How to Write a Resignation Letter (Template + Tips)

You will be expected to submit a resignation letter to your employer when you resign. Typically, the letter won’t be the first communication you’ve had regarding your plans to leave, but it will formalise your decision by putting it in writing.

By the time you submit your resignation letter, most likely, you will have already:

• Decided to leave your job

• Had a conversation with your manager, informing them of your intention to leave

• Determined your final date at your job, usually at least two weeks from when you announce your intention to leave

It is sensible to touch upon similar points during the conversation with your manager and in your resignation letter, so you may find it helpful to pre-write portions of your letter before initiating the conversation to organise your thoughts. Here’s where you can begin.

How to write a formal resignation letter?

Your resignation letter is simply putting your pre-announced plans into writing, so write it with the mindset that you’ve already done the complex parts—you’ve decided to leave and told your manager. 

Approaching this letter with the confidence that you’re making the best choice for yourself can help you stay focused on your main goal in writing the letter: to announce your growth.

Part 1: Opening

Address the first part of your letter to your manager, and clearly state that you are resigning from your position and your last day with the company. There is no need to get creative with your wording here—you don’t want any room for confusion regarding your intention with this letter. Be clear and direct.

Dear [manager],

Please accept this letter as a formal notification of my resignation from [your position] at [company name]. My last day will be [date].

Part 2: Gratitude

In the second part of your letter, thank your manager for their role in your growth. Think about the aspects of your role where you could tap into and expand your significant skills, and, whenever possible, try to reflect your manager’s influence on your success.

Lead this paragraph with an indication of thanks—such as “Thank you for…” “I am grateful for…” or “I appreciate your…”—and then move into the accomplishments you’re most proud of from your time with the company.

Thank you for your [manager’s contribution to your success] over these past [number of years you were with this company]. With your guidance, I was able to hone my [list your major skills], and I will never forget the pride I felt when [list your biggest accomplishment].

Sometimes, it can be tricky to tap into gratitude, mainly if you are leaving for contentious reasons. Thanks for the lessons you learned about yourself through those harsh circumstances can be one way to keep your letter honest and positive. For example:

*Thank you for sharing your high standards with me. You’ve taught me new ways to value my contributions.

*I am grateful for the opportunities to practise resilience in a fast-paced environment.

*Thank you for trusting me with your ever-evolving schedule. I’ll take with me lessons in organisation and prioritisation.

Part 3: Next steps

Before closing your letter, offer to assist with any transitions as your responsibilities are redistributed. If you have any outstanding projects, note whether you will complete or delegate them to someone else. Your goal here is to show that despite exiting the company, you are determined to maintain a positive relationship.

Over my final [remaining amount of time] with the company, I plan to continue my daily tasks and complete outstanding projects. I will make myself available to train other team members as needed. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to ease this transition.

Thank you again for your support. Please stay in touch.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Resignation letter template

[Your header]

[Today’s date]

[Manager’s name]

[Company name]

[Company address]

Dear [manager],

Please accept this letter as a formal notification of my resignation from [your position] at [company name]. My last day will be [date].

Thank you for your [manager’s contribution to your success] over these past [number of years you were with this company]. With your guidance, I was able to hone my [list your major skills], and I will always remember the pride I felt when [list your biggest accomplishment].

Over my final [remaining amount of time] with the company, I plan to continue my daily tasks and complete outstanding projects. I will make myself available to train other team members as needed. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to ease this transition.

Thank you again for your support. Please stay in touch.

Sincerely,

[Your signature]

[Your name]

Resignation letter examples

The following examples of resignation letters offer two variations of the above template. You can adjust the template to suit your relationship, company culture, and company practices.

Example 1

Dear Sunita Lal,

Please accept this letter as a formal notification of my resignation as Executive Assistant at ABC Marketing. My final day will be Friday, December 8, 2023.

Thank you for your hands-on approach over these past three years. With your guidance and trust, I was able to hone my negotiation skills and gain confidence in building creative marketing strategies. I will always remember the pride I felt when we closed my first campaign deal.

Over my final two weeks with the company, I plan to continue my daily tasks and complete outstanding projects. I will make myself available to train other team members as needed. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to ease this transition.

Thank you, again, for your support. Please stay in touch.

Sincerely,

Mohammed Kumar

Example 2

Dear Sanjay Shaan,

Please accept this letter as a formal notification of my resignation as Project Manager at XYZ Firm. My final day will be Thursday, December 7, 2023.

I am grateful to have witnessed your sharp business perspective and steady focus on the company’s bottom line. Over my past year with the company, I have learned valuable lessons in budgeting and consolidation that I will surely take with me.

Over my final two weeks with the company, I plan to prepare team members to take over my ongoing projects. I will also be available to train additional team members at your request. Please let me know if there is anything further that I can do to ease this transition.

Thank you for your support. I wish the best for you and the company moving forward.

Sincerely,

Gita Jai

Sometimes, people face circumstances requiring their immediate resignation from their job. In these situations, you can generally follow the same resignation process. Whilst you never owe an explanation regarding your resignation, if you hope to preserve your relationship with your employer, it may be courteous to explain your situation when you talk to your manager about it. 

In your resignation letter, you’ll want to make clear that your resignation is effective immediately. You also may want to add a line acknowledging your sudden timeline or apologising for any inconvenience. If you choose to, you can also mention resigning for personal or family reasons.

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