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Writing a short and simple resignation letter is one of the best ways to resign. Resignation letters don't have to be complicated or offer much information about why you’re moving on and where you're going. You don't even necessarily have to include a line thanking your employer for the experience.
There is no need to give the employer any more information than they need to know, which is the simple fact that you are resigning and when you are leaving. You’re not obligated to share the details of why you’re resigning. Keeping it simple can make good sense when you’re providing notice that you’re leaving your job.
Review advice on what to include in a simple resignation letter, examples of printed and email resignation letters, and tips for politely and professionally resigning from a job.
When it comes to quitting your job, there's a right way and a wrong way to go about it. To make sure you leave on the best terms, here’s what to do:
Write a resignation letter containing all the pertinent information—e.g., the fact that you're leaving and when your last day will be. Have your letter ready to give to your manager when you resign. If you’re emailing your resignation, prepare it in advance.
Give two weeks' notice when possible. You can give more time if you wish, but you're typically not obligated to do this unless you are covered by company policy or an employment contract that specifies how much notice you need to provide. In those cases, you may need to give more. If you’re considered an at-will employee, you may have more flexibility regarding how much notice you need to give.
It's considered bad form to give less notice unless there are circumstances where you simply can’t stay. By giving appropriate notice, you allow your employer the time they need to find and possibly train your replacement.
Clean out your computer. You might be asked to leave right away, so be sure everything is in order before you give notice. Any personal documents should be saved to the cloud or Google Drive or emailed to yourself, then deleted from your company computer. If you have a company phone or tablet, clear your personal information from them as well.
Summarize current projects you will not be able to complete before your departure date. This way, both your current team (if any) and your successor will be able to easily pick up where you left off. You might also draft a general list of your daily work responsibilities for your replacement to use as a guide. Have the information ready to share with your manager when you resign.
Be prepared to be positive, professional, and polite. Don't bad-mouth your boss, your co-workers, or the company, and don’t draw comparisons between them and the new employer you may be joining.
Why should you write a resignation letter? A formal resignation letter documents the fact that you're leaving for your company’s human resources department. It also provides your employer with the date of your departure and other information they may need to finalize your termination from employment with the company.
A resignation also provides you with a record of your resignation. Finally, it’s a mark of your professionalism and allows you to leave your current position knowing that you’ve covered all the bases.
A resignation letter allows you to share the details of your departure and helps eliminate any confusion that could result during an in-person conversation with your manager. Your letter does not need to be lengthy. The main items to include in the letter are:
It is also both appropriate and polite to include a mention of thanks for your time at the company and an offer to assist during the transition as you exit if possible.
It is important to be polite even when you’re writing a brief resignation letter. Even if you are disenchanted with your job, resist the temptation to comment negatively on fellow employees, your manager, or the company. The letter may be included in your employee file with the company and reviewed if you request a reference in the future.
You never know when you might need a recommendation or who your co-workers know in your industry, so it makes sense to leave on a positive note, regardless of the circumstances.
Your Contact Information
First Name Last Name
Address
City, State Zip Code
Phone Number
Email Address
Manager Contact Information
First Name Last Name
Title
Organization
Address
City, State Zip Code
Salutation
Dear [manager’s name],
First Paragraph
State that you are resigning from your position. Include the date of your last day of work.
Second Paragraph (Optional)
If you wish to, you can thank your manager for the opportunities the company has provided you.
Final Paragraph (Optional)
If you’d like to offer to help with the transition, mention it here.
Closing
Sincerely/respectfully/etc.
Signature
Handwritten signature (hard copy letter)
Download the resignation letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Microsoft Word), and review more examples below.
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Use this resignation letter sample when you want to keep it basic and simply want to tell your employer that you are leaving, but don't want to thank your employer or provide any details regarding why you are resigning. Also, see below for more examples.
McKensie Dugas
10 Sue Circle
Millington, Utah 06040
802-312-7890
mckensiedugas@email.com
Cameron Agarwal
Manager
ABCD
90 Kensington Square
Park City, Utah 08421
Dear Mr. Agarwal,
Please accept this letter as notification that I am leaving my position with ABCD on May 14.
If I can be of assistance during this transition, please let me know.
Signature (hard copy letter)
It’s a smart strategy to say thank you for the work opportunities you have been given during your tenure, as this helps to ensure you remain in good standing with the employer you are leaving. In this situation, use this resignation letter sample.
Susannah Chen
802 County Route 70, Apt. 2
Des Plaines, IA 98432
902-768-3209
susannah.chen@email.com
Patrick Cummings
Human Resources Manager
XYZ Corporation
98 Main Street
Des Plaines, IA 98432
Dear Mr. Cummings,
I've recently accepted a position at another company, so I'm writing today to offer my formal notice that I'll be leaving my job. My last day will be June 9.
I've enjoyed my time with XYZ Corporation, and I thank you for all your help and guidance over the past five years. Please let me know if I can be of assistance during this transition.
Signature (hard copy letter)
Use this letter of resignation sample to formally inform your employer that you are submitting your resignation. This letter is brief and to the point.
James Cantore
801 North Broadway
Sarasota, FL 33208
613-546-7901
james.l.cantore@email.com
Mandora Han
Department Manager
XYZ Company
32 Main Street
Sarasota, FL 33208
Please accept this letter as formal notification that I am leaving my position with XYZ company on June 15, 2024.
Thank you for the opportunities you have provided me during my time with the company. I am more than grateful to have had the opportunity to work with the team here. If I can be of any assistance during this transition, please let me know.
Signature (hard copy letter)
Your Typed Name
Use this brief email message example as a starting point for writing your own message.
Subject: Notice of Resignation – Ciara Gonzalez
This is to formally notify you that I am ending my employment with ABC company, effective November 30, 2024.
I appreciate the professional, training, social, and personal development opportunities I've had while with the company; thank you for the support you have provided me during my tenure here.
Ciara Gonzalez
ciaragonzalez@email.com
555-124-1289
When sending a resignation email, use a phrase such as “Notice of Resignation – [Your Name]” in the subject line. This will help ensure your resignation receives immediate attention and review.
Be sure to include your contact information in your signature. That way, the company can easily get in touch with you if they have questions after you've left.
You can print the letter to give to your manager during a conversation about your resignation. Or you can email it to your manager after your chat.
If you're not sure when your final day of work will be, wait until after your meeting and follow up with an email message.
