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Writing a resignation letter that’s effective and professional

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What’s a resignation letter?

What to include in a professional resignation letter, what to avoid in a resignation letter, 5 sample resignation letters, feel good about your decision.

You likely won’t stay in one job forever. Your career might plateau and you’ll be up for a new challenge to broaden your skills, or you might become dissatisfied with your work environment and want a change of scenery.

Regardless of how long you’ve been with your current company, you’ve decided now’s the time to quit your job. The first step to doing so effectively and professionally is to send your resignation letter.

Writing an effective resignation letter reduces the stress of breaking the news to your employer because it gives you time to say everything you’d like to say in a professional manner. It advises your direct or human resources (HR) manager of your decision to leave, provides them with notice to plan for your position, and ends your employment positively.

A resignation letter highlights your intention to leave the company. This letter should include your last day and how you’ll support the team through the transition process. You’ll typically send this message via email to your direct manager or an HR professional.

If you want to leave your job on good terms or ask your current employer for a letter of recommendation , handing in a letter of resignation is a simple way to show respect .

This formal notification informs your employer of your action plan while expressing consideration for the position that your departure places them in. Departing in such a respectful manner increases the chance they’ll write you a great reference letter.

Deciding to resign isn’t always easy, especially if you feel emotionally invested in your company, projects, and team members. The decision to move on likely developed as you assessed your career goals and determined that leaving was the right choice. 

Whether you accepted a job offer at a new company, are beginning your search , or are wanting to take time for yourself, you’ve decided to continue your development elsewhere. But knowing how to formalize this to your higher-ups and HR team can feel intimidating. After all, you want to leave on a good note .

Following these four steps will help you handle this difficult task and compose an effective resignation letter:

• State your intentions: After addressing the email to your manager (Dear [name]), state your intention to resign and departure date. Although giving two weeks’ notice is an accepted standard, you may provide more or less time or have a predetermined notice period in your contract to follow.
• Give a thoughtful thank you: Express gratitude for your experience at the company to set the tone for your future relationship. Discuss key lessons, great moments, and how they’ve helped you develop professionally . This will make the remainder of your time there amicable and leave your employer with a positive impression of you .
• Offer your assistance: Extending an offer to assist during the transition shows your employer you care about them and the company. Briefly mention your intention to wrap up current projects and your availability to train team members. 
• Sign off with your contact information: Finish the letter by sending your best wishes and extending a cordial invitation to keep in touch. This shows your manager you want to remain on good terms. If you’d like, you can add your personal contact information after your signature.

Consider a formal resignation letter your chance to put your best foot forward. Even if you feel excited to leave, you don’t want to seem too enthusiastic or behave informally.

To keep your letter professional, avoid the following:

• Extensive details about why you’re resigning
• Your future plans/where you’re going next
• Complaints about the company or team members
• The words “quitting” or “leaving”

Learning how to professionally quit a job is a valuable skill, and doing it the right way takes practice and planning. Using a resignation letter template makes it easier to keep your thoughts in order and express yourself respectfully.

Here are five resignation letter examples tailored to various scenarios. Fill in the blanks or use them as inspiration to draft your own letter. 

1. Standard resignation letter

Concise, professional, and respectful. This simple resignation letter covers all the basics when communicating your departure to HR or your manager.

Dear [manager’s name],

Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from my position as [job title] with [company name]. My last day will be [date].

Thank you for your support during my time at [company name]. It’s been a pleasure to work alongside such a talented team. I’ve appreciated the opportunity to contribute to [mention two projects]. And I’ve learned so much about [mention focus areas of your role], knowledge that I’ll carry throughout my career. 

During my last [mention time left], I’ll do everything possible to make this transition as smooth as possible. Please let me know if there’s anything in particular I can do to support you and the team. 

I wish you and the company continued success and hope to stay in touch. 

Sincerely, 

[your name] [contact information]

2. Resignation letter with advance notice 

Finding your replacement can take time when you work in a specialized field. Giving more than two weeks’ notice is a thoughtful way of showing your employer you understand this challenge. Although this isn’t mandatory, it expresses your sympathy and allows adequate time to train team members or your replacement.

[date] 

Please accept this notice as my formal resignation from my position as [job title] with [company name], effective [final day]. I understand that preparing someone for this role will take time, so I wanted to provide as much notice as possible. 

It’s been a pleasure to learn from you and see the growth we’ve achieved in the [name of department]. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had during my [amount of time] at [company name], and I know I’ll bring these valuable learning experiences forward in my career. 

During the next [mention time left], I’m committed to wrapping up my duties and making this transition smooth. Please let me know how I can further assist you and the team throughout this period of time. 

I wish you the best and look forward to seeing the company’s continued growth.

3. Resignation letter to a mentor

A mentor-mentee relationship is extremely valuable, and breaking the news of your resignation to someone you respect is challenging. When addressing a letter to someone important, keep it professional and include a personal sentiment to make your departure more amiable. 

I’m writing to give my formal notice of resignation from my position as [job title] with [company name] on [last day of employment].

Thank you for your guidance and support during my time at [company name]. It’s been a wonderful experience working for such an exceptional leader, and I’ll carry the knowledge and lessons you’ve shared with me throughout my professional career. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to [list a couple of work accomplishments] and work alongside such an inspiring team. 

During my final [mention time left], I want to assist you throughout this transition. Please let me know what steps I can take to make this transition as smooth as possible. 

Thank you again for making my time at [company name] a great experience. I look forward to keeping in touch. 

Best regards, 

4. Resignation letter for a new job

If you’ve recently started a position and quickly realized it’s not the right fit, writing a resignation letter is still good practice. You may not have learned much from your role yet, but you can still thank your HR department or manager for their time during your onboarding .

Dear [HR employee],

I’m writing to give formal notification of my resignation from my position as [job title] with [company name], effective [end date]. I realize I’ve only been here a short while but I feel it’s best to pursue other opportunities. 

Although my time at [company name] was short, I appreciate the opportunity you’ve given me and the time you invested in my onboarding.

Please let me know if there’s anything I can do during the rest of my employment to ensure a smooth transition.

I wish you and the company continued success.

5. Resignation letter without notice

Sometimes life throws you a curveball. If you need to leave your role immediately, use this resignation letter example to model an appropriate message to your employer.

I regret to inform you that I must resign from my position as [job title] with [company name]. My last day will be [end date]. 

Due to unforeseen events, I can’t handle my role’s responsibilities at this time. I offer my sincerest apologies that I’m unable to provide two weeks’ notice because of circumstances requiring my immediate attention.

I’ll dedicate the rest of my time within the next few days to finishing my tasks and providing as much assistance as possible. 

Thank you for making my time at [company name] so impactful. It’s been a pleasure to learn so much under your leadership. And I wish you and the company continued success.

Deciding to quit your job is daunting, even when it’s the right choice. But offering a resignation letter can make you feel more at peace with your decision and optimistic about your future. You’ll leave on a good note and ensure you’ve retained healthy relationships with your coworkers. You never know when you’ll need to leverage this professional network .

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Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

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How to Write a Resignation Letter [5+ Templates]

Quitting a job is never easy.

It’s almost like breaking up with someone - there are plenty of good memories, you learned a lot, but ultimately, it’s time to move on when it’s time to move on. 

Breakups can be messy. They involve a lot of crying and “it’s not you, it’s me”’s.

However, when it’s time for you to quit a job, there is no added emotional hassle (thank god).

Instead, you must write a letter of resignation . And it must be classy and professional, too.

Yes, even if your boss was Satan. Or worse, Michael Scott.

Among other things, you want to make sure you stay friends with your employers after you quit to get those valuable future references .

In this article, we’ll show you: 

1) Why writing a letter of resignation is so important

4) How to structure a formal letter of resignation [with an example]

3) Ready, fill-in-the-blank free samples for:

• Letter of resignation to your supervisor
• Letter of resignation to the board
• Immediate/short notice letter of resignation
• Emailing your letter of resignation

4) How to submit the resignation letter

Why Writing a Letter of Resignation Matters

A resignation letter is a legal document where you announce your intent to leave your current position within a company. It gives your employer formal proof that you want to resign and a traceable record that the conversation happened. 

I’m sure you’ve seen many movies where the protagonist barges in the office of his supervisor and yells: “That’s it, I quit!” Then, everybody claps, as the protagonist takes his wife and kids to live in some sort of ranch or camping in Hawaii or something. 

While that’s going on, all I can think about is: “He’s in so much legal trouble!”

Although that looks pretty cool, in real life, quitting is much less glamorous and I advise you to virtually do the opposite of the cool movie guy. 

You should give at least a two-weeks notice period (for some employers, this can be way longer) when you leave a job and make sure you end things on a good note . 

Let me tell you why:

When you leave a company, you are entitled to certain employment-related benefits , like severance pay, pension benefits, or overtime pay. You can only get them, however, if you hand in your resignation prior to your departure and within the contracted notice period. 

Check your company policy in the employee handbook or your employment contract for the exact benefits and the exact time-frame , because they may vary.

Also, you want to be helpful with the transition of responsibilities and daily duties, so that no information is lost or misinterpreted after you leave. At the end of the day, someone else will take your position: this could be an internal employee or they could hire someone else. 

Whichever the case, your team members need to know your exact duties and responsibilities, so almost no knowledge is lost in the process. The next guy/gal shouldn’t have a hard time figuring out what they’re supposed to do.

Essentially, those two weeks are when you pass the crown and make life easier for the person that will take your job.On top of that, you want to maintain a positive relationship with this employee so that you can use them as a reference in the future.

This might be the only case when still being friends after the “breakup” is okay.

• It’s best to have your resignation letter prepared before you have your cool “I quit” moment. 
• Print it out the day you decide to communicate your resignation to your boss.
• Your two-week countdown starts the moment you hand in the resignation letter.

How to Write a Letter of Resignation [+ Example]

A letter of resignation looks like any other official letter. 

The contents of it are pretty straightforward:

You open with your personal information (name, last name, email, etc.), the date, the manager’s personal information, and a formal greeting. If you forget to date your letter of resignation, all legal benefits of this written record can be open to dispute.

There are three main paragraphs in the body of the letter and each one serves a separate purpose:

• The first one informs the supervisor that you’re resigning. 
• The second expresses gratitude for the experience.
• The third and last paragraph offers your cooperation with the passage of duties & responsibilities.

And then you sign off with a formal greeting.

Here’s what to include in each section of your letter of resignation (with examples):

1) Letterhead: 

• Personal details 
• Manager details

“ Meagan Brown, Sales Manager at ABC Ventures

Senior Sales Manager

ABC Ventures ”

2) Opening greeting

“ Dear John, ”  

3) First paragraph: 

• Express that you’re resigning from your current position
• Mention the date again. 

“ Through this letter, I hereby announce my resignation from the position of Sales Manager for ABC Ventures, effective September 14, 2019. ”

4) Second paragraph:

• Say something nice about your experience in the job or the company. The more of a personal touch you can add, the better the impression you’ll leave.
• Thank your boss and the organization you worked for.

“ It has been a pleasure working with you and the entire ABC Ventures Sales team for the past five years. In my time here, I have grown professionally and made life-long friends. In particular, I would like to thank you for providing me with a rewarding learning experience and a warm working environment during my time at ABC. ”

5) Third paragraph:

• Volunteer to make the transition of responsibilities as smooth and simple as possible
• Offer your help.

“ You have my full commitment and cooperation for a smooth transition of responsibilities. Please let me know how I can be of further assistance. ”

6) Closing salutation, with your typed name and optional signature.

“ Sincerely,

Meagan Brown

[optional signature] ”

Here’s how this resignation letter would look like in its entirety:

You see how short and to the point this example letter is. Anything more than half a page is too much information.

There’s nothing fancy expected from you in a letter of resignation except to be professional . 

You don’t have to explain why you’re leaving or justify your decision. 

Follow this simple structure and you’re good to go!

4+ Resignation Letter Samples You Can Use Right Now

If that wasn’t easy enough, we have created four free, easy to use templates for you. 

Simply fill in the blanks and hand your resignation in.

Feel free to skip through them to see which one applies to you.

Letter of Resignation to Your Supervisor

A letter of resignation to your supervisor or manager looks just like the one Meagan wrote to her boss in the previous section.

Simply fill in the black with your information and hit the Print button.

[YourName] [YourLastname], [YourPosition], [Company]

[The date you are submitting the letter]

[Supervisor Name] [Supervisor Lastname]

[Supervisor Title]

Dear [Supervisor Name or Mr./Mrs. Last Name]*,

Through this letter, I hereby announce my resignation from the position of [Your position] for [Company], effective [Today’s date] 

It has been a pleasure working with you and the entire [company name] [department name] team for the past [timeframe you’ve been at the job]. In my time here, I have grown professionally and [something nice about the job]. In particular, I would like to thank you for [something your boss helped you with] during my time at [company].

You have my full commitment and cooperation for a smooth transition of responsibilities. Please let me know how I can be of further assistance.

[Your name] [Your last name]

[signature]

*depending on what they preferred to be referred to

Letter of Resignation to the Board

If you have been a member of a board and you answered only to the CEO himself (and other board members), you have to let them know of your departure.

Be professional, open, and give a short, not too in-depth reasoning for your resignation. 

Here’s a good sample you can fill in:

[YourName] [YourLastname], [YourPosition], [Organization]]

[Board Director Name] [Board Director Lastname]

[Organization]

Dear [Board Director Name or Mr./Mrs. Last Name],

Through this letter, I hereby announce my resignation from the position of [Your position on the Board] on the [Organization / Board Name], effective [Today’s date] due to [Short reasoning for why you’re leaving the board]*

It has been a pleasure working with you and the entire [company name] board for the past [timeframe you’ve been a part of the board]. I am proud of all we have accomplished, and I am certain more successes will follow in the future.

Please let me know if I can be of assistance during the transitory period.

[Your Name] [Your last name]

*Examples: 

• A family situation that needs my attention
• An overwhelming amount of responsibilities that need my attention
• Health-related reasons

Immediate/Short Notice Letter of Resignation

In this case, maybe you forgot there was a two-weeks notice. Or maybe, you weren’t aware that the contracted period was longer than you thought, or you just received an urgent offer you just can’t refuse.

And to that we say:

Didn’t you read the beginning of this post? It’s important .

But you might have found yourself in the middle of an unavoidable, unpredictable situation that requires you to quit your job within a shorter time frame.

You still need to write a resignation letter, and we have just the sample for you: 

Through this letter, I hereby announce my resignation from the position of [Your position] for [Company]. My last day of work will be [insert day of departure]. I understand that handing in my resignation to allow for a [contracted period] notice is customary, but due to circumstances not under my control, I have to depart sooner.

It has been a pleasure working with you and the entire [company name] [department name] team for the past [timeframe you’ve been at the jon]. In my time here, I have grown professionally and [something nice about the job]. In particular, I would like to thank you for [something your boss helped you with] during my time at [company].

You have my full commitment and cooperation for a smooth transition of responsibilities within the timeframe.* 

*If the resignation is immediate and you intend to leave that same day, omit this part, or express that you’ll be able to help remotely instead.

Emailing Your Letter of Resignation

You will usually email your letter of resignation right after you’ve told your boss in person, or, in extreme cases, you’re just breaking it to him for the first time.

In both cases, attach the letter of resignation as a document in the email following one of the samples we provided you with.

Here’s how to write the contents of the email you are attaching the letter of resignation to:

Email subject: Resignation Letter - Your Name & Last Name 

Email contents:

Please find my formal letter of resignation attached to this email.

Let me know how I can be of further help.

Best regards,

Email subject: Resignation - Your Name & Last Name 

Through the contents of this email, I am informing you of my resignation. My last day of work will be [insert day of departure]. I greatly apologize I can’t inform you in person, but it is due to circumstances beyond my control.

How to Submit Your Letter of Resignation

Now that you have your resignation letter ready to go, you’re probably worrying about how your manager is going to take it.

Here’s the thing:

Any good manager will understand that having staff leave is simply part of doing business. 

Yes, you may have a great relationship with your supervisor, and if you go about submitting your resignation in the right way, you can preserve that relationship . 

If you know your manager is very busy or is having a rough day, hold off on your resignation . You want to make sure the situation is appropriate.

Make sure to be considerate and always do it in person .

Never, ever, send an e-mail or hard-copy letter (or God forbid, a text) without verbally notifying them in person first. 

However, circumstances beyond our control may arise where you’d have to quit remotely. This is not a general best practice, but we’ve provided you with a sample above just in case. 

Once you’ve had that conversation, either send your letter to your manager by email (with the current date on it) or print a hard copy for him/her and hand it in when you tell him/her the news.

If you really want to go the extra mile with your professionalism: 

Consider providing more time than the minimum notice period required. 

Giving your manager extra time to make arrangements for a replacement shows courtesy and respect, especially if you are in a senior role.

Be professional, thankful, and humble in person as well. After all, not every breakup has to be painful. 

One last thing:

Try to hide your excitement. No smiling cheek to cheek like you’re about to escape hell, even if that’s the case.

Two more weeks! You can do it!

Key Takeaways

Let’s sum up everything we learned in this post:

• A letter of resignation is a formal legal document that lets your employer know you have decided to leave the job.
• Give two weeks notice to your boss. If you want to go the extra mile, make it a month or more.
• Include the contact information of both your supervisor and yourself in the resignation letter. You don’t have to explain the reason you are leaving. Be short (usually not more than half a page) and professional.
• Express gratitude for the experience and offer to help while they find a replacement for you.
• Always try to resign in person and at an appropriate time.

Now that we’ve explained all you need to know about writing a resignation letter, it’s time to get started. Want your letter of resignation to look as professional as it can be? Try one of Novorésumé templates.

Suggested Reading:

• Top 21 Career Influencers to Follow
• How to Write a Motivational Letter
• How to Write a CV That Gets Noticed

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How to Write a Professional Resignation Letter [With Samples]

So, it’s time for you to move on with your career? 

Quitting a job is a big decision and should be handled with care. 

The most important part to remember is not to burn your bridges - not even if you hope to never see any of your soon-to-be former colleagues again. A great letter of resignation can help you there. 

In this article we will show you: 

What is a letter of resignation? 

Best practices for how to write a letter of resignation.

• Resignation letter templates

Resignation letter samples

Formally speaking, a letter of resignation is a way of expressing your intention of leaving your current job. The document formalizes your decision to leave the company while conveying your reasons to do so. If you succeed in writing a good resignation letter, it might even smooth out the process of leaving. 

Of course the first step you must take is to have a one-on-one conversation with your boss to let him or her know that you are planning to resign. 

The resignation letter is the formal follow up on this conversation. Note that just like your resume it will most likely become part of your employee file which is one of the reasons why it’s important to leave with a good impression.

Writing a resignation letter can be a daunting task for some. That’s why we decided to  collect a whole bunch of best practices for how to write a resignation letter right here. Read on to learn more about what to include in your letter, when you should submit it and how. 

When should you write a letter of resignation? 

When you resign from your job, there are certain resignation etiquettes that you need to follow in order to leave things as smoothly as possible. One of those etiquettes is the amount of time you need to give your boss to prepare for your departure. 

In the US the standard practice for sending in your resignation letter is two weeks before you stop. If you live somewhere else you will need to do a bit of research to find out what the standard resignation period is for your country. 

This will provide your boss with sufficient time to find your replacement. It will also ensure that you’ll be able to hand over your assignments to a new person or to one of your colleagues. 

You can choose to hand in your resignation letter earlier, but do avoid sending it later than two weeks before. However, if your employment contract states how much notice you should give you should obviously follow that instead. 

Keep in mind that your employer is not obligated to accept your two weeks notice. Some employers will want you to stop right away so be prepared for that. 

How should you submit your resignation letter? 

There are really only two ways of submitting your resignation letter: in person in the shape of a physical letter or by email. 

What’s most appropriate for you will depend on various factors. One isn’t better than the other. If you have a paperless culture, an email might be the appropriate choice. 

However, regardless of how you decide to send your resignation letter, make sure you’ve talked to your boss in person before. It may seem uncomfortable but in the long run it’s the best way to go about it. 

A graceful resignation includes these steps: 

• Have a conversation with your boss
• Hand in your letter of resignation
• Be helpful in any way to make the transition easier

Resignation letter template - what should you include in your resignation letter? 

A resignation letter is much like any other business letter such as a cover letter . It consists of a letterhead, 3-4 paragraphs concerning your resignation, and a signature. 

Unlike a resume where you can choose between different formats , a resignation letter is pretty straightforward.

Here’s what you should include in your letter of resignation: 

Begin your resignation letter by stating your name, your job title, and all other relevant information. This might seem redundant, especially if you’re working in a small company, but since the letter will become part of your employee file it’s still important. Include information such as:

• Current job title
• Your work email address
• Your address
• Name of manager
• Current organization
• Today’s date

Statement of resignation and end date

State your intentions of resigning in the first paragraph of your resignation letter along with your position. Be sure to also mention the end date of your employment as this will be one of your employer’s first questions. 

Dear [name of recipient]

I would like to inform you that I am resigning from my position as [name of position] for [company name], effective [date].

Show your gratitude

Take some time to reflect on the work you’ve done for your workplace. 

Tell your soon-to-be former employer what you’ve learned, what you’ve appreciated the most, or maybe who has had a special impact on your time there. It’s important to keep this paragraph as positive as possible since leaving your workplace on a positive note will make the transition more smooth. 

I appreciate the opportunities for professional development that you have provided me over the past [period]. I have enjoyed my tenure at [company name], and in particular feel honored to have been a part of such a supportive team.

You could consider adding your next place of work as well. There are cases where this is appropriate as well as cases where it is not wise. For instance it is very appropriate to let your former employer know if you’re switching industries to pursue a passion of yours or if you’re perhaps going back to school. However, it may not be appropriate to include this information if you’re moving over to the competition.

Offer your help with the transition

Next up we recommend that you offer your help in making the transition as smooth as possible. You could for instance write something like this: 

I am of course offering to help as much as possible in the transition of my work assignments to my replacement. I will also make sure that all my reports are up to date and ready to be handed over.

Optional: main tasks

If it’s applicable to you, you can choose to use the next paragraph to outline your main tasks and unfinished projects. 

This will be extremely helpful to your former employer and will make the transition easier. However, this part is optional so you should only add it if it makes sense to do so. 

To help ease the transition for my replacement, here is a list of my main tasks and responsibilities the last few months: 

• [List of main tasks and responsibilities]

Your former employer is sure to be impressed if you can pull off being very specific in this part.

Optional: Personal contact information

In the last paragraph before your signature you can choose to add your personal contact information such as email or phone number. However, this is completely optional and you should only add them if you want to stay in touch with your employer or use him or her as a resource. You’ll be the best judge in knowing if it is a good addition or not. 

Thank you again for the opportunity to work here at [name of company]. I wish you all the best and hope to stay in touch. You can always reach me at [contact information].

Lastly is your signature. If you hand it in on paper you should sign it in hand and include your typed name. If you’re handing it in via email, it should be sufficient to sign with your typed name. 

[Your name]

Below is a complete resignation letter template you can copy and adjust to your situationor use alongside any AI writers .

Resignation letter template

Resignation letter template text version:

With the resignation letter template above in mind, it’s time to take a closer look at a few sample resignation letters. What all of them have in common is their focus on the pleasant parts of their experiences with the company in question. 

The resignation letter example below here includes helpful and relevant information. It’s brief, sticks to the point, and above all it’s very polite. 

Text version you can copy:

Dear Mrs. Swanson

I would like to inform you that I am resigning from my position as Content Marketing Manager for Company XYZ, effective June 30, 2021.

I appreciate the opportunities for professional development that you have provided me over the past two years. I have enjoyed my tenure at Company XYZ, and in particular feel honored to have been a part of such a supportive team.

If I can be of any help during this transition, please let me know. I am available to help train my replacement, and will ensure all my reports are updated before my last day of work.

Thank you again for the opportunity to work at Company XYZ. I wish you all the best and look forward to staying in touch. You can email me at [email protected]. 

The resignation letter example below here is shorter and less informative. You can have many reasons for keeping your letter as simple and short as this. The key element is, as before, to keep it professional and polite above all. 

Text version you can copy: 

Please accept this letter of resignation from my position as Content Marketing Manager at Company XYZ. My last day of employment will be June 30, 2021.

It has been a pleasure working with you and the team for the past two years. In particular, I’ve enjoyed tackling extensive copywriting projects as the business has grown. I’m very appreciative for the opportunities to develop my skills in the field, and want to thank you for all your guidance and insight. I wish your company much success.

Please let me know if you need any assistance with the transition.

Resignation letter samples with a reason why you’re resigning

Sometimes you’ll want to explain the reason for your resignation. It’s not a required part of your resignation letter though but in some cases it can make sense. For instance when it’s due to relocation, family reasons or a change in career. 

Below are some examples of wordings you can use for explaining why you're leaving the company. 

I would like to inform you that I am resigning from my position as [name of position] for [company name], effective [date]. I have decided to relocate to New York to be closer to my family. 

Thank you again for the opportunity to work at [company name]. I wish you all the best and look forward to staying in touch. You can email me at [your email address].

Family reasons

I would like to inform you that I am resigning from my position as [name of position] for [company name], effective [date]. As you know my daughter just recently gave birth to their first child and I have decided to stay with them and focus on helping them in raising their family.

Thank you again for the opportunity to work at [company name]. I wish you all the best and look forward to staying in touch. You can email me at [your email address]. 

Change in career

I would like to inform you that I am resigning from my position as [name of position] for [company name], effective [date]. I have accepted a position as [name of position] at [name of new company] and I am looking forward to a change in career even though I will miss working with you. 

And there you go. 

Writing a resignation letter is no longer that daunting task but instead a way of creating a smooth transition to the next part of your work life. 

Ready to begin your next chapter? 

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• Career Planning
• Leaving a Job

Resignation Notice Letters and Email Examples

What to Include in a Resignation Notice

• How Much Notice to Give

Resignation Notice Template

Sending an email resignation message.

• Resignation Notice Letter Samples

Resignation Notice Email Messages

Theresa Chiechi / The Balance

What is a resignation notice? How much notice are you required to give when you leave a job? What's the best way to notify your employer that you're resigning? Providing resignation notice is the act of informing your employer that you are going to leave your job. How much notice you will need to give depends on the circumstances.

Find out more about how much notice to give and review sample resignation notice letters to learn what to include in your own letter.

Your resignation notice should include the date for your last day of work and a polite thank you for any and all opportunities you have had working for the company. When you resign, you do not have to reveal your future plans, although you can share details if you'd like. If you’re not leaving on good terms, you can simply provide notification of the last day you’ll work.

Even if you give  your notice to your supervisor in person , it's a good idea to provide a written  resignation letter  for your employee file and to confirm the date of your departure. Having the details in writing will prevent any misunderstandings. The letter could also be helpful if you ask your employer to be a reference or if future employers need your employment dates at the company. 

How Much Notice to Give When You Resign

Giving  two weeks' notice  is the standard practice when resigning from a job. This amount of time allows you to tie up loose ends and allows your manager time to recruit for your position.

There are circumstances where you might find that you must quit your job without notice. Perhaps a family emergency requires you to care for a family member full-time. Maybe you have found a new employer who is insisting that you begin working for them immediately. Or, perhaps your current workplace has become hazardous to your physical, mental, or emotional health. Here is a list of some of the reasons  you could quit without notice .

An employee has no legal obligation to provide notice unless he or she is covered  by an employment contract  or labor agreement that specifies how much resignation notice must be given.

However, if you are willing to assist in the transition (doing things like training your successor, finishing up uncompleted projects, or writing an outline of your daily work responsibilities and/or unfinished project statuses), this will help ensure that you leave your job on a good footing with your employer and colleagues.

Having a transition period makes it easier for both your employer and the other people in your department.

You can use this resignation notice sample as a model. Download the template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online), or read the text version below.

Resignation Notice Example (Text Version)

Bernard Jones 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 bernard.jones@email.com

March 28, 2022

Janice Lee Manager Truly and White 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Ms. Lee,

I am writing to announce my resignation from Truly and White, effective two weeks from today. I will always cherish my time here, and I’ve enjoyed working with you and the entire management team. However, this past week I was offered an opportunity to accept the job of my dreams.

Thank you for the opportunities you gave me at Truly and White. I learned so much while I was here, and I hope I have provided value to the company as well. I will be happy to assist with training a replacement and do anything else you might need to ensure a seamless transition.

Signature  (hard copy letter)

If you are sending an email resignation letter, list your contact information in your signature rather than at the top of the letter.

List your name and the fact that you're moving on in the subject line of the message . You may want to copy the human resources department on the message.

More Resignation Notice Letter Samples

The following are sample resignation notice letters you can use to write and format your own resignation notice letter. There are also examples of resignation notice email messages you can use to provide notification of your resignation if circumstances are such that email is the best way to resign.

Keep in mind that these examples are intended as references only. It's important to tailor your letter to reflect your own “voice,” reflect the nature of your relationship with your employer, and speak to the specific details surrounding your resignation.

• Resignation Notice Letter Example
• Resignation Letter Notice Sample
• Resignation Letter - Advance Notice
• Formal Resignation Notice Letter
• Resignation Letter - 24 Hours Notice
• Resignation Letter - New Opportunity
• Resignation Notice Letter - Two Weeks Notice
• Resignation Letter - Short Notice
• Resignation Letter - Stay at Home Parent
• Resignation Letter - With Explanation
• Resignation Letter - With Regret
• Resignation Letter Example - Relocation
• Resignation Letter Format
• Resignation Letter Template
• Email Letter of Resignation Sample
• Resignation Email With Two Weeks Notice
• Resignation Email Message Format

Key Takeaways

• It's a good idea to provide written notice that you're resigning to ensure all the details are formalized.
• You don't need to include a reason for resigning. You can simply state when your resignation is effective.
• If you are sending an email resignation letter, include your contact information in your signature.

SHRM. " Can Employers Require Workers to Give Notice Before They Quit ?"

NCSL.org. " At-Will Employment - Overview ."

Why and How to Write a Resignation Email (With Examples)

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At its most basic, it's a piece of professional correspondence that formally presents your intent to terminate your employment. While this is always a good idea for keeping a record of things, in many places and cases it’s required anyway.

There are two critical pieces of information a resignation email has to include:

• your intention to leave; and
• the date you plan to go.

Ideally, you’ll leave with at least a two-week notice period. So, the sooner you get your resignation letter in, the sooner you can move on.

We’ll say again it’s best to speak to your boss first, whether you usually do this in person or virtually - and that's a great start. Still, the exit process often requires a formal, signed and dated resignation letter or email.

Beyond that, it’s professional and respectful to resign in writing. It gives your employer time to process the news and can help maintain a positive relationship with them.

No matter what you think of your manager or the company personally, it’s best to keep in good standing with them. Most importantly because you may need to ask them for a reference in the future.

It’s also a time to thank your employer for the work opportunity, which shows a level of respect and appreciation for them. When you run into them in the future, or again if you need a reference, you’ll be glad you took the high road on this.

Sending a resignation email also gives your employer a chance to respond. Who knows, maybe they’ll come back with a great offer to keep you on board.

It’s also a necessary step before you send a resignation email to any of your team members letting them know of your plans and thanking them for their help. This is always a good move because you’ll likely see them again, especially if you’re in the same social circles.

Finally, it’s a record of your resignation. Both you and your employer can refer back to the same document if needed or if there are any disputes or misunderstandings later on.

Once you’ve resigned in person with your boss, you’ll have to follow up with your resignation email. You’ll want it to be as professional and polished as possible to leave a good impression.

Here are some tips for how to do it effectively:

Use a clear email subject line

A simple and direct email subject line, such as “Resignation – Your Name” is the way to go. This way, the person you’re sending it to will know what your message is about: you want them to open and read the email ASAP.

Give two weeks' notice

It’s expected, and you should do your best to give your employer the standard two weeks' notice when you resign. In most cases, the job you’re going to next should be flexible and give you that time as they’d want the same thing in return.

If you can’t give your employer two weeks’ notice, give them as much notice as possible to maintain the best relationship you can with them.

Specify your last day

Include the exact date you plan to leave the company in the email. Being specific will remove any confusion about your timeline.

Be positive and grateful

Again, this is your last chance to make a good impression and leave on a positive note. Don’t say anything negative about the company or people you work with; thank your manager for your experience with them.

Even if you were unhappy with the company, don’t complain or say anything critical in your email. You want to leave knowing they think well of you in the future.

Offer to lend a hand

If you can, offer to help during the hiring and transition period. For example, you might offer to train your replacement in the time you have left or open up the possibility your employer could contact you if they have any questions once you’re gone.

If you really want to lend a hand, it’s a good idea to reinforce the idea by including your contact info in the email too. This little step shows you’re serious about the offer.

Avoid details

You don’t need, and no one expects you to give details on why you are leaving or your plans. If you want to give a short explanation when you’re talking to your boss, go ahead, but leave it out of the email.

If you haven’t spoken to your boss in advance, though, it’s best to briefly explain in the email why you intend to leave. They’ll probably ask when they follow up with you about your resignation anyhow, and it’s courteous to give them a little insight.

Proofread the email

It’s always best practice to proofread your emails before you hit send. Make sure your formatting is spot on, that you’ve used a neutral or friendly tone, and especially that you haven’t written anything that could be taken poorly.

Because tensions could be high and this is a delicate matter, it’s a good idea to ask a friend or family member to read it too, if only to double-check your tone.

Choosing the right resignation email subject line can be confusing, and you may start overthinking it. We recommend keeping it clear and to the point.

Why? Well, if your boss is busy, they might delay opening their emails, but you want to be sure they get the message ASAP.

How do you do that? Use a simple 2-4 word phrase that clearly indicates it’s a resignation letter and includes your name and/or the date.

Here are ten straightforward resignation email subject lines to consider:

Now that we’ve covered all the steps you want to take to write a professional resignation letter, let's pull it together. Here are a few examples of resignation emails that include each of the considerations above that you can use as inspiration or adjust to suit your situation.

Resignation letter template: the basic letter

This letter would be fine in 99% of job exits; it’s to the point, appreciative, and lets them know they can count on you in your last few days there. Just fill in the details from your job, and you’re ready to go!

Dear [Your Manager’s Name],

Please accept this letter as formal notification that I am resigning from my position as [your job title] with [Company Name]. My last day will be [the date of your last day—usually two weeks from the date you give notice].

I truly appreciate the time I’ve spent in this position for the past [amount of time you’ve been in the role]. I’ve enjoyed working with my colleagues, and you have helped ensure smooth operations during my time here. I’ve learned [one or two specific things you’ve learned on the job], which I will carry forward through my career.

I will, of course, wrap up my duties as expected before I leave, but I’m also more than happy to lend a hand in training other team members or my replacement. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can do to ensure a smooth transition.

I wish the company continued success, and I hope to stay in touch.

Best regards, [Your Name]

Resignation email example #1

Here’s a great letter for somebody who is leaving with the standard two weeks’ notice and can help with the transition. Sending this letter should leave you in good standing with your boss.

Dear Mrs. Trinh Samanta,

Please accept this letter as formal notification that I am resigning from my position as Marketing Associate with Profound Online Media. My last day will be Thursday, March 2.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to work in this position for the past three years. I appreciate the opportunities I’ve had to develop our capacities and redirect our marketing funnel. I truly enjoyed working with the team here to create the amazing content we put out. I’ve learned so much about marketing strategy and the digital media space, which I will take with me throughout my career.

I’ll do everything possible to wrap up my duties and train other team members over the next two weeks. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can do to help during this transition.

All the best going forward, and I look forward to any future interactions.

Mellisa Mann

Resignation email example #2

This letter is great because it’s brief and to the point. It gives just a tiny bit of info on your next steps in case you couldn’t get in touch with your boss in person to talk about things before you send it, and it doesn’t promise the moon in terms of extra help on your way out.

Dear Mr. Silverstein,

Please accept this letter as my resignation from my position as Data Analyst at Misger Info Solutions, effective March 26, 2022.

Thank you very much for the opportunity you’ve given me to learn about efficient and effective data analysis practices. My time with the company has been a great learning experience that I will draw on in the future.

I am leaving to take on a related position with greater responsibilities and opportunities for advancement that I cannot turn down. I look forward to speaking with you about next steps and how I can facilitate during the transition period.

Martin H. Degger

Resignation email example #3

This is a letter to use if you can’t give a full two weeks and have limited capacity to help during the transition. Not a great situation, but this makes the best of it by opening up the door for questions even once you’ve left and including contact info to do that.

Dear Ms. Tanner,

I am writing to notify you that I am resigning as Assistant Manager at Swell Restaurant. My final day of work with the company will be Monday, December 05, 2022. I understand that this is less than the standard two weeks, but my circumstances going forward demand I leave by this date. I apologize for the short notice.

I've enjoyed leading the floor team here, and learned a great deal during my time with the company. I have great respect for you and the way you run the company as well.

I will do what I can in the next few days to help with the transition, and I’m happy to help out once I’m gone too if you or my replacement need to reach out with any questions regarding operations or other needs there (please see my contact info below).

I wish you the greatest success going forward.

Jason Vislash

[email protected]

519-555-1234

Resignation email example #4

This email is perfect for when you have a good rapport with your boss and have the flexibility and time to pick up some responsibilities during the transition. This letter shows that you appreciated working for them and you’re there to help with your replacement.

Dear Chaturi,

Please accept this letter as notice of my resignation from my position as Wellness Manager with Lifecycle Fitness Center. My last day of employment will be Saturday, May 28, 2022.

It has been a pleasure working with you and getting to know you and the team over the last five years. One of the highlights of my career was engaging with the new hires to inspire them toward the goals we share at Lifecycle. You’ve put together such a great team and workplace, I’m sure of your continued success.

I want to help with the transition of my duties in any way I can to ensure things go smoothly after my departure. I’m available to help recruit and train my replacement, and I will ensure that they are familiar with everything they need before my last day of work.

Chaturi, thank you again for the opportunity to work for Lifecycle. I wish you and the team all the best, and I look forward to staying in touch with you. You can email me anytime at [email protected] or call me at 535-555-1234 if you have further questions about this or for help with the transition once I’m gone.

Janice Silver

Resignation email example #5

On the flip side, here’s a great resignation email that keeps things very formal. It’s succinct and to the point, but ticks all the boxes you need in terms of a tactful, professional exit.

Dear Mr. Liu Xie,

I am writing to formally notify you of my resignation from the position of CPA with Lenders Management. As per our contracted notice period, my final day will be January 06, 2023.

I have appreciated working at Lenders for the past two years and six months, during which I have had ample occasion for professional growth. I would like to thank you for your professionalism and for all of the opportunities I have been afforded here.

During my remaining time here, I am fully committed to providing assistance in ensuring a smooth transition.

Benjamin Wolff

• Writing a resignation email is a professional courtesy and a good idea for documentation purposes, and in many cases, it’s required.
• It’s always best to start the exit process by talking to your boss in person.
• A resignation email should clearly state your intention to leave and your departure date.
• Short and to the point is the best choice. You don’t need to add any details about your plans.
• Stay positive, express appreciation, and use a neutral or friendly tone for the best results.

We’ve helped 1000+ people like you find success in the hiring process through our career counseling service. Whether you need help in the job search stage, prepping for interviews, or while you’re trying to negotiate the details of the job or compensation, we’ve got experts that are ready to give you advice and help you strategize your next move.

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By Maggie Haberman

• May 5, 2024

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Maggie Haberman is a senior political correspondent reporting on the 2024 presidential campaign, down ballot races across the country and the investigations into former President Donald J. Trump. More about Maggie Haberman