How to Write a Resignation Letter | Template

A letter of resignation is a formal letter to your manager or human resources that states you are resigning and includes information about when you will be leaving the organization. Resignation letters also typically include a reason for leaving and words of thanks. An offer to help your boss with the transition of your responsibilities is also commonplace.

Use QuillBot’s Paraphraser tool in Formal mode to help you to craft a good letter of resignation.

Letter of resignation example phrases
Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation as [Job title] at [Name of company/organization]. My last day of work will be [Date].

I am writing to inform you that I am resigning from my position as [Job title] at [Name of company/organization] effective from [Date], which will be my final day.

How to write a letter of resignation

Formally declaring your intention to leave in a resignation letter ensures there’s no confusion about your final day of work and is a professional courtesy that will help you leave on good terms.

A notice period may be specified in your contract; if not, two weeks’ notice is standard practice in the US. Check your employee handbook to see if it contains any information about the expected period of notice for your role.

The essential elements of a letter of resignation are:

  • The date you are submitting the letter
  • A clear statement of resignation, including the date of your final working day
  • The address where you can be contacted after you leave
  • Your full name
  • Your signature

Resignation letters also typically include:

  • A brief reason for leaving
  • Expressions of gratitude
  • A statement of willingness to assist with the transition of your duties

Bear in mind that the information you include in your letter may be used to assess potential unemployment benefits.

Resignation letter content examples
Reason for leaving I am writing to inform you that I am resigning from my position as [Job title] at [Name of company/organization] …

  • to pursue a new career opportunity.
  • to pursue a career change.
  • to pursue a degree in [Name of degree].
  • due to personal health reasons.
  • due to a change in my family circumstances.
  • because of changes in my family situation.
Words of thanks I have enjoyed working with you and the [Name of team/department] team and sincerely thank you for your support and guidance during my time at [Name of company/organization].

It has been a pleasure working alongside you and my other colleagues at [Name of company/organization], and I am grateful to have been part of such a dedicated team.

Assistance with transition Please let me know how I can assist with the smooth transition of my duties.

I suggest we arrange a meeting at your earliest convenience to discuss how I can help ensure a smooth handover of my duties.

Resignation letter template

Here is a resignation letter example, including a reason for leaving and an offer to assist with the handover of duties.

Letter of resignation template
[Your mailing address]
[Your telephone number]
[Your email address]

[Name of the person you are writing the resignation letter to]
[Name of the organisation you are resigning from]
[Mailing address of the organization you are resigning from]

[Date you are submitting the letter (e.g., “July 1, 2025”)]

[Salutation (e.g., “Dear Jane:”)]

I am writing to give formal notice of my resignation as [Your job title] at [Name of organization] to pursue a new career opportunity. My final working day will be [Date].

It has been a pleasure working with you and the team, and I am very grateful for the support and opportunities for professional growth I have received during my time at [Name of organization].

Please let me know how I can help to ensure a smooth handover of my duties.

Sincerely,

[Your signature]
John Doe

Simple resignation letter sample

This simple resignation letter sample includes only the essential elements: your contact details, the date, a clear statement of resignation specifying your final working day, and your name and signature.

While this is sufficient, including a reason for leaving, some words of thanks, and an offer to help with the transition of your responsibilities will create a more professional impression and help you maintain a good relationship with the employer.

Simple resignation letter sample
[Your mailing address]
[Your telephone number]
[Your email address]

[Date you are submitting the letter (e.g., “July 1, 2025”)]

[Salutation (e.g., “Dear Jane:”)]

Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation as [Your job title] at [Name of organization]. My final working day will be [Date].

Sincerely,

[Your signature]
John Doe

Frequently asked questions about how to write a resignation letter

What is a good resignation subject line?

If you are writing a resignation letter and want to attach it to an email, possible subject lines include:

  • Notice of Resignation
  • Resignation Notification
  • Letter of Resignation

Try QuillBot’s Paraphraser tool in Formal mode to help you write your letter of resignation.

What should I include in a short resignation letter?

A short resignation letter in the US includes the following essential elements.

  • Your mailing address and other contact details
  • The date you are submitting the letter of resignation
  • A salutation (e.g., “Dear Jane:”)
  • A resignation statement specifying your last day (e.g., “Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation as [Your job title] at [Name of organization]. My last day of work will be [Date].”)
  • Your name and signature

To create a more professional impression, also include a reason for leaving, some words of gratitude, and an offer to assist with the transition of your duties.

Use QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker to help you proofread your letter of resignation.

What is a good resignation letter format?

A resignation letter is a formal letter that should be written in an appropriate format, such as the block letter format.

This format uses a standard font such as Times New Roman or Arial, with a font size of 10–12 points and single line spacing. The text is aligned to the left margin, including the start of paragraphs, and you leave an empty line between each element of the letter.

The essential elements of a letter of resignation in the US are:

  • Your contact details
  • The date
  • A salutation (e.g., “Dear X:”)
  • A statement of resignation specifying your last day (e.g., “I am writing to inform you that I am resigning from my position as [Job title] at [Name of company/organization] effective from [Date], which will be my final day.”)
  • Your name and signature

You will create a better impression if you also include a reason for your departure, an expression of thanks, and an offer to help with the transition of your responsibilities.

Why not use QuillBot’s Paraphraser tool in Formal mode to help you craft an effective letter of resignation?

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