Free Sample Resignation Letters
Use these free sample resignation letters as templates for your formal notification.
When an employee wants to leave his or her job, a well-written resignation letter will make the process go more smoothly. It is always a good idea to maintain a good relationship with an employer even if the employee is moving on to another job or staying at home with their children.
A previous employer could be asked to write a letter of recommendation, so it makes sense to be as professional as possible when resigning. The letter will also provide official notice that the employee is resigning.
Unless it is otherwise stipulated by company rules, an employee should give notice of resignation at least two weeks in advance of the time they plan to leave. They should give the date of departure.
However, there are many ways and reasons for resigning including giving no notice, short notice, extended notice or for retirement. Even if the employee has spoken face-to-face with their employer about their resignation, they still need to send a formal letter.
A previous employer could be asked to write a letter of recommendation, so it makes sense to be as professional as possible when resigning. The letter will also provide official notice that the employee is resigning.
Unless it is otherwise stipulated by company rules, an employee should give notice of resignation at least two weeks in advance of the time they plan to leave. They should give the date of departure.
However, there are many ways and reasons for resigning including giving no notice, short notice, extended notice or for retirement. Even if the employee has spoken face-to-face with their employer about their resignation, they still need to send a formal letter.
The tone of the letter should be pleasant and friendly even if the employee is angry about leaving or doesn’t like their employer. Sounding ungrateful, complaining or criticizing the employer, another employee or the company is not professional.
Leave a Good Impression
A copy of this letter will most likely go in the file of the resigning employee, so it should leave a good parting impression. The letter should be written in formal business-style. This is an opportunity to maintain a good relationship with your employer and leave on a positive note.
If the employee is leaving on good terms with their employer, they can give more information about why they are resigning. If the employee hates the job and just wants out, it is recommended that they wait to resign until they have another job offer in writing.
It is also acceptable to write two or three lines just stating the facts which are:
• I am resigning
• This letter is my two-week notice
• My last working day is DATE
• Thank you for the experience of working for your company
The most common type of letter should state that the employee will:
• Work their full notice period
• Help with training a new employee
• Finish on-going projects
Reasons for Leaving
It may not be possible to work the full time required by a contract before resigning because of health reason, an emergency in the family or a new job that won’t wait. Some companies require several months’ notice, so a new employee can be trained. The reasons for leaving early should be clearly stated in the letter.
The main reasons people resign from a job are:
• They found a better job or higher position
• They need to accompany their spouse to another location
• They are starting their own business
• They are becoming a freelancer
• They want to stay at home with their children
Here are samples of a resignation letter. It should be sent by certified mail, so the employee has proof of the time and date the letter was sent and received.
• Work their full notice period
• Help with training a new employee
• Finish on-going projects
Reasons for Leaving
It may not be possible to work the full time required by a contract before resigning because of health reason, an emergency in the family or a new job that won’t wait. Some companies require several months’ notice, so a new employee can be trained. The reasons for leaving early should be clearly stated in the letter.
The main reasons people resign from a job are:
• They found a better job or higher position
• They need to accompany their spouse to another location
• They are starting their own business
• They are becoming a freelancer
• They want to stay at home with their children
Here are samples of a resignation letter. It should be sent by certified mail, so the employee has proof of the time and date the letter was sent and received.
Sample 1 - Resignation Letter Template
[Employee’s Name]
[Address of Employee]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[DATE]
[Manager’s Name]
[Name of Company]
[Address of Company]
[City, State, Zip Code]
RE: Resignation
Dear [Manager’s Name],
This letter is to formally give notice that I am resigning from my job as a [POSITION] in [NAME OF COMPANY]. My last day of work will be [DATE].
I have gained a lot of knowledge and experience by being part of your team and appreciate the time and attention you gave me during my training period. With the skills I have gained working with you, I am confident I could be a project head for a [NAME OF PROGRAM], and in my future career, I will always remember the support you gave me.
I will do my best to complete on time all the pending work I have and would be happy to help train a new employee. I am fortunate to have been part of [NAME OF COMPANY] for the past three years and wish you success in the future. Kindly acknowledge this letter, and if you have any questions, I can be reached at [555-123-4567] or at [Name@email.com].
Sincerely,
[Employee’s Signature]
[Employee’s Name Printed]
Sample 2 - Resignation Letter Template
[Employee’s Name]
[Address of Employee]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[DATE]
[Manager’s Name]
[Name of Company]
[Address of Company]
[City, State, Zip Code]
RE: Resignation
Dear [Manager’s Name],
Please accept this letter of resignation from the position of [POSITION], effective two weeks from today. My last day at [NAME OF COMPANY] will be [DATE].
I have accepted a position with another company that will further my growth and development in my career. I have enjoyed working at [NAME OF COMPANY] and will miss my colleagues. However, this new position will challenge my growth and further my career.
During the next two weeks, I am willing to help you in any way to make the transition as smooth as possible. This includes assisting in recruiting and training my replacement. Please let me know if there is anything specific that you would like me to do.
Again, it has been a pleasure working as a part of your company.
Sincerely,
[Employee’s Signature]
[Employee’s Name Printed]
Sample 3 - Resignation Letter Template
[Employee’s Name]
[Address of Employee]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[DATE]
[Manager’s Name]
[Name of Company]
[Address of Company]
[City, State, Zip Code]
RE: Resignation
Dear [Manager’s Name],
The purpose of this letter is to resign my position of [POSITION] in [NAME OF COMPANY]. My resignation will be effective beginning [DATE].
Most of you already know the reason I am leaving is due to our moving to another part of the state. But I wanted to state officially that my resignation is in no way to be perceived as my being unhappy or dissatisfied with the job, its responsibilities, or leadership of [NAME OF COMPANY].
I have every intention of doing everything I can to train my replacement to do the job efficiently and effectively.
I wish you, and [NAME OF COMPANY] continued growth and success in the future.
Sincerely,
[Employee’s Signature]
[Employee’s Name Printed]
Sample 4 - Resignation Letter Template
[Employee’s Name]
[Address of Employee]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[DATE]
[Manager’s Name]
[Name of Company]
[Address of Company]
[City, State, Zip Code]
RE: Resignation
Dear [Manager’s Name],
Please accept this as my formal resignation letter from my position as a [POSITION] to be effective from [DATE]. I have scheduled my resignation from your company a month from now, which will allow me sufficient time to prepare my successor to take over my position.
I wish to thank you and all my colleagues at [NAME OF COMPANY] for all your help, professional courtesy, and support. I have immensely enjoyed working here as the [POSITION] for the past six years, and my experience with this company has been greatly rewarding.
You probably already know the reason I am leaving is due to our moving to another state. But I wanted to state officially that my resignation is in no way to be perceived as my being unhappy or dissatisfied with the job, its responsibilities, or leadership of [NAME OF COMPANY].
I wish you and the rest of the administrative team continued success, and I want to take this opportunity again to thank you for permitting me to be part of the team.
Sincerely,
[Employee’s Signature]
[Employee’s Name Printed]
[Employee’s Name]
[Address of Employee]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[DATE]
[Manager’s Name]
[Name of Company]
[Address of Company]
[City, State, Zip Code]
RE: Resignation
Dear [Manager’s Name],
Please accept this as my formal resignation letter from my position as a [POSITION] to be effective from [DATE]. I have scheduled my resignation from your company a month from now, which will allow me sufficient time to prepare my successor to take over my position.
I wish to thank you and all my colleagues at [NAME OF COMPANY] for all your help, professional courtesy, and support. I have immensely enjoyed working here as the [POSITION] for the past six years, and my experience with this company has been greatly rewarding.
You probably already know the reason I am leaving is due to our moving to another state. But I wanted to state officially that my resignation is in no way to be perceived as my being unhappy or dissatisfied with the job, its responsibilities, or leadership of [NAME OF COMPANY].
I wish you and the rest of the administrative team continued success, and I want to take this opportunity again to thank you for permitting me to be part of the team.
Sincerely,
[Employee’s Signature]
[Employee’s Name Printed]
Sample 5 - Resignation Letter Template
[Employee’s Name]
[Address of Employee]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[DATE]
[Manager’s Name]
[Name of Company]
[Address of Company]
[City, State, Zip Code]
RE: Resignation
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I regret to inform you that I must resign from my position as a [POSITION] in [NAME OF COMPANY] effective [DATE].
While I have valued the time I have spent as an employee of [NAME OF COMPANY], I have been offered another position with a higher salary. In the current economy, I cannot in good conscience turn down such an opportunity.
I greatly appreciate your professionalism and the knowledge I've gained while working with you in the past, and I hope someday we might be able to work together again.
Sincerely,
[Employee’s Signature]
[Employee’s Name Printed]
By Andre Bradley
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[Employee’s Name]
[Address of Employee]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[DATE]
[Manager’s Name]
[Name of Company]
[Address of Company]
[City, State, Zip Code]
RE: Resignation
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I regret to inform you that I must resign from my position as a [POSITION] in [NAME OF COMPANY] effective [DATE].
While I have valued the time I have spent as an employee of [NAME OF COMPANY], I have been offered another position with a higher salary. In the current economy, I cannot in good conscience turn down such an opportunity.
I greatly appreciate your professionalism and the knowledge I've gained while working with you in the past, and I hope someday we might be able to work together again.
Sincerely,
[Employee’s Signature]
[Employee’s Name Printed]
By Andre Bradley
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