(Last updated in February 2023.)
Many individuals are re-evaluating their career aspirations and goals due to the current economic and social climate, leading to an increase in employees resigning. Reasons may include finding new job opportunities that align better with their goals or values, seeking a change in pace and rethinking work-life priorities due to the rise of remote work.
Resigning can be difficult and stressful, particularly for first-timers. To make the process and your exit smoother, we want to guide you through the process with templates you can use based on your work situation.
A resignation letter is an official document that should be brief, well-written, clearly stating your intention to resign and last day of work. The formal letter should always be professional and courteous, and it also serves as an opportunity for you to express your gratitude to your boss and company.
It is not necessary for you to include any personal details or reasons for leaving in a formal resignation letter. The main objective is to inform the employer of your resignation and provide advance notice on the last day of your employment with the organisation.
If you're planning to quit your job here is the compilation of the best resignation letter samples to help you easily draft your resignation letter.
Each example of a resignation letter has been formatted according to a specific reason for leaving. You can either send these letters of resignation by email or deliver the printed letter in person.
1. short and simple resignation letter sample
This is a simple and short resignation letter template that you can use to resign from your current position and leave on a positive note. It's a straightforward letter which states the basic yet the most critical details to include in a resignation letter.
Dear [Manager's Name],
I would like to inform you that I am tendering my resignation from my role as [current job title] at [company name]. My last day will be on [dd/mm/yy], [two-weeks / a month] from today.
If I can be of any assistance in this transition period, please let me know. I wish you and everyone at [company name] all the best.
Sincerely,
Your signature (if using a hard copy letter)
Your name
2. standard resignation letter format
This template will help you write an effective letter of resignation. This official letter can be used by anyone to formally notify their employer of their intention to resign from their current position and would like to go into details.
Dear [Manager’s name],
Please accept this letter as a formal notice of resignation from my role of [current job title] at [company name]. My last working day with the company will be on [dd/mm/yy].
I’m truly grateful for the opportunities the company has given me. I truly appreciate all the skills and knowledge that I have learned during this time, which will serve me well in the future. Being a part of such a great team has been an amazing experience.
During my notice period, I will do my best to make the transition smooth and will ensure that all details and information remain available to the person taking my position.
I wish the business success in the future and intend to keep in touch.
Sincerely,
Your signature (if using a hard copy letter)
Your name
3. resignation letter for personal reasons sample
You can use this format for a resignation letter when you are resigning from a job because of personal or family reasons without giving any specific cause.
Dear [Manager’s name],
It is with reluctance that I'm writing to inform you of my decision to tender my resignation from [company name] as [current job title]. My last day of work will be [two-weeks / a month] from today, on [dd/mm/yy].
I cannot thank you enough for all the help and support you have given me. I appreciate all the valuable experience I had with the company and the moments shared with my colleagues and teammates.
Unfortunately, I will have to leave my position due to personal reasons.
During my notice period, I’ll do everything possible to ensure a smooth wrap up of my current duties and hand over my existing projects to my team members. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can do to ensure a smooth transition.
I hope that I can reach out to you for a reference in the future when I return to work. I wish everyone the best and it has been a pleasure working with you all.
Sincerely,
Your signature (if using a hard copy letter)
Your name
4. letter of resignation sample for new job opportunity
Here is a resignation letter template sample stating that you are leaving your current job because of a new job opportunity you have received from another company that matches your career goals.
Dear [Manager’s name],
I am writing to inform you that I will be leaving my current role as [job title] at [company name] in [two -weeks / a month]. After a thoughtful consideration, I’ve decided to resign from my position at [company name] to pursue my career goals with another firm.
As stated in the employment contract and previously agreed upon, my last working day after clearing my balance annual leave days will be [dd/mm/yy].
I’m grateful for the opportunities and experiences the company has given me throughout the years. I truly appreciate all the valuable skills that I’ve acquired during my time at [company name], all of which I will take with me throughout my career.
Please let me know how I can help make this transition easier. I wish the business success in the future.
Sincerely,
Your signature (if using a hard copy letter)
Your name
5. resignation letter sample for career growth
If your current job doesn't provide professional growth opportunities and you want a change of career path, use this template for a letter of resignation to let them know why you're leaving.
Dear [Manager’s name],
Please accept this as an official notice of my resignation. I am writing to inform you that I am ending my employment as [current job title] at [company name]. My last day in the company will take effect on [dd/mm/yy], after serving my notice period.
I have decided to take a step to embark on a new path in my career that is more in line with my professional goals.
I appreciate all the opportunities the company has provided me for these past years. I believe that the skills I have acquired will be of great value to me in the future. I will do my best to ensure a smooth transition process and make all details, information and current projects available to the person taking over my role after I leave.
I wish the company success in the future.
Sincerely,
Your signature (if using a hard copy letter)
Your name
6. resignation letter template for garden leave sample
Use this sample resignation letter if you are joining a competitor and would need to serve garden leave. This is a normal process for employees who work with sensitive or competitive information that could put the company at risk.
Dear [Manager’s name],
I regret to inform you that I'm tendering my resignation from [company] as [current job title].
My final working day will be effective tomorrow as I will be joining a competitor and will be put on garden leave immediately as stated in my employment contract and following our conversation earlier.
It's been an incredible experience to be a part of such a wonderful team. I am also thankful for your trust in me over the years, which has shaped me to become a better employee and person.
I’ll be liaising directly with IT to return any company-owned devices and HR to complete my exit interview and to return the staff pass.
Thank you and all the best to you and the company.
Sincerely,
Your signature (if using a hard copy letter)
Your name
7. resignation letter due to job dissatisfaction or unfit company culture sample
This resignation letter example can be handy if you find that the company culture is no longer a good fit for you or want to quit your job because you are unhappy and dissatisfied. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as a stressful work environment, toxic co-workers or work culture, unhappy management, or unfair treatment.
Dear [Manager’s name],
I'm emailing you to formally tender my resignation as [current job title] at [company name]. I would like to start my [two-weeks / one month] notice process today. My last working day with the company will be on [dd/mm/yy].
Over the years, I have come to realise that my expectations of my job and employer have changed and would like to seek one that is more aligned with my current intentions.
I'm extremely grateful for the opportunities the company has provided me over the years. It's been an incredible experience to be a part of such a wonderful team, and I truly value all of the valuable skills I've gained.
During my notice period, I will do my best to make the transition smooth and will ensure that all details and information remain available to the person taking my position.Please let me know if there are any specific areas you'd like me to focus on during my notice period.
Sincerely,
Your signature (if using a hard copy letter)
Your name
8. formal resignation letter for retirement
You can use this resignation letter template to announce your retirement from the company.
Dear [Manager’s name],
I am writing to inform you that I intend to retire from my position as [current job title] at [company name]. My last day of employment will be on [dd/mm/yy].
I have enjoyed what I consider to be a productive and rewarding career at [company name] for nearly [duration of employment]. However, I am now looking forward to my retirement and start a new chapter in my life.
I am grateful for all the wonderful experiences I have had with the company, from new hires to current leadership positions. I've learned a lot about myself and the world around me through my time here where I have also built a trusting network.
I will do everything I can to ensure a smooth transition for our department and the talented people who work there. Please let me know if there is any help I can do in the exit process.
Sincerely,
Your signature (if using a hard copy letter)
Your name
The submission of a resignation letter is the key aspect of your resignation process.
Regardless of whether you’ve had a good or bad employee experience, writing a resignation letter can be difficult as it is a sensitive topic. Whatever the reason is, you should keep things professional and avoid expressing dissatisfaction about your current job. Your current employer may be connected to your future employers so it is always best to maintain a positive professional relationship with them.
To ensure a smooth exit, it's best to inform your boss in person before sending a notice letter. You wouldn't want them to be caught off guard leaving a sour note or burning bridges.
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It is good to note that it is safer to quit once you have been hired elsewhere or talked to at least a few employers. If you have not yet started your job search, please get in touch with our specialist recruiters for better career prospects. Our career experts are always ready to guide you on your career choices and through the next steps in your career journey.
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