(or "How do I quit my job?")You have made the decision that you would like to move on, all that's left is informing your boss. Should you write a resignation letter? If so, what exactly should go into it? Resignation letters can be intimidating, even when you are fully prepared to "high tail" it out of your job.
Fortunately, there isn't much to writing a resignation letter outside of a few guidelines. We've prepared this simple guide to help point you in the right direction, complete with a few resignation letter samples!
How to Write a Resignation Letter
A resignation letter is generally a formality, but it is a sign of respect and is often expected. Remember that while you may be unhappy with your boss or your job, that the letter is written and will probably be placed in your employee file. In other words, letters can be permanent -- keep them positive. It is important to view the letter as a way to part amicably with the company, possibly securing the ability to use them as a reference later in your career.
At the very least, a resignation letter should include the date your resignation is effective, the position you are resigning from, and the date of your expected last day (generally, two weeks from the resignation date).
If you are uncomfortable with saying much else, the good news is that you do not have to. Resignation letters are fairly cut and dry. Sometimes people will include a few nice things about the company that they are leaving. If you have it in you, you should too. Thank them for the opportunities that they have given you and the things that you have learned. Remember that it is not unusual to cross paths with people from previous companies. It is in your best interest to keep the bridge intact. Heck, you might soon be having to ask for a recommendation letter.
Resignation Letter Examples
Basic
Dear (manager name),
I hereby tender my resignation from my position as Associate Product Manager.
My last day will be on June 15th, two weeks from today, as per our contractual agreement.
Sincerely,
(your name)
Due to Relocation
Dear (manager name),
This resignation letter is to inform you that my last day at (company name) will be June 15th, two weeks from today. I will be relocating to Orlando, FL to pursue a new endeavor.
I have appreciated the opportunities and experiences that have been provided to me during my 3 years of service for (company name). If there is anything I can do to be of assistance during the transition, please let me know.
Sincerely,
(your name)
Heartfelt
Dear (manager name),
I am writing you to officially tender my resignation from (company name) effective Friday, June 15th, 2007.
Working for (company name) has been a wonderful experience. I could not ask for a better group of colleagues. I have grown in many ways here and will always treasure the opportunities provided for me by (company name).
I will be accepting a position as (position) with (company name). While I will miss my friends here at (company name), I feel that it is time for a new challenge and experience.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
Best Wishes,
(your name)
Resignation letters can be as much or as little as you would like. Keep them positive and remember that the end goal is to maintain a positive relationship with the employer.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Pam says: (3:54PM on Mar 1st 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
I am so glad I found this site. It has been many years since I was in school. So much has changed. Love the computer, so much info at your finger tips! This site is awsome. Thank you
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kristine says: (3:12PM on Mar 6th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
I need to write a letter of resignation. I have been with company for 22 years personal reasons beyond my control I need to resign. I need help wih letter
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dave downing says: (9:31PM on Mar 25th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport3/3
This was my letter to my old company!
Dear Co-Workers,
As many of you probably know, today is my last day. Please know that I could not have reached this goal without your unending lack of support. Words cannot express my gratitude for the words of gratitude you did not express. But before I leave, I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know what a great and distinct pleasure it has been to type, “Today is my last day.”
Also, I can honestly say I’m ecstatic about leaving this company. I have never worked anywhere before that made me check my mail everyday hoping for jury duty, or waking up every morning in hopes of finding pink eye or chicken pox in the mirror. There was once a time where hard work was rewarded and acknowledged, it's a pity that all of our positive output now falls on deaf ears and passes blind eyes. Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
Sincerely,
Dave Dxxxxx
…On to a better tomorrow
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Rita Stevenson says: (10:04PM on Mar 27th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
On to a much better tomorrow,, right, It certainly will be for me..
Does anyone else liek this process of resigning..ie; having to be so professional especially when leaving is to go do your own thing,, here I am leaving a committee that is tryng so hard at destroying any chance of opening an Animal shelter,,
I would love to tell them the truth, however, I am going to Southern USA to be with my best friend who is giving me some land to start MY / OUR OWN Sanctuary however NOT as a Charity,,he is doing this for ME,, where as this Committee of very not so nice women cant even agree on their Mission Statement, meanwhile so many dogs and cats still suffer out ther ein the cold North Ontario winters. I am dying to tell them how I truly feel, BUT I best keep it unreal and lie through political correctedness, I hate Politics,, they all know how I feel, yet we all pretend to like one another.. considering that its a Volunteer position, I feel all the same stressers and complications of a paying job...
Its taken every ounce of strength for me to NOT lose my cool..
thanks for reading this and commenting.
RT
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Rita Stevenson says: (10:13PM on Mar 27th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
Leaving on a POSITIVE note is most crucial,,in my particular circumstance I left due to health reasons. However; It was ready to leave anyways, i was very surprised to get the response I did. I had been calle din to discuss a recent absenteeism that I did not even call in. Nonetheless , my employer just wanted to know what was wrong and HOW they could help me and that I coudl take the time off I needed to get well again..However; I was one of their better employees with tenure , I can still call my faverite Supervisor now Manager Admin, She was the most supportive boss i ever had.. I respected her adn liked her style of managing everyone in accordance to their needs.. Anyhow, she did NOt need or have to be at my meeting that day, but She actually came in of her day off just to hear me out.. wow !
It feel so good to exit on such a high note.
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Carole says: (6:35PM on Apr 2nd 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
I am President Elect of a Council where I work. I have found that I need to resign my position before I take over as President on July 1st. I would like help on writing a formal resignation letter to the President of the University.
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Carole says: (1:39PM on Apr 3rd 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
I am President Elect of a council at my workplace. I need to write a formal letter of resignation to the President of the University. I need help in writing this letter. I need to resign before my position as President starts on July 1st.
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nicole says: (9:49AM on Apr 5th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
i prefer to have the heartfelt.
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letters says: (1:22PM on Apr 14th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
Great resource, good articles.
I have written some letters, which may be help full.
http://www.sampleletters.in
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benedick hernandez says: (11:15AM on Jun 4th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
this site has lot of huge help on how to make a resignation letter. i would like to thank the author of doing this wonderful job. thank you so much !!!
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mark anthony dilao says: (12:00PM on Jun 19th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
give me an answer?
A hypothetical situation.
I' am in a job i like.But my boss is a tyrant and the pay me sucks. So i want to look for another job.
should i gave a resignation letter? or just go away without premises?
Screw the boss. You walk out without a word - you don't leave a resignation letter.
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Stephen says: (3:16PM on Jul 9th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
Mark,
For your hypothetical situation here is how I would proceed. If you are only looking for a new role and not actually leaving then I would go ahead and not worry about it. Resignation letters are meant for when you are going to leave the company and have a set date for when you will leave. Looking for a job is not a reason to put in a resignation letter.
However, if your boss is such a tyrant as it sounds I would make sure that if/when you do put your resignation letter in you have something set up to transition to. He/She may or may not let you go on the spot depending on what type of position you are in. The more high level you are the less chance of that happening.
Finally, if you are looking because of the pay more than dealing with your boss, let your boss know you are thinking about leaving for better pay before actually submitting your resignation letter. Sometimes this can lead to a raise when the company knows you are a valuable to assett being looked at by other companies.
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Kalo says: (1:59PM on Aug 3rd 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
lately when i was on 1 mth MC , Manager called and say that i'm being terminated. How can do i write the letter to reject the termination and indicate that i will resign on my own.
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aberika says: (6:41AM on Aug 29th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
i am working in a financial institution and money was withdrawn from a customer's account. since no body knows who did it, the board of directors shared the amount to all staff members in the accounting department. i was newly employed and till on my probation period. i was given a portion equally to pay of which i know nothing about. i want to resign because i think the evironment is not secured. how can i write?
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Resignation Letters Format says: (4:11AM on Sep 10th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
The site is doing a great job. There are many format of letters.
http://www.sampleletters.in/resignation-letter-format.html/
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job interview says: (8:38AM on Oct 15th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
Try to have a genuine conversation: If you take away the suits, the imposing room, the big chairs, “hard-pressed” job interview questions are suddenly just questions. It’s a matter of perspective. To you this might be the hardest thing you’ve done in your life. You want to get the job, but you’d be happy just to get through it.
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Jobin says: (8:00AM on Oct 31st 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
Exellent... Supporting carrier growth.... Good work and effort. Thanks.
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