Table of Contents
What Is a Resignation?
Let’s start with this resignation definition:
A resignation refers to the act of leaving a job for good. This may be due to personal choice or budget cuts. In any case, the letter you write to announce your resignation is a formal document.
There are specific conventions you have to follow to write this document (see below.)
Two Weeks Notice
Unless there are extenuating circumstances that necessitate your resignation without prior notice, it is courteous to submit your resignation letter well in advance of your departure, with two weeks being considered the standard period before you leave.
Is A Letter Of Resignation Really Necessary?
Regardless of your current position, writing a resignation letter is the professional thing to do. A formal resignation letter informs your employer that you are quitting the job and that a new employee will need to be hired to take over your responsibilities.
Additionally, for the sake of record-keeping, certain managers or HR personnel may require you to send a resignation letter.
Even if no one asks for one, you can submit it so that there is proof of your notice period and your leave date. This could be useful for the paperwork pertaining to your last salary and the transfer of your responsibilities.
Writing A Resignation Letter For A Job You Hate
There are instances where you want to quit a job that you really don’t like. If so, you may feel you need to include the purpose of the resignation letter. You may refer to the reasons why you think that the position you are holding is no longer a good fit for you.
With that being said, it is not advisable to include complaints:
- Letters of resignation are not the place to voice grievances or criticisms of the employer, boss, or coworkers.
- Similarly, you don’t need to state in your letter that your new position will pay more money. It would be best to have a face-to-face chat if you’re hoping for a counteroffer to persuade you to stay.
- Finally, never mention in your letter how wonderful your new work is or how happy you are to be leaving.
How To Write A Resignation Letter
The first rule is to keep it brief. You should mention the date you will quit, your gratitude for the position you are holding, and your willingness to help in a smooth transition.
Here are a few tips to write a good letter of resignation!
Tips For Writing A Resignation Letter
- Address the letter to your boss or HR.
- Briefly and clearly state your intended departure time.
- Expressing gratitude is also an excellent idea. Think of something for which you actually feel thankful.
- Make it clear that you’ll do your best to hand off your duties and responsibilities.
- A suggestion to train your replacement.
- Best wishes for the company’s future.
- Your contact information.
Resignation Letter Samples
Sample 1
Your Full Name
[Name of Recipient]
[Title and Department of Recipient]
[Address of Recipient]
[Contact Information of Recipient]
Current Date
To [Name and Title of Recipient]:
Please, accept this letter as a formal notification of my intention to resign from my position as [Position Title] with [Company Name]. My final day at the company will be [Date].
It has been a pleasure working with you and your team. I am thankful for being supportive of my professional development and for the knowledge and experience I have gained by working here.
Prior to my departure from the company, I plan to wrap up my duties and train other team members over the next two weeks.
If there’s anything else I can do to help during this transition, please let me know.
I wish [Company Name] every success in the future and thank you for the opportunities you have given me during my tenure here.
Respectfully,
Signature
[name]
[Contact Information]
Download This Resignation Letter (Word Format)
Resignation letter word format
Sample 2
Your Full Name
[Name of Recipient]
[Title and Department of Recipient]
[Address of Recipient]
[Contact Information of Recipient]
[Current Date]
To [Name and Title of Recipient]:
Please, accept this letter as a formal notification that I am resigning from my position as [Position Title]. My last day will be [Date].
Making this decision has been difficult because working at [Company Name] has been such a positive experience and one for which I am thankful. I have achieved much here and have appreciated working with you and my other coworkers in [Department Name].
However, after long and careful consideration, I have come to the conclusion that I am not a good fit for this position. Based on the current needs of this job, I believe that having me in this position is not in the best interests of the organization or of myself.
Let me know if there is anything I can do to assist the company through this transition.
I wish the company ongoing success and look forward to keeping in touch.
Respectfully,
Signature
[name]
[Contact Information]
Download This Resignation Letter (Word Format)
Resignation letter word format
Sample 3
Your Full Name
[Name of Recipient]
[Title and Department of Recipient]
[Address of Recipient]
[Contact Information of Recipient]
[Current Date]
To [Name and Title of Recipient]:
Please, accept this letter as my formal resignation as [Position Title] at [Company Name]. My last day is expected to be on [Date].
I am extremely grateful for the opportunities I have been given in this post. I would also like to thank you for being supportive of my professional growth and the time spent working with my colleagues.
Let me know if there is anything I can do to make the transition of duties and responsibilities as seamless as possible for everyone involved.
Respectfully,
Signature
[name]
[Contact Information]
Download This Resignation Letter (Word Format)
Resignation letter word format
Conclusion
To sum up, before you leave the job, it is professional to write a resignation letter! The first rule is to keep it short. You should include the date you will leave the company, your expression of gratitude, and your willingness to hand off your duties and train your replacement.
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