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How to Write a Resignation Letter

Here’s what to say — and what to leave out.

Should you write a resignation letter? In most cases, quitting a job doesn’t require one. However, there are some situations in which you want to write one, the author explains in this piece. She outlines what those reasons are and offers advice for how to actually write one, including tips on what not  to say. The article also includes a template you can use with sample language.

You’ve made the decision to quit your job and you want to leave on a positive note. This starts with giving notice and letting people know in a professional way. So, do you need to send a resignation letter? If so, who do you send it to? And what do you say?

To answer these questions, I asked two experts who focus on career transitions for their take: Dorie Clark, author of The Long Game: How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term World and Priscilla Claman, a career coach and a contributor to the HBR Guide to Getting the Right Job .

Do You Really Need to Write a Resignation Letter?

It’s best to tell your boss that you’re moving on to the next step in your career “face-to-face or over video call,” with at least two weeks’ notice , says Clark. That means that in most cases, quitting a job doesn’t require a formal resignation letter. However, there are some situations in which you want to write one, especially because, as Claman points out, writing a resignation letter typically doesn’t do any harm and is pretty straightforward to do.

Why You Should Write a Resignation Letter

Reason #1: it creates a paper trail..

Some managers or HR representatives will ask you to submit a letter as a matter of record-keeping. Even if no one requests one, you can hand one in so that there is documentation of you giving notice and your departure date, which might help with the paperwork around your final paycheck and transition of your responsibilities.

Reason #2: It’s customary in your industry or company.

Depending on where you work, it may be expected that you’ll submit a resignation letter. Since this is largely dependent on your region, industry, and even organization, you’ll need to ask around. You might contact someone who has left your company to see whether they submitted a letter, or discreetly ask someone in HR (whom you trust) how these things are typically handled.

Reason #3: You feel like it will help you manage the conversation.

Telling your boss that you’re leaving can feel awkward, says Clark, and sometimes it’s hard to break the news face to face. To help start the conversation, you can email your resignation letter right before your meeting with them. That way, they know what you want to talk about and will have a few minutes to process the news before you dive in.

Reason #4: You want to control the message about your departure.

Writing a letter allows you to be clear about when you’re leaving and why. If you’re worried, for example, that your boss will try to spin your leaving in a way that suits them (but isn’t the full story), you can send the letter to them and copy HR or your boss’s boss. That way, you can help “control how they think about you and whether they’ll write a future reference ,” says Claman.

What to say

First and foremost, keep it short. As Claman says, “This is mostly a transactional letter, and you don’t want to go on and on.”

Address the letter to your boss, or to HR, depending on who you feel most strongly about conveying the information to.

State briefly and clearly when you’re leaving and what you’ll be doing next. If you don’t have a next opportunity lined up, it’s fine to keep that vague; “I’m leaving to explore the next chapter of my career” or something similar will suffice.

It’s a good idea to express gratitude as well, as long as there is something you are genuinely grateful for. “It has to be nice and true,” advises Claman.

Consider including some specifics about projects that you were excited to work on or other accomplishments you’re proud of.

End by addressing next steps, including the timing of your departure and your commitment to smoothly handing off your assignments and responsibilities. “This is an offer for what you can do to help with the transition,” says Claman.

What to avoid

Clark and Claman agree that you should avoid providing feedback or criticism in your letter. “Don’t get into a blow-by-blow critique of the company’s shortcomings,” says Clark.

That doesn’t mean you need to be silent about any complaints you have, just save them for the exit interview , which is typically a better place to air grievances. And if you’re leaving because of mistreatment or another big problem, “you’ll presumably be filing a report or complaint to HR,” says Clark. “That certainly bears addressing but the resignation letter is not the right place.” [See below for a rare exception to this rule.]

Sample Resignation Letter

Use this template when you’re sending the letter to your manager after telling them you’re leaving. You might also want to cc HR.

Dear [Name],

As we discussed earlier, I’m resigning from my position as [title]. My last day will be [date], which is [X] weeks from now.

This was not an easy decision, but as you know I’ve long wanted to make my transition into [new field/industry] so I’m leaving for a role that will allow me to take my career in that direction.

I’ve really enjoyed my time working at [company] and on this team. I’ve learned a lot that I will take into my next position. Thank you for your support and for the opportunities you’ve given me over the last [X] years.

[ You might add some specifics here about projects that you were excited to work on or other accomplishments you’re proud of. For example , “During my time here, I especially enjoyed collaborating with the analytics team, sales, and marketing to launch the latest iteration of our flagship product.” or “The past 6 years have been a phenomenal experience for me. It’s been a pleasure to manage the company’s most profitable portfolio, exceeding our targets every year.”]

I’m committed to making the transition as smooth as possible and would like to meet with you to discuss some initial ideas for how to hand off my projects and responsibilities.

I wish you and the team continued success and hope to keep in touch.

Thanks for everything,

[Your name]

But What If I Want to Make a Point?

Quitting your job can feel fraught and we all want to do it as smoothly as possible. After all, you want to have a positive reference from your employer in the future. “The safest and cleanest move is to simply step back from your role and convey, I’m moving on, thanks for the opportunity ,” says Clark.

However, in some extreme cases, you can use a resignation letter to make a point about why you’re leaving — whether you’re calling out a toxic culture or highlighting how the company’s leadership has misled the firm. This is risky though. “It’s your right to do it, of course,” says Clark, “but know that it will create ripples and you’ll have to deal with the consequences.” That might mean not only losing out on a reference from this employer, but reputational damage as well if word gets out in the industry that you left in a ball of flames. Clark suggests carefully weighing the pros and cons and asking yourself, “Is this the hill I want to die on?”

It can be both exciting and nerve-wracking to quit your job and move on to finding your next one . The resignation letter is your opportunity to leave a lasting impression, and generally you don’t want to burn any bridges on your way out. You don’t know if someday you’ll cross paths with your boss or colleagues again, or if you’ll even want to return to the company at some point in the future. Having a thoughtful resignation letter on file helps you to leave gracefully and keep your opportunities open.

• Amy Gallo is a contributing editor at Harvard Business Review, cohost of the Women at Work podcast , and the author of two books: Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People) and the HBR Guide to Dealing with Conflict . She writes and speaks about workplace dynamics. Watch her TEDx talk on conflict and follow her on LinkedIn . amyegallo

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How to Write a Resignation Letter (Template + Tips)

Submitting a resignation letter to your employer is a common practice when you go through the process of leaving a job. Here's where you can begin.

Submitting a resignation letter to your employer is a common practice when you go through the process of leaving a job. Typically, the letter won’t be the first communication you’ve had regarding your plans to leave, but it will formalize your decision by putting it in writing.

By the time you submit your resignation letter, oftentimes 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

You’ll likely want to touch upon similar points during both 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 in order to organize 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 hard parts—you’ve made the decision to leave and you 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 when your last day with the company will be. 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 as [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 were able to tap into and expand your greatest skills, and, whenever possible, try to reflect your manager’s influence in 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 always remember the pride I felt when [list your biggest accomplishment].

Sometimes it can be tricky to tap into gratitude, particularly if you are leaving under contentious reasons. Expressing 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 practice resilience in a fast-paced environment.

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

Part 3: Next steps

Before closing your letter, offer to assist with any transitions as your current responsibilities are redistributed. If you have any outstanding projects, note whether you will be completing them or delegating them to someone else. Your goal here is to show that even though you are 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.

[Your name]

Resignation letter template

[Your header]

[Today’s date]

[Manager’s name]

[Company name]

[Company address]

[Your signature]

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.

Dear Jane Smith,

Please accept this letter as a formal notification of my resignation as Executive Assistant at ABC Marketing. My final day will be Friday, April 8, 2022.

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.

Dear John Doe,

Please accept this letter as a formal notification of my resignation as Project Manager at XYZ Firm. My final day will be Tuesday, March 7, 2022.

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 make myself available to train additional team members at your request. Please let me know if there is anything additional that I can do to ease this transition.

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

Sometimes people face circumstances requiring their immediate resignation from their job. In these situations, you can generally follow the same resignation process. While 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 your resignation. 

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 apologizing for any inconvenience. If you choose to, you can also mention that you are resigning for personal or family reasons.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How do you format a resignation letter ‎.

Since your resignation letter is a formal document, format it like you would a formal letter. Include your name and contact information as a header or footer. Put the date you are submitting your letter at the top of the page, followed by your manager’s name, the company name, and the company address. Don’t forget to close out your letter with your signature above your printed name. ‎

Can I email my resignation letter? ‎

The resignation process varies across companies, so you’ll want to check with your manager or someone in human resources to confirm your company policy. In general, as organizations continue to digitize their processes and incorporate remote working options, emailing formal documents such as resignation letters is becoming more common.

If you choose to email your resignation letter, save the document as a PDF, add an e-signature, and send your letter as an attachment in an email. This will preserve the formality of the letter and can help ensure that your letter remains unaltered throughout the filing process. ‎

What do I write if I don’t get along with my manager? ‎

Although your decision to resign is often a signifier of your growth toward a more positive future, negative environments or relationships can taint the overall tone of the process. If you are leaving a negative work culture and want to offer feedback regarding your experience, your resignation letter will not be the most effective way to do that.

A resignation letter is typically seen as a formality to keep on file rather than a place for active feedback, and most companies won’t have processes to deal with information received via a resignation letter. Instead, human resources departments will often organize exit interviews where they seek feedback from employees leaving the company. If you aren’t offered an exit interview, you can also request one with your manager or HR. ‎

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What To Include in a Resignation Letter

Alison Doyle is one of the nation’s foremost career experts.

Writing and Formatting Your Letter

• Organizing Your Letter

Resignation Letter Template

Resignation letter example.

Once you have decided to quit your job, the professional thing to do is submit a  letter of resignation . Your resignation letter will ease the transition over the next few weeks and help you maintain a positive relationship with your employer even after you are no longer with the company.

Remember that most industries are small worlds. You will want your soon-to-be former manager and co-workers to have good things to say about you during background checks and references. A well-written  resignation letter  ensures that everyone is on the same page about timing, transfer of responsibilities, and other important details. It’s also an opportunity to say thank you for the experience.

Here are some tips on  writing your resignation letter , including what to include and how to format it.

Key Takeaways

• A professional resignation letter ensures that your employer will have good things to say about you during background checks and references.
• If possible, it’s best to resign in person first and then send a resignation letter or email to document your decision.
• When writing your resignation letter, be sure to include your last day of work and your thanks.
• You may also offer to help with the transition if you wish to do so.

It's usually better to resign in person, and then follow up with a  formal resignation letter  or email. However, as more jobs become entirely remote, many workers will find themselves needing to resign via email, without having an in-person meeting first. If you are in this position, be sure to write your  resignation email  as professionally as you would a resignation letter on paper.

However you send your message, be sure to include the following:

• Your last day of work.  Ideally, this will be in  two weeks  or the period specified in your employment contract if you have one.
• A thank you for the experience.  Be specific if you can. For example, you might thank your manager for advocating for a promotion on your behalf.
• An offer to help with the transition  (if possible).

Although under some circumstances, such as a cross-country move,  moving abroad , or a decision to focus on parenting, it may make sense to disclose the reason for your resignation. However, in many cases, sharing the details about why you are resigning is not necessary.

In general, your  resignation letter  should be brief. Your letter will be included in your employment file and could be shared with potential future employers; therefore, it should be professional and polite.

The message should also be positive. If you've decided to move on, there's no point in criticizing your employer or your job. Avoid including anything negative or disparaging about the company, your supervisor, your co-workers, or your subordinates. You may need a  reference  from that company one day.

Here are some things to consider when formatting your letter:

Length of the Letter:  Most resignation letters are no more than one typed page.

Font and Size:  Use a traditional font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Your font size should be between 10 and 12 points.

Format:  A resignation letter should be single-spaced with a space between each paragraph. Use 1" margins and align your text to the left (the alignment for most business documents).

Edit your resignation letter before mailing it. You might also want to ask a career counselor or a friend to proofread.

Organizing Your Resignation Letter

After including a header and salutation, the opening paragraph of your message should provide notice of your resignation and give the immediate details of your departure. Any subsequent explanation as to why you're leaving is up to your discretion.

Review these organization tips before you sit down to write your letter.

Header:  A  resignation letter  should begin with both you and the employer's contact information (name, title, company name, address, phone number, email) followed by the date. If this is an email rather than an actual letter, include your contact information at the end of the letter, after your signature.

Salutation:  Address the resignation letter to your manager. Use their formal title ("Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. XYZ").

Paragraph 1:  State that you are resigning and include the date on which your resignation will be effective. Check your contract to see how much notice you are required to give your manager.

Paragraph 2: (Optional)  If desired, state the reason you're leaving (i.e., beginning another job, going back to school, taking time off), but this is not necessary. If you do reveal the reason, be positive, focusing on where you are going next, not on what you disliked about your current job.

Paragraph 3: (Optional)  Unless you know you will be completely unavailable, say that you are willing to help with the transition your leaving will cause.

Paragraph 4: (Optional)  Thank your manager for the opportunity to work for the company. If you had a particularly good experience, you can add a bit more detail about what you appreciated about the job (the people you worked with, the projects you worked on, etc.).

Paragraph 5: (Optional)  If you would like a letter of reference from your manager, ask for it here.

Close:  Use a kind but formal signoff, such as "Sincerely" or "Yours Sincerely."

Signature:  End with your handwritten signature followed by your typed name. If this is an email, simply include your typed name, followed by your contact information.

Here is a resignation letter example. Download the resignation letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Microsoft Word).

The Balance

Steve Lau 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 steve.lau@email.com

July 15, 2022

Ginger Lee Manager Watson and Smith 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Ms. Lee,

I’m writing today to notify you that I will be resigning from my position as receptionist effective two weeks from today. I have enjoyed my time here at Watson and Smith, and I thank you for the opportunity and training you have provided over the past five years.

Please contact me with any questions, and I will be happy to help with any preparations you need to bring in a new receptionist. My email is steve.lau@email.com, and my cell phone is 555-555-5555.

Signature (hard copy letter)

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How to Write a Resignation Letter

Last Updated: August 13, 2023 Approved

This article was co-authored by Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM . Shannon O'Brien is the Founder and Principal Advisor of Whole U. (a career and life strategy consultancy based in Boston, MA). Through advising, workshops and e-learning Whole U. empowers people to pursue their life's work and live a balanced, purposeful life. Shannon has been ranked as the #1 Career Coach and #1 Life Coach in Boston, MA by Yelp reviewers. She has been featured on Boston.com, Boldfacers, and the UR Business Network. She received a Master's of Technology, Innovation, & Education from Harvard University. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 116 testimonials and 81% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 15,477,529 times.

One of the greatest secrets of success is knowing when to move on. With the right resignation letter, you will do so with satisfaction while leaving on good terms with your previous employer. Though you may think it would feel great to get a few things off your chest about how much you've come to hate the company you work for, it's in your best interest to be kind, polite, and helpful, so your professional future remains secure. If you want to know how to write a resignation with class, see Step 1 to get started.

Sample Resignation Letters

Writing a Resignation Letter

• Of course, if things happen to be more formal at your company and you normally call your boss "Mr. Jones," then you should stick to that in the letter — in that case, suddenly getting familiar would be strange.
• If your letter is typed on paper instead of email, just write the date at the top lefthand side, with your boss's name and address written below it.

• "I hereby submit my resignation as [your position here.]"
• "Please accept this letter as notice of my resignation from my position as [your position here]."
• "It is with regret that I submit my letter of resignation as [your position here]."

• "I hereby submit my resignation as [your position here] effective on July 12, 2014."
• "Please accept this letter as notice of my resignation from my position as [your position here]. My last day of employment will be July 12, 2014."
• "It is with regret that I submit my letter of resignation as [your position here]. I intend to work until the end of the month, with my last day being July 31, 2014."

• "I was recently offered a new opportunity at a different company, and have decided to accept the offer."
• "I received an offer to serve as [position here] of a company that suits my needs, and after careful consideration, I've realized that this opportunity is the right path for me."
• "I would like to inform you that I will be retiring on April 3."
• "After much thought and consideration, I have decided not to return after maternity leave."
• "I have decided to resign for personal reasons."

• "I would be happy to help with the transition of my duties so that the company continues to function smoothly after my departure. I am available to help recruit as well as train my replacement."

• "I can't thank you enough for all of the experience and confidence my position has given me."
• "I want to give you my sincere thanks for all of the opportunities you have given me and for all of the knowledge I have gained at your company over the years."
• "I'll always be grateful to you for going above and beyond to ensure my success at my position."

• If you really do have a close relationship with your boss, you can go the extra mile to make this clear by ending by saying something like, "I'll never forget how much you've helped me over the years, and will always be grateful to you" or, "I never would have been able to secure this new position without all of your help and encouragement over the years."

Being Savvy

• Just remember that this letter will go in your personnel file and will be available any time a future employer calls the company asking about you; you don't want a negative letter to have an adverse effect on your future.

• Resignation over email is becoming more common than ever in today's tech savvy society, though you should have a sense of workplace etiquette when you decide the best path to take.
• With the mass transition to email for a lot of work correspondence, it's become common for resignation letters to have become a bit shorter than they used to be. Now, just 5-6 sentences can do the tricks instead of several detailed paragraphs.

• Once you turn in the letter, there's no taking back anything you said. Make sure that it's something you're proud of, not a way to get back at your boss.

Expert Q&A

Video . By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube.

• Be specific about using words such as: Resignation, notice period, last day of work. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 2
• Do not spread distrust before or after your resignation. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 2
• Wish them all the best; then keep a small door opened for you in future. It actually helps. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 4

• Remember, the company and its employees could potentially play a role in your career or job search in the future. It is a very small world. Never burn bridges. Thanks Helpful 167 Not Helpful 47
• Do not give specific reasons for leaving. State that you have decided to move because of a career opportunity that is too good to pass up. Thanks Helpful 140 Not Helpful 56
• Check your company termination policy. (Many companies require a minimum of 2 weeks’ notice for resignations.) Otherwise, their policy may be to never consider you again for a position. In your resignation letter, be sure to note the current day somewhere in the header as well as your final day in the body of the letter. Thanks Helpful 123 Not Helpful 49
• Keep in mind that the minute you submit your resignation letter, you could be told to pack your stuff and leave by the end of the day. Do not rely on your two week notice for job hunting: do it before your resignation. Thanks Helpful 126 Not Helpful 51
• Keep emotion out of the letter. Avoid the temptation to tell off your boss or any of your co-workers; put-downs will most certainly reflect poorly on you and you may later regret it. Thanks Helpful 119 Not Helpful 52
• Your letter of resignation is documentation and will likely be added to your personnel file: be very thoughtful about what you place in that document. Do not use slang or foul language. Thanks Helpful 113 Not Helpful 53
• Your letter of resignation could be used against you in court if it ever comes to that. Thanks Helpful 115 Not Helpful 56

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://www.theladders.com/career-advice/how-to-write-effective-resignation-letter
• ↑ Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM. Life & Career Coach. Expert Interview. 25 May 2021.
• ↑ https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704657304575540143127402012
• ↑ https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/articles/crafting-a-classy-resignation-letter

About This Article

To write a resignation letter, start by clearly stating your intention of resigning and when your last day will be—you could write something like “I hereby submit my resignation as store manager. My last day of employment will be July, 12, 2018.” After that, write 1 or 2 paragraphs explaining why you’re leaving and how you plan to make your exit from the company as smooth as possible. Finish your resignation letter by thanking your employer for the opportunity. To learn how to send a resignation letter after you write it, read the article! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to write a resignation letter

Getting ready to resign from a role? Whatever your reason, going on good terms can help you keep professional contacts, transition smoothly and at the very least, get a good reference.

It’s best to leave any job on a positive note, says Russell Fairbanks, Managing Director at Luminary Partners QLD. He says you’ll be remembered for how your employment ends.

Once you sit down with your boss to break the news that you’re leaving, you’ll need to put your resignation into writing.

Here we spell out the simple steps it takes to do this well.

5 steps to writing your resignation letter

• State the basics This is a formal letter, so you need to outline some key details. Start with the date you’re handing it in – the letter can act as evidence of how much notice you’ve given. Address your letter to the right person, which could be your manager or the HR department. Next, state that you’re resigning. If you want to, you can simply and professionally say why – for example, to explore a new opportunity – but you don’t have to do this. Don’t forget to include the date you’ll finish – it’s best to check your contract to make sure you’re giving enough notice.  
• Be positive Acknowledge the opportunities you’ve had or the experience you’ve gained from your time in the role. “Always spell out and look for the positives,” Fairbanks says. “Ask yourself ‘what did I take away from this job’?” This doesn’t need to be emotional – just a simple and genuine few words will do  
• Don’t vent  Negative emotion shouldn’t come into it, either. It’s not the space to complain or point out failures. If you’re tempted to be critical, just remember you could regret it later – resignation letters stay on record. “If it’s in writing, you can’t take it back,” Fairbanks says. If you do have grievances you want to discuss or feedback to give, it’s best to seek a verbal exit interview with HR or your manager. And no matter the situation, don’t use social media to vent, Fairbanks says.  
• Say thanks You’ve probably picked up some useful skills or had a chance to gain experience in your role, and your employer may have invested time or effort into training you. Take a moment to think about what you can acknowledge them for and write a few words to thank them.  
• Build on relationships  Never burn your bridges, Fairbanks says. As well as a reference now, you might want one from a former colleague or manager in the future. Senior managers and HR staff could read your resignation letter, and you never know when a former colleague could be a useful career ally down the track. You might also like to state that you’re willing to wrap up your current work, help with training your replacement, or prepare your team for your departure. Including your personal contact details can help to keep communication lines open and will come in handy if the company needs to contact you in the future. Finish up by saying thanks again and signing off.

Sample resignation letter template

Here’s a starting point for you to customise with your own experience:

Dear <Manager’s First Name>,

Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as <Job Title> at <Company Name>. My last day of employment will be <Day, Date>.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work in this position for the past <duration of your role>. I have thoroughly enjoyed working here and appreciate all of the opportunities you have given me. However, I have decided it is time for me to move on to my next challenge.

I would like to do anything I can to help with the transition, including wrapping up my responsibilities and training other team members. If I can be of any other assistance during this time, please let me know.

Thank you again for the opportunity, and I wish you and <Company Name> all the best for the future.

Yours sincerely,

<Your full name>

You can download the free resignation template here .

When and how to hand in your resignation letter

If you plan to resign, the first step to making it official is a face-to-face meeting with your manager so you can verbally resign and give notice, offer your reasons for leaving and say thanks. If you work remotely, you could consider a phone call or video chat.

Have your resignation letter mostly ready before you do this, then you can fine-tune any points before giving it to your manager or HR. It’s an official document so be sure to keep a copy of it for your own records.

Following these steps to writing a simple, positive and professional resignation letter will help you leave on a good note – and set you a big step closer to the next phase in your working life.

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Resignation Letter for Family Reasons Examples, How to Write, Tips

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• Evaluate the Circumstance: Before making a decision, evaluate if your family situation necessitates a permanent resignation, a temporary leave of absence, or flexible work hours.
• Consult Human Resources: They can guide you on company policies regarding family leaves or flexible working options that you might not be aware of.
• Decide the Timing: Once you’re sure, decide when to have the conversation. Ensure you provide ample time for a smooth transition.
• Speak to Your Manager First: Before sending an official letter, discuss your situation personally with your manager.

How do you write a resignation letter because of family reasons?

• Begin Formally: Address your manager professionally.
• State the Purpose Clearly: Open with your intention to resign, followed by the reason — in this case, family reasons.
• Be Specific, If Possible: If you’re comfortable, provide a brief reason, like caring for an ailing parent. However, if it’s too personal, a generic reason is also acceptable.
• Express Gratitude: Mention your appreciation for the opportunities given and experiences gained.
• Offer Transition Assistance: Commit to making the transition as seamless as possible.
• Close Professionally: End with a note of thanks and provide contact information for any follow-up.

Tips for Writing a Resignation Letter for Family Reasons

• Stay Positive: No matter the nature of the family reason, always maintain a positive tone in your letter.
• Be Concise: Your letter should be succinct. While it’s okay to mention family reasons, avoid overly detailed explanations.
• Stay Professional: While the reason for your resignation is personal, the letter should maintain professional etiquette.
• Offer Support: Even if you can’t assist post your departure, be available for queries during your notice period.
• Proofread: A resignation letter is an official document. Ensure there are no typos or grammatical errors.
• Keep it Confidential: Only share your resignation letter with those who need to know.

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Documents show new details surrounding seminole county sheriff’s resignation.

Sheriff Shannon Smith posted a picture of a letter announcing his resignation

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New court documents reveal the reason why the Seminole County sheriff recently announced his retirement after 14 years.

Sheriff Shannon Smith posted a picture of a letter announcing his resignation, writing, "It is with a sad heart that I resign my elected office of sheriff." He wrote that he feels it's time to close this chapter of his life and start a new one.

On Wednesday, KOCO 5 obtained court documents showing that Smith's resignation surrounded the misappropriation of funds from the Seminole County Sheriff's Deputy Association Fund.

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They said Smith agreed to resign and not get another job in law enforcement for two years. He must also turn over his CLEET certification.

Smith also was ordered to pay more than $2,500 in restitution. The resignation is set to take effect on Aug. 31.

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