Resigning from a job is an exciting but scary experience. On one hand, you’re likely pursuing a better opportunity, such as a new job orOB欧宝娱乐APP开始自己的生意. On the other hand, it can be uncomfortable to walk away from a team and a stable job. That’s where your resignation letter comes in, making it easier to walk away amicably.
With a formal resignation letter, you can make sure to keep doors open and leave your soon-to-be-former employer on a positive note. Here’s how to do just that.
How to write a resignation letter
How to write your resignation letter
When it comes to writing a respectful resignation letter, there are a few best practices to consider.
1. Be direct
Be upfront about terminating your employment and what day will be your last. Your boss shouldn’t be left wondering what you’re trying to say.
2. Don’t explain
You don’t need to explain yourself.I repeat, you don’t need to explain yourself. However, if you want to, you can. Just know that whatever you say could be held against you in the future.
3. Be polite
Even if you hate your boss, you should be polite. Remember, there’s no point in destroying relationships to make a point. If possible, go beyond polite and include something nice. Thank your employer for the experience and opportunity.
4. Outline next steps
A good resignation letter also outlines how much help you’re willing to provide during the transition. Mention how involved you’re willing to be in the transition process. Lay clear boundaries and don’t overcommit yourself. Remember you don’t have to provide any support, but it’s professional to ease the transition. Don’t forget to provide personal contact information as well.
Resignation letter samples
Below are a few sample resignation letters. They generally include three parts: the resignation, the thank you, and next steps. You can modify the samples for your own purposes.
Resignation letter sample 1
The first example letter is our two weeks’ notice of resignation, the industry standard. This letter is short but to the point, while covering all the bases.
Dear {Manager Name},
Please accept this letter as my official two weeks’ notice, as I am resigning from my position as {Job Title} with {Company}. My last day of employment will be two weeks from today, on {date}.
I am so grateful for the opportunities I have been given at {Company}, as well as for your professional support.
Over the next two weeks, I plan to wrap up {list projects and tasks}. I am also willing to help with training someone else to take over my responsibilities as well as hiring and onboarding a replacement during these next two weeks.
Please let me know if there’s anything else I can provide to make it a smooth transition period. Thank you again for the opportunities, and I hope you stay in touch.
Kind regards,
{Employee Name}
Resignation letter sample 2
The next sample resignation letter also includes three parts: the resignation, the thank you, and next steps. You can modify this for your own purposes.
Dear {Manager Name},
I am writing to formally notify you that I am resigning from my position as {Job Title} with {Company}. My last day of employment will be {date}.
I appreciate the opportunities I have been given at {Company}, as well as your professional guidance and support. The experience and skills I’ve gained will stick with me throughout my career.
我想花我剩下的时间结束{project} and handing over {responsibilities}. I am also willing to help with hiring and training my replacement during that time. Please let me know if there’s anything else you need from me during the transition.
I wish {Company} continued success, and hope to keep in touch in the future.
Sincerely,
{Employee Name}
Resignation letter sample 3
This final example letter is perfect if you’re planning to leave your current job to pursue entrepreneurship.
Dear {Manager Name},
Please accept this official letter of resignation from my position as {Job Title} with {Company Name}. My last day of employment will be {date}.
I have decided to pursue entrepreneurship and go all-in with my business idea of {Business Idea}. I appreciate the opportunities I have been given at {Company Name}, as well as your professional guidance and support. I’m excited to take all that I learned during my time here and apply it to future roles and opportunities.
我想花我剩下的时间结束{project} and handing over {responsibilities}. I am also willing to help with hiring and training my replacement during that time. Please let me know if there’s anything else you need from me during the transition.
I wish {Company} continued success, and hope there will be an opportunity for us to do business together in the future.
Sincerely,
{Employee Name}
接下来会发生什么
After you submit your letter of resignation, your boss may want to chat with you. At this point, you may want to discuss why you’re leaving—such as wanting to focus on your own business—but you’re not obligated to.
There may also be steps you need to take with your human resources department. Once you've confirmed your resignation with them, consider making a personal statement, via email, to the rest of the company.
A personal statement allows you to take control of the messaging around your departure, rather than letting the rumor mill run wild. Let your fellow employees know you’re leaving and why (you can be vague), thank them, let them know you enjoyed working with them, and share contact info so they can keep in touch.
That’s it. It’s a big, sometimes scary, step, but you’re moving on to better things. Best of luck with your next opportunity. If you’re resigning to start or grow your own business, subscribe to this blog for great tips and advice.
Have you quit your job to become a full-time entrepreneur? Brag about it in the comments!
Resignation letter FAQ
When should I write a resignation letter?
You should write a resignation letter as soon as you are ready to leave your job and have decided on a final work day. You don’t have to send your resignation letter right away—in fact, you should give yourself time to review it first. You should send your resignation letter no less than two weeks prior to your planned last day of work.
How many weeks should I give before quitting my job?
You should give two weeks before quitting your job. Some government service and public positions may have formal policies for the required notice period.
How do I write a professional resignation letter?
- Be direct
- Don’t explain
- Be polite
- Outline next steps
- Use the templates in this post