You’ve decided it’s time to move on and while it might be an exciting time for you, it is important to provide a professional resignation letter to your manager. When done well, a resignation letter can help maintain a positive relationship with your former employer and ensure a smoother transition for everyone.
Before handing in your resignation letter
The best place to start is your employment contract or handbook so you can be sure how long your required notice period is. This can depend on how long you’ve been with the company or your current role, but once you know, share your news with your manager because it’s important that they hear it from you first. Try to give them as much notice as possible. Let them know you will be handing in your resignation and the date you have in mind as your last day.
If you’re feeling nervous about speaking to your manager, remember moving on is natural.
Writing your resignation letter
Your resignation letter will be kept in your file to help with future references. Keep it short, professional, and follow any guidelines from your employer. Make sure you include:
- The date you are handing your letter in as a record of your notice period.
- The name of the person your letter is for. This will usually be your manager or supervisor.
- A short paragraph which includes your current position and reason for your resignation. Avoid bringing up any negative feelings you may have regarding the company and/or role, instead politely explaining why you are moving on. It is also a good idea to write a few sentences expressing gratitude for the time you have spent at the company and expressing a willingness to help with the handover to your replacement.
- The date of your final day working for the company.
- Your contact information for any communication once you have left the company.
- Your signature
Things to avoid in your resignation letter
A resignation letter is not the place to bring up any grievances you may have. If you feel you must raise any issues you had, then your exit interview would be the most appropriate way to do that. As the letter is a professional document you should also avoid referring to money and avoid making any spelling mistakes or grammatical errors.
Example Resignation Letter
[Today’s date]
[Manager’s name]
[Company name]
Dear [name of manager],
Please accept this as notice of my formal resignation from the position of [your job title] at [company name]. As my notice period within my contract is [X weeks/months], my last day with the company will be [day and date].
I would like to thank you for the support and opportunities you have given me during my time with [company name] and assure you that I will do all I can to ensure a smooth transition. If there is anything specific I can do to assist during my notice period, please do let me know.
I wish you and [company name] all the best; I am excited to move on but have enjoyed my time working with you. Please don’t hesitate to contact me in the future if you need any further information.
Yours sincerely
[Signature]
[Your name]
[contact details]
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