A resignation letter is a formal letter that tells your employer you are leaving your job and names your last working day. It starts the notice period and gives HR a written record of your decision. Employees hand one in after accepting a new offer, before a move, or when leaving to study or care for family.
Here are 35 resignation letter templates and samples, all editable and free to download. The set covers a direct letter, a general letter for most jobs, an immediate resignation letter, and versions for an executive, an assistant and a professor. Each resignation letter sample shows how to write a resignation letter that stays polite and short. You can also use one as a two weeks notice letter.
Tell your manager in person first, then hand over the letter the same day. Leave out complaints about the job; the letter stays on your file and can come up in reference checks.
Leaving a job often involves more than one letter. You may also need our retirement letter templates if you are leaving the workforce, job offer acceptance letter templates for your next role, and business reference letter templates to request a reference.
Best Resignation Letter Templates
Direct Resignation Letter Template
Sample Resignation Letter Template
General Resignation Letter Template
Useful Resignation Letter Template
Executive Resignation Letter Template
Assistant’s Resignation Letter Template
Immediate Resignation Letter Template
Professor’s Resignation Letter Template
Resignation Letter Format Template
Standard Resignation Letter
Teacher’s Resignation Letter
Basic Resignation Letter Template
Senior Employee’s Resignation Letter Template
Parts of a Resignation Letter Template
To be effective and professional, a resignation letter template must be well organized. Consider including the following elements in your resignation letter:
1. Header:
Begin the resignation letter with details about you and your employer, such as names, addresses, your job position and contact information. Then add the date on which you are writing the letter.
2. Salutation:
A resignation letter is usually addressed to a manager. Use proper salutation like ‘Mr.’ , ‘Mrs.’ , or ‘Ms.’.
3. First Paragraph:
State here that you are resigning from the company and include the date on which your resignation takes effect. Follow the notice period required by the terms of your employment contract.
4. Second Paragraph:
In this optional paragraph, you can briefly explain why you are resigning. Don’t give too much explanation or mention anything negative about your current job.
5. Third Paragraph:
This paragraph is also optional. Here, you can thank your manager for the opportunity to work for the organization. You can also write briefly about your experience at the company and how much you enjoyed it.
6. End:
After that, sign off in a formal way by using the word ‘Sincerely’ or Yours Sincerely’.
7. Signature:
At the end of your resignation letter, include your signatures followed by your complete name.
Special Resignation Letter Templates
Accountant’s Resignation Letter Template
Resignation Confirmation Letter Template
Part time Job Resignation Letter Template
Explanatory Resignation Letter Template
Magazine Editor’s Resignation Letter Template
Director’s Resignation Letter Template
Official Resignation Letter Template
Ordinary Resignation Letter Template
Short Resignation Letter Template
Typical Resignation Letter Template
Detailed Resignation Letter Template
Example Resignation Letter Template
Formal Resignation Letter Template
Things not to do while writing a resignation letter
In order to write a professional resignation letter, you should avoid including following things:
- Avoid giving lengthy explanations for leaving the job. You can discuss your reasons with someone face to face, but do not mention them in your resignation letter. Be precise and direct.
- In your resignation letter, do not use a style or language that shows hatred or dislike for the job you are leaving.
- Avoid getting personal or making negative comments about your superiors in a resignation letter. The purpose is to leave on good terms, so that there will be no problem if you want to come back some day.
- Similarly, talk about yourself in your resignation letter, not about the behavior or attitude of your colleagues.
- A resignation letter is a formal document, so use a proper formal style and language. There is no need to include your emotions or feelings.
- You can discuss your career plans with someone in person, but do not mention them in a resignation letter. Also don’t include details of your new job, such as your salary or other benefits from your new employer.
- Make sure to avoid any grammatical or spelling mistakes.
More Resignation Letter Templates
2 Week’s Resignation Letter Template
Resignation Letter Guideline Template
Professional Resignation Letter Template
Resignation Letter Writing Tips Template
Usual Resignation Letter Template
Elementary Resignation Letter
Journalist’s Resignation Letter Template
Faculty Member’s Resignation Letter Template
Brief Resignation Letter Template
Sub-ordinate’s Resignation Letter
Plain Resignation Letter Template
Elemental Resignation Letter
Writing a Resignation Letter With a Clear Final Date
Choose a short professional letter for a routine resignation and a separate handover note for detailed task information. The letter should communicate your decision and proposed final day without turning into a record of every workplace concern. For another editable notice format, see WordNExcelTemplates’ resignation letter template and adapt the dates to the notice arrangements that apply.
- Check the notice provisions and any applicable process before choosing the final date.
- State the position, resignation and intended last working day clearly.
- Offer a realistic handover and request confirmation of practical next steps.
Worked Example
Example opening: “Please accept my resignation from my position as accounts assistant. My intended final working day is 30 June, subject to confirming the notice arrangements.” Replace the role and date and resolve any uncertainty with the employer rather than copying a two-week period automatically.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid promising to finish work that cannot realistically be completed before leaving. Keep complaints, final pay queries and return-of-property arrangements clear and appropriately documented.
Related Templates
- Retirement Letter Templates
- Job Offer Acceptance Letter & Email Templates
- Job Termination Letter Templates
- Teacher Recommendation Letter Templates
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to explain why I am leaving?
The applicable process may vary, but a routine resignation letter can often be brief. Give only an accurate explanation you are comfortable sharing and check any specific contractual requirements.
Is two weeks always the correct notice?
No. Check the contract, applicable rules and any agreed arrangements. Use a date supported by those requirements rather than treating a template’s example as universal.
