Resignation Letter Samples and Writing Tips
When you quit your job, you should send a resignation letter to your manager to confirm the details of your departure.
You can send your resignation letter via email or hand a typed copy directly to your supervisor. Regardless of how you send it, your resignation letter should be short and sweet, containing just the essential information: your last day of work, your thanks for the opportunity, and perhaps an offer to help with the transition.
Here are a few resignation letter samples to help you craft your own message.
Sample #1: Resignation Letter for a Job Change
If you opt for a hard-copy letter, use the business letter format, which begins with address paragraphs and the date.
Janet Smith 24 North Main Street, Apt. 5 Essex-on-Hudson, NY 10704
June 2, 2023
Rae Jones Senior Manager LMK Inc. 51 West 17th St. New York, NY 10011
Dear Rae,
I’m writing to let you know that I’ve accepted a new job as a marketing associate at Acme Corp, and so I’m resigning from my position at LMK Inc. My last day will be June 16.
I’m so grateful to you for everything you’ve taught me over the past two years. It’s rare that an entry-level position offers such opportunities to learn and grow. Your support has helped me every step of the way.
Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help with the transition. I’m happy to help train my replacement or get other team members up to speed on my projects. And please do keep in touch.
With my sincere thanks,
Janet Smith
Phone: (917) 555-1246 Email: Janet.Smith@email.com
Sample #2: Resignation Letter With Just the Facts
Although you can choose to provide a reason for your resignation, e.g., taking another job or going back to school, you are not obligated to do so. This sample shows how to resign politely without providing a lot of detail about your reasons.
John Lee 80 Chestnut St Parham, MA 02190
February 7, 2023
Brian Cho Director XYZ LLC 101 Summer St., Ste. 100 Boston, MA 02110
Dear Brian,
Please accept this letter of resignation from my position as sales coordinator at XYZ LLC. My last day in the office will be February 21.
I want to extend my sincere thanks to you and the rest of the team for the past few years, which have been happy and productive. I’ll miss our weekly sales calls and chats.
I’m happy to help with the transition in any way that I can, and I hope that you’ll stay in touch. My contact information follows.
Best regards,
John
John.Lee@email.com LinkedIn.com/john.lee
Sample #3: Resignation Letter Without Notice
It’s usually best to offer at least two weeks’ notice when you quit your job. However, this isn’t always possible or desirable. For example, you might have a family emergency that requires your immediate attention. Or you might need to leave a toxic work environment as soon as possible.
Joe Walters 13 Ivy St. Apt. 12 Los Angeles, CA 90011
March 3, 2023
Cathy Wang Owner Green Solutions, Inc. 97 Dove St., 1st Floor Los Angeles, CA 90011
Dear Cathy,
I regret to inform you that I’m resigning from my job effective today, March 3, 2023, due to a family emergency.
I’m sorry to leave without the standard notice. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help you fill the position more quickly. I’m also available by phone (213) 555-9398 or email (Joe@mysite.com) if you have any questions.
Best,
Joe Walters
Sample #4: Resignation Email
The advantage of sending a resignation email is that it provides a paper trail. Because you have a copy in your sent folder, there’s no way your manager can say that you didn’t resign or offer the appropriate notice.
If you choose to send your letter via email, you can omit the address paragraphs and the date. Be sure to choose a subject line that’s clear and straightforward (see below).
Subject line: Resignation—Emily Green
Dear Sue,
Following up on our conversation today, here’s my official letter of resignation. As we discussed, my last day of work will be August 14.
I will truly miss working with you and the rest of the team at Central Café. I’ll be sure to stop by when I’m in town on winter break.
Please stay in touch! My contact info is in my signature.
Cheers,
Emily Green
Phone: (312) 555-8765 Email: Emily.Green@email.com