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Home Business Documents Resignation Letter Template

Free Resignation Letter Template

Use our template to create a formal resignation letter.

Updated April 7, 2022

Use a resignation letter if you’re looking to leave your current role with your employer. Following the writing tips below will smooth out the process of leaving. You can also download a free resignation template in PDF or Word format.

Table of Contents
  • What is a Resignation Letter?
  • Why Should You Write a Resignation Letter?
  • When Should You Send a Letter of Resignation?
  • How Should You Submit Your Resignation Letter?
  • How to Write a Resignation Letter
  • Free Resignation Letter Template ( with Example )

1. What is a Resignation Letter?

A resignation letter is written to formally state your intention to leave the company you’re currently working for and the reasons why you’re quitting. The letter can be written as a printed letter or sent in an email.

A resignation letter details information about your departure from employment, including what will be your final day with the company.

2. Why Should You Write a Resignation Letter?

A resignation letter is an efficient way to send the same document to numerous departments keeping all relevant parties well-informed of your departure.

If the letter is polite and straightforward, your manager will be impressed with the gesture and quite thankful for this information. So long as it is constructive, the letter may even bring intangible benefits to your career down the road, such as potential letters of recommendation, positive appraisals via word of mouth, and may even help you return to the company.

If you’re leaving and starting a new job, be sure to use an employment acceptance letter to start your employment off on the front foot.

3. When Should You Send a Letter of Resignation?

If you are certain you will be leaving your company, let them know at most two months and at least two weeks before with a formal letter of resignation.

4. How Should You Submit Your Resignation Letter?

You can have a private meeting with your manager where you share your plans, followed by a formal letter to make it official. In the end, do what you feel comfortable with.

If you don’t submit a resignation letter make sure that your exit is approved by all parties, including your manager, HR, and other stakeholders. You need to take the initiative to communicate to each department, don’t assume everyone will be on the same page.

5. How to Write a Resignation Letter

We recommend that you write a civil, succinct letter that contains the following:

1. Date

Include the date when you submit the letter in the top left line above the address.

2. Address

The address should follow a formal business letter template. Use the company name on the first line, followed by the street address, city and zip code.

3. Addressee

The addressee is usually your manager – you can use their first name. If the situation calls for it, you can address a larger audience such as unit, team, department, or the whole company.

4. Resignation Declaration

You must make it clear that you are resigning from the first sentence.

5. Date of Departure

Clear departure date is necessary as it lets your manager strategize the path forward.

6. Reasons for Leaving (Optional)

In this section, employ your diplomatic chops and provide a reason for your departure. Acceptable reasons can range from general health concerns, spending more time with family, relocation, career change, and much more.

Keep in mind that this letter is usually not the best method to express dissatisfaction with your company. You can metaphorically nail 95 grievances to your boss’s desk by crafting a letter that details areas of urgent reform but think hard about the pros and cons of delivering such a letter.

7. Thank You Section

Make sure to end the letter by thanking your manager and if you feel grateful, acknowledge the opportunity they gave you.

8. Signature

If you submit a hard copy of the letter, sign above your typed name. A typed name suffices as an online resignation letter.

Free Resignation Letter Template ( with Example )

Below you can download a free resignation letter template in PDF or Word:

Resignation Letter

Resignation Letter Template

Download PDF
Download MS Word

Resignation Letter Example

The resignation letter example below demonstrates a formal notice of departure from an employee, ‘Patrick Marlin’ from ‘ABC, Inc’. Patrick Marlin details the date he will leave the company and lets the company know that he appreciated his time there and will assist in the upcoming transition.

Resignation Letter Example

Related Employment Documents

  • Employment Acceptance Letter: If you've been offered a new job you can send an employment acceptance letter to tell the employer you want to accept.
  • Employment Rejection Letter: An employment rejection letter tells a job candidate they've been unsuccessful.
  • Employment Contract: This article outlines the situations in which an Employee Contract should be used, the protection it offers both parties and the consequences of failing to...
Resignation Letter Template Preview PDF

Free Resignation Letter Template

Create Your Resignation Letter in Minutes!

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