Need help with your resignation letter? Start here.
Writing a resignation letter may seem like just one more hurdle to cross before you can move onto the next stage of your career. However, like every aspect of resigning, it is important to maintain a professional approach. So, even if your boss doesn’t specifically ask for notification in writing, providing a resignation letter can enhance your professional reputation and support a healthy working relationship with your manager.
The key is to remain diplomatic. Don’t turn your resignation letter into a list of grievances. You may want to work for the company again at some stage, or you could cross paths professionally with your current boss down the road. At the very least, you may need your employer to provide a reference for you. So, keep your letter positive and tactful. Draft the main points of your letter in advance, but wait until you have had a conversation with your manager to fine-tune the wording so that it reflects the main points of your conversation.
Not sure where to start? Check out these pointers on how to write a resignation letter.
Don’t include unnecessary details
Don’t include unnecessary details
Provide your last day of employment
Thank your employer for the opportunity
Stay short and to-the-point
What to include in a resignation letter
Your letter of resignation doesn’t have to be long or complicated, and there’s no “best resignation letter,” but some components should be standard:
Date your letter so there's written documentation of how much formal notice you have given the company (aim for two weeks, if possible).Address the letter to the appropriate person.Keep the opening paragraph short and to the point regarding your intention to resign.Emphasize your gratitude for your time at the company and willingness to aid in the transition.Provide the date of your last day with the company.Sign your letter, followed by your personal/forwarding contact information for any post-departure questions or communication.
Video: Resignation letter tips
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Extend an offer of support
Make it clear in your resignation letter that you are willing to assist with training your replacement and preparing your team for your exit. Explain that you will aim to complete your current tasks before you leave and provide essential information in writing about contacts or dates when regular duties need to be completed. (Take a look at the example of a resignation letter later in this post to see how this can be done.)
Express your appreciation in writing
Even though you may not always have enjoyed positive experiences in your current role, your employer has likely invested time and money in training you for the position. This makes it courteous to thank your manager for the opportunities you’ve been given.
No job is smooth sailing all the time, and it can help to think back to some of the best times with the company to set the tone of your thank-you. It’s all part of adopting a professional approach to your resignation letter and leaving behind a good impression.
What to avoid in a resignation letter
Your employer will likely keep your resignation letter with other employee files, and it may be referred to in the future if another company requests a professional reference. This being the case, a poorly written or overly critical resignation letter has the potential to impact your career after you’ve moved on from your current job. Some topics to steer clear of:
Don’t explain why you are leaving.Don’t vent about the downsides of the job, your coworkers or the company.Don’t brag about what you’re doing next. Don’t send an unedited letter with errors.Stick to the basics, no more than one page.
Keep the tone positive and professional, and your resignation letter can’t work against you at any point in the future.
Can AI help you write a resignation letter?
You can use AI to review your resignation letter for grammar and spelling errors, but a strong resignation letter should be written by yourself. A personally written letter sounds more authentic and ensures that there aren’t any embellishments that an AI model might add to your resignation letter.
Writing isn’t everyone’s strong suit—check out the template below and personalize it to get a start on your letter.
Would you like to see a resignation letter template? Here’s something to get you started.
Resignation letter template
Current date
Manager’s name
Company Name
Address
Dear (manager’s name),
Please accept this letter as formal notification of my resignation from (company name). My last day with the company will be (date).
Before I leave, I will ensure that all my projects are completed as far as possible, and I am happy to assist in any way to ensure a smooth handover to my replacement.
I want to thank you for the opportunity to work at (company) for the past (years of service) years. I have enjoyed working with you and the team and will miss our interactions.
While I am excited by the new opportunities I will be pursuing, I will always remember my time at (company name) with affection. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need further information after I leave, and I would be delighted if you stay in touch.
Kind regards,
(Your signature)
(Your printed name and contact information)
Worried about how to discuss your reasons for leaving a job in your next interview? Here are 5 Ways to answer, ‘What’s your reason for leaving your job?’
What do I do if I need to leave immediately?
It may not always be possible to provide a two-week notice. For example, you may have an offer that demands an earlier start date or a family emergency. While it’s not ideal, the same steps should be followed: alert your manager as soon as possible and meet face-to-face if you can.
FAQs
When is the best time to submit my resignation letter?
Ideally, you will want to provide your employer two weeks' notice when submitting your resignation letter—this will give you enough time to help your boss prepare a transition plan for your replacement. More importantly, it will help preserve the relationship between you and your employer, who may be a valuable reference in future opportunities.
Should I submit a printed resignation letter?
Typically, a resignation letter sent by email works fine—the important thing is that you convey your gratitude for the opportunity and express your desire to help make your departure as smooth as possible with minimal disruption. Your manager will also usually want to meet in person for a more nuanced conversation, and you may be asked to participate in an exit interview.
How long should a resignation letter be?
A resignation letter should be concise and to-the-point—around 75 to 150 words. You do not need to go into details why you’re leaving; a simple end date and emphasizing of gratitude are the main things to include.
Do I need to explain why I’m leaving?
No—you should not explain why you are leaving your current position, as it will almost carry a negative connotation. Why you may be leaving in search of better pay or a better work environment, it’s important to maintain the relationship between you and your manager.
What should I not include in a resignation letter?
You do not need to include the reason why you are leaving, or the company you are going to be going to. These details are not important to the organization and can potentially create tensions between yourself and your manager if poorly worded.
Can I resign by email?
While you certainly should submit a formal resignation letter by email for a paper trail and records, you should try to communicate the news with your manager in-person, if possible.
Can I get in trouble submitting a resignation letter?
While it may come as a surprise to your manager, typically they will be happy that you are growing your career, even if it is not with them. However, every employment circumstance is different—if you have signed a contract with certain employment clauses and breached one or more, there may be legal implications.
