A resignation letter is used to resign from a professional position. If you are planning to quit your job, it's important to provide a resignation letter to your employer to maintain the professional relationship as well as to create a paper trail that documents your planned departure and timeline. Using sample resignation letters will make it easier to create this document for your employer.
Depending on the nature of your position and your relationship with your employer, your letter may vary. However, all letters should include your name and contact information, the date, and the name of the person to whom you are addressing the letter, which will typically be your direct supervisor, along with their contact information.
I would like to inform you that I am resigning from my position as [position title] for [employer name], effective [date]. I appreciate the opportunities for professional and personal development that I have received in this role. I have enjoyed working for the company and appreciate the support provided me during my tenure. If I can provide any assistance during this transition, please let me know.
Signature (if delivering hard copy letter)
I would like to inform you that I am resigning from my position as [title] for [company name]. This resignation is effective as of [date].
I wish to express my appreciation for the support I have received as well as the opportunities I have enjoyed during the years I have worked for [company name]. I have truly enjoyed my tenure with [company name] and am extremely grateful for the encouragement you have given me as I have pursued my professional and personal growth objectives.
In order to make the transition as seamless as possible, I am available to provide any assistance in passing my responsibilities on to my successor.
Signature (if delivering hard copy letter)
Please accept this message as notification that I will be leaving my position with [company name], effective [date].
Through the years I have worked for [company name], I have appreciated your support and professional guidance. I wish both you and the company success in the future.
If I can provide any assistance during this transitional period, please let me know. I will be happy to do so. Please keep me informed regarding my accrued vacation leave, final work schedule, and benefits.
You can also reach me through my personal email or phone at [email address] or [personal phone number].
Please accept this letter as notification that I am resigning from my position as [position name] at [company name], effective tomorrow [date]. I apologize that I am not able to provide more notice. However, due to circumstances beyond my control, I must resign from my position immediately.
I want to express my appreciation for the support that you have provided me during my time with [company name]. Please forward my last paycheck to the address listed above. Again, I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Signature (if delivering hard copy letter)
The purpose of this letter is to announce my resignation from [company name], effective two weeks from today, [date].
I want you to know that this was not an easy decision to make, as the past [number of years in your position] have been rewarding for me, both personally and professionally. I have learned a lot in my role and have enjoyed observing [highlight key aspects of what you've learned/observed in your role].
I have made this decision due to my acceptance of a position as [position title] at [company name]. This opportunity allows my family to relocate to an area that is closer to our families, and it will afford me professional growth. I wish you and the company all the best. I hope to cross paths with you again in the future.
Signature (if delivering hard copy letter)
I am writing to inform you of my resignation from the position of [position title] at the [company name]. My last day of work will be [date].
Working at [company name] has been rewarding in many ways, and I wish nothing but the best for all the patients and staff at this facility. Please let me know if I can assist in the transitional period.
Signature (if delivering hard copy letter)
Image via Unsplash by christinhumephoto
In most cases, a resignation letter should be simple. It's helpful to include:
You may also choose to include other elements, such as the reason for leaving, if applicable. For example, if you are relocating, including this as the reason for resigning might help your employer gain a better understanding of your long-term goals and where you want to live.
Many employees highlight their willingness to assist during the transitional period in their resignation letter. This assistance may come in the form of training a replacement — if the company can get someone hired before your final day — or providing written materials that will help your replacement take over the responsibilities as seamlessly as possible. You don't have to commit to anything too drastic in this letter, such as delaying your last day or helping to find or hire a replacement. By including this statement, you are showing that you're willing to support the company until the end.
You might also choose to draft a letter that bids farewell to your coworkers or team members. This letter is different from a resignation letter in that you are not informing your team of your decision to resign with details around the resignation, but rather expressing appreciation for them and telling them goodbye.
Here are additional tips to write a resignation letter.
No matter the terms of your resignation or the reason behind your departure, your resignation letter should be positive and professional. Many employers keep employees' resignation letters in their HR or personnel files and can refer to these letters if they receive requests for references or other information in the future. A critical, negative, or poorly written letter can reflect negatively on you and could even impact the reference provided by your former employer.
You should avoid including any issues you experienced during your time with the company. Leave out criticism of your coworkers, supervisors, or the company as a whole, and keep it as positive as possible.
Here are some more tips for writing the perfect resignation letter.
The recommended timeline for providing a resignation letter is at least two weeks prior to your planned last day. Some employees have contracts that specify the terms of departure, so be sure to follow any timeline outlined in your contract, if applicable. Here is some additional information about breaching a contract.
You may choose to provide even more notice, but it's always best to provide at least two weeks, as this is a professional courtesy that affords the employer time to find a replacement. Since you may need to use this employer as a reference in the future, maintaining that professional relationship and providing enough notice can benefit you.
When you're ready to move on to a new opportunity, use this guide to write a professional and positive resignation letter that keeps you on good terms with your employer while providing the information needed.
ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.
How ContractsCounsel Works Hiring a lawyer on ContractsCounsel is easy, transparent and affordable. 1. Post a Free Project Complete our 4-step process to provide info on what you need done. 2. Get Bids to Review Receive flat-fee bids from lawyers in our marketplace to compare. 3. Start Your Project Securely pay to start working with the lawyer you select.Skilled in the details of complex corporate transactions, I have 15 years experience working with entrepreneurs and businesses to plan and grow for the future. Clients trust me because of the practical guided advice I provide. No deal is too small or complex for me to handle.
With over ten years of intellectual property experience, I’m happy to work on your contractual matter. I am very diligent and enjoy meeting tight deadlines. Drafting memoranda, business transactional documents, termination notices, demand letters, licenses and letter agreements are all in my wheelhouse! Working in a variety of fields, from construction to pharmaceutical, I enjoy resolving any disputes that come across my desk.
Advised startups and established corporations on a wide range of commercial and corporate matters, including VC funding, technology law, and M&A. Commercial and Corporate Matters • Advised companies on commercial and corporate matters and drafted corporate documents and commercial agreements—including but not limited to —Convertible Note, SAFE, Promissory Note, Terms and Conditions, SaaS Agreement, Employment Agreement, Contractor Agreement, Joint Venture Agreement, Stock Purchase Agreement, Asset Purchase Agreement, Shareholders Agreement, Partnership Agreement, Franchise Agreement, License Agreement, and Financing Agreement. • Drafted and revised internal regulations of joint venture companies (board of directors, employment, office organization, discretional duty, internal control, accounting, fund management, etc.) • Advised JVs on corporate structuring and other legal matters • Advised startups on VC funding Employment Matters • Drafted a wide range of employment agreements, including dental associate agreements, physician employment agreements, startup employment agreements, and executive employment agreements. • Advised clients on complex employment law matters and drafted employment agreements, dispute settlement agreements, and severance agreements. General Counsel • As outside general counsel, I advised startups on ICOs, securities law, business licenses, regulatory compliance, and other commercial and corporate matters. • Drafted or analyzed coin or token sale agreements for global ICOs. • Assisted clients with corporate formations, including filing incorporation documents and foreign corporation registrations, drafting operating and partnership agreements, and creating articles of incorporation and bylaws. Dispute Resolution • Conducted legal research, and document review, and drafted pleadings, motions, and other trial documents. • Advised the client on strategic approaches to discovery proceedings and settlement negotiation. • Advised clients on employment dispute settlements.
