaining your situation or reason for departure.
How To Write an Immediate Resignation Letter
It’s best practice to use a business letter format when writing an immediate resignation letter. Start with your address, date of resignation, recipient’s address, and salutations at the top before getting into the main content.
1. Statement of Resignation
State directly the letter’s purpose in the first sentence, including the role you’re resigning from and that your departure is effective immediately. You can follow this with a brief apology for any inconvenience your immediate resignation may cause.
Example
Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from the position of [Your Current Job Title] at [Company Name], effective immediately.
2. Reason for Resigning Immediately
Letting your employer know your reason for resigning immediately can help avoid misunderstandings and keep your professional relationship intact. However, remain brief and explain only the necessities in one sentence or so.
Example
After thoughtful consideration, I have made the decision to resign from my position to focus on personal matters that require my full attention.
3. Expression of Gratitude
Next, express gratitude for the time spent in the company, the skills acquired, and the professional networks created. Regardless of your reasons for leaving, showing gratitude can preserve your work relationship and strike a warm, sincere tone that is essential when writing an immediate resignation letter.
Example
I am deeply grateful for the opportunities for growth and development that I have experienced during my time at [Company Name]. Your guidance and support have been invaluable, and I will carry the lessons I’ve learned here with me throughout my career.
4. Handover Duties
To foster a smooth transition for your employer, offer to help with handing over your duties to the person who will be taking over your role. Include a personal phone number and email address for further communication.
Example
During the transition, I am committed to ensuring a smooth handover of my responsibilities. I’ll remain available at [Your Email] or [Your Phone Number] after my departure, should you need any further assistance.
5. Closing
Finally, close the letter by wishing your employer future success and signing off with your signature, followed by your name.
Example
I wish you and [Company Name] continued success.
Immediate Resignation Letter Sample
Below, you can download an immediate resignation letter template in PDF or Word format: