How To Write a Formal Resignation Letter

Published Oct 24, 2021

Are you prepared to resign from your current position? Always create a letter of resignation to legitimize your leave. However, what is a resignation letter, and why is it necessary to write one? What information should you provide, and when must you give notice to a soon-to-be-former employer? 

This article will guide you on how to write a formal resignation letter, as well as sample letters and templates for you to use when writing your own.

Defining What A Resignation Letter Is

A resignation letter is a letter that informs your employer that you are resigning from your position. It formally terminates your employment and can be written in the form of a printed letter or an electronic message (email). In addition, you may check out free resignation letter templates on the Internet and download them to make one of your own.

How to Write a Formal Resignation Letter

When you leave a job, it is critical to do it gracefully and professionally. You are not, however, required to offer a detailed explanation. Instead, keep your message or email brief and to the point. The following information should be included in your letter:

• Intent to Resign: Prior to tendering your resignation, provide enough notice to your employer, write a formal resignation letter, and prepare to move on. Your letter should begin by stating that you are resigning.
• Last Day of Work: Not only do resignation letters convey the employee’s intention to depart, but they also include information regarding the employee’s last day of employment and any other demands or specifics. This simplifies the changeover process for both the business and the employee. 
• Offer to Assist with Transition: Frequently, resignation letters include an offer to assist with the transition, whether by recruiting or training a replacement. Thus, the employee and employer can move on from the situation with closure, a sense of mutual respect, and a sense of amicability.
• Contact Information: Include your personal contact information in your letter of resignation so that the company can easily reach you.

Resignation Letter Samples

Check out resignation letters that include an apparent reason for departing, as well as letters and emails sent in response to unusual situations, such as no notice or short notice.

Short Notice Letters

While many employers want employees to give two weeks’ notice before quitting their positions, this is not always possible. How to resign with little or no notice is outlined below.

• Intent to Resign
• No Notice
• Short Notice
• 24 Hours Notice
• Advance Notice
• Immediate

Pursuing Better Opportunities

When people believe that better chances await them, they are frequently compelled to take the risk of quitting their occupations.

• Job Isn’t a Good Fit
• Lack of Opportunities for Growth
• Career Change
• Career Growth
• Better Salary and Benefits
• Dream Job Offer
• Promotion
• Going Back to School
• Travel
• Relocation
• Volunteer

Family Reasons and Medical Reasons

Significant life events such as health problems, marriage, pregnancy, and childbirth are all typical (and acceptable) reasons for people to leave their careers.

• Getting Married
• Pregnancy
• Maternity Leave
• After Maternity Leave
• Health Reasons
• Family Reasons or Family Illness
• Stay at Home Parent

Organizational Restructuring

Workplace changes are not always simple to withstand. If you believe that it is time to move on due to a change in management or organization, these samples will assist you in structuring a considerate letter of resignation. Additionally, there is a sample of a manager’s resignation acceptance letter.