Resignation letter templates, samples, and writing tips

A resignation letter is more than a formality – it’s a chance to leave your job professionally and gracefully. Whether you’re starting a new job in your field, changing careers, or stepping back to refocus, a well-written resignation letter will help you make a positive final impression. Read this guide and use our examples to write a letter of resignation that paves the way for your next opportunity.

This article will tell you everything you need to know about writing a compelling resignation letter. We’ll walk you through the process and explain the key elements of a good resignation letter. You’ll also find examples of resignation letters for every occasion and additional resources you can use, including a checklist to make sure you’ve done everything right before you leave.

What is a resignation letter?

A resignation letter is a formal document you submit to your employer to inform them that you’ve decided to leave your current position. It includes details such as your intended last day of work and expressions of gratitude to the organisation and your team. Optionally, you can also include a brief explanation of why you’re leaving, whether it’s to change careers, specialise, or pursue your passions.

Historically, resignation letters were a sign of professional courtesy and became popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries during the Industrial Revolution. During these times, many industries adopted new labour laws that made the submission of resignation letters a standard practice. Today, the purpose of a resignation letter is both functional and symbolic. It serves as official proof that you’ve communicated your decision to leave and ensures a smooth transition process for both you and the employer, who may need to find a replacement.

A resignation letter can also help you maintain professional relationships with former colleagues and employers. A well-written resignation letter leaves a lasting impression, demonstrating your professionalism and gratitude for the time you spent with the organisation, which is valuable for future networking opportunities or references.

A resignation letter typically consists of the following elements:

• Your contact information – full name, address, email, and phone number
• Today’s date – we recommend this format: 2 December 2024
• The title of the letter – simply “Resignation letter” is fine
• Recipient’s information – their name, organisation’s name and location
• Content of the letter – professional greeting, body of the letter, closing paragraph and formal signature

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Resignation letter examples

Reviewing sample resignation letters can help you understand the essential components of this formal document and determine the tone that best suits your situation. These examples provide valuable inspiration to help you create a professional resignation letter tailored to your circumstances. Below, you’ll find a selection of resignation letters for various occasions, including:

• Standard resignation letter
• Simple resignation letter example
• Resignation letter for a new opportunity
• Resignation letter template giving advance notice
• Resignation letter template for a role that’s not a good fit
• Formal resignation letter example
• Short resignation letter example
• Professional resignation example
• Two weeks’ notice resignation letter
• 24-hour notice letter of resignation
• Immediate effect resignation
• One-month resignation letter

Standard resignation letter

Using a standard resignation letter is a good idea when you need a simple solution to leave your job on good terms without sharing too many details about your decision. Here’s a generic resignation letter sample that you can tweak to match your employment details:

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Simple resignation letter example

This simple resignation letter allows you to clearly and concisely communicate your decision to leave the company. It is in a generic format, which you can easily customise by replacing the company name and, depending on your employment contract, specifying when the resignation becomes effective. Use this example as inspiration:

Resignation letter for a new opportunity

You may decide to resign because you want to pursue a new job. Whether the new opportunity is in the same industry or a field unrelated to your work, an in-house position or a remote job, it’s essential to maintain professionalism and keep the resignation letter concise. We’ve prepared a sample that you can adapt to your situation:

Resignation letter template giving advance notice

Giving proper notice is a must when you want to leave your job on good terms. It gives your employer enough time to make arrangements and find a replacement for you. It also gives you enough time to update or make a standout CV that will help you secure your dream job. Use this example to make sure you give your employer advance notice:

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Resignation letter template for a role that’s not a good fit

If your current role doesn’t align with your career goals or expectations, submitting a letter of resignation can be a good way to set clear boundaries and prioritise your professional well-being. Searching for a job that better fits your aspirations is an important form of self-care that can lead to greater career happiness and fulfilment. Even if you decide to leave for this reason, it’s important to communicate your decision respectfully. Read this example for inspiration:

Formal resignation letter example

For a more formal approach to your resignation, keep personal details of your departure to a minimum or don’t mention them. You can also use a more formal tone and language, avoiding any phrases that could be perceived as casual. Here’s an example:

Short resignation letter example

If you want to keep your resignation letter short, you can limit it to two or three sentences. Make sure the letter includes all relevant information, such as your expected last day of work, contact information, and/or an offer to help with the transition.

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Professional resignation example

A professional resignation letter strikes the right balance between expressing gratitude and being transparent about your departure. Here’s how to resign respectfully while maintaining a formal tone:

Two weeks’ notice resignation letter

If your employment contract allows you to submit a two-week notice of resignation, you’re expected to do so in accordance with the terms of your contract. This allows your employer enough time to prepare for your departure. You can use this example to write your two-week’s notice resignation letter:

24-hour notice letter of resignation

In urgent situations where you need to resign immediately, it’s usually still necessary to think about a resignation letter, as it’s a sign of respect on your part. Here’s a sample that follows industry standards and makes it easier for you to leave almost immediately:

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Immediate effect resignation

It’s important to be clear and direct if you need to resign immediately. This sample letter will help you inform your employer of your decision without delay:

One-month resignation letter

A one-month resignation letter provides clarity and adequate time for the transition and also gives you more time to communicate your decision to your manager and colleagues. This resignation letter template allows you to communicate your intentions while respecting the time needed for a smooth transition:

Resignation letter during a probation period

Resigning during your probationary period can be a difficult decision, but sometimes it’s the right step for your career. Whether the role differed from what you expected or you found a better fit, it’s important to communicate your decision clearly and efficiently. Here’s an example of how to craft your resignation letter if you’re leaving during this early stage of employment:

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Why writing a resignation letter matters

A resignation letter is a sign of professional courtesy and an essential step in ensuring a smooth transition for you and the employer. Here are several reasons why a well-thought-out letter of notice can make a significant impact on your career future and professional relationships:

• Allows you to appreciate the people you’ve worked with: A resignation letter is your opportunity to reflect on the relationships you’ve built at work. By acknowledging your manager and colleagues’ contributions to your professional development, you’re showing your appreciation. This positive recognition can leave a lasting impression.
• It’s a record of notice: A letter of resignation is an official document confirming your departure date and terms. This written notice helps avoid misunderstandings regarding the timing of the situation.
• Sets a positive tone: A well-written resignation letter establishes a respectful tone for your departure and shows you’re leaving on good terms. This can help ease any tension during your transition period and influence how your team views your decision to leave.
• It is a way to thank people for what they’ve taught you: A resignation letter provides a platform to express gratitude for the skills and knowledge you’ve gained. You can use it to recognise your manager’s mentorship and leadership.
• Maintains bridges for future career opportunities: You never know when you might need a reference or recommendation. It’s also possible that you’ll reconnect with your former manager or colleagues again at another organisation. By leaving respectfully, you keep the door open for future opportunities and make it easier to maintain professional relationships.
• Provides an opportunity to reflect on how far you’ve come: Writing a resignation letter encourages you to reflect on your career growth and accomplishments. It’s a moment to consider how much you’ve learned, providing closure and clarity as you move on to new career opportunities.

If you’re thinking about resigning, you’re not alone. According to CIPD, more than 6.5 million people in the UK expect to quit their jobs in the next 12 months, with those reporting the poorest job quality most likely to be itching to leave. Better pay and benefits are the main motivators for leaving, but people are also looking for greater job satisfaction and a better work-life balance.

Additional tips for your resignation

Resigning from a job is a big step that will likely shape your professional future, so it’s important to approach the process thoughtfully. We’ve prepared some additional tips to help ensure that your notice letter is clear and sets the stage for a smooth transition:

• Reflect on what might convince you to stay: Think about the conditions or changes that might make you reconsider your decision to leave. This could include factors such as additional compensation, flexible work schedules, or role adjustments. This will prepare you for when your manager tries to negotiate to keep you on the team.
• Time your departure strategically: It’s best to avoid leaving during peak work periods or critical projects to maintain professionalism. A well-timed departure also allows you to leave without too much stress and gives your employer more time to find a replacement.
• Prepare for emotional reactions: If you’ve bonded with your team, you can anticipate that your decision to leave may be met with varying emotional reactions from your colleagues or manager. Reactions can range from understanding to disappointment, and it’s important to remain empathetic but calm and professional no matter how people react.

In-office vs. remote resignation: best practices for each setting

In both in-office and remote jobs, the core principles of resignation etiquette remain the same: professionalism, courtesy, and clear communication. The main difference lies in the medium of communication and the logistics of the exit process. By adhering to proper resignation etiquette, regardless of your work environment, you can leave on good terms and maintain a positive professional reputation.

In-office resignation etiquette

When resigning from an in-office role, it’s important to follow a more traditional process. Ideally, you should arrange a face-to-face meeting with your manager to deliver the news. This personal interaction allows for a respectful and professional conversation about your decision to leave.

After the discussion, you can follow up with a formal resignation letter that confirms the details of your departure, such as the effective date and any commitments to assist with the transition. In-office resignations also often require a meeting with HR to discuss your exit process, including the return of company property and final pay.

Remote work resignation etiquette

In a remote job, the resignation process is slightly different, but professionalism remains key. While face-to-face meetings aren’t possible, it’s still important to arrange a video call or phone conversation with your manager. This personal interaction is crucial, even if you’re geographically distant, to explain your reasons for leaving and ensure a respectful dialogue.

After the call, follow up with a formal resignation email that includes all necessary details, similar to the in-office approach. Additionally, you may need to return company equipment through postal services or arrange for IT to disable access to company systems remotely.

Key Takeaways