How to Write a Resignation Letter

Writing a resignation letter means resigning professionally, in writing, with notice, gratitude, and handover — so you leave with references intact, not bridges burned. This guide covers resignation letters specifically, distinct from the professional-email guide (which covers workplace emails broadly) and the leave-request guide (which covers leave requests).

What a resignation letter is

• Written notice, not a conversation alone — resignation, confirmed in writing, as employment terms and employers state, for clear records.
• Notice period, as terms state — notice period, as your contract or letter of appointment states, honoured where possible, for professional conduct.
• Professional tone throughout — formal, concise, grateful, as employers state, without grievances, criticisms, or ultimatums.

Resignation letter structure

1. Header — name, date, and manager/HR addressee, as on workplace correspondence.
2. Resignation statement — role, and last working day, stated clearly, in the first paragraph.
3. Gratitude — brief thanks, for opportunities and experience, without excessive praise or grievances.
4. Handover offer — handover support, offered, for transition, as employers state.
5. Closing — professional sign-off, with name and contact, for references and follow-up.

Resignation letter example (original, adaptable)

‘Dear [Manager],

I am writing to resign from my position as [Role], effective [Last working day, per notice period]. I am grateful for the opportunities and experience at [Employer], and I am happy to support handover during my notice period.

Thank you for your support. I wish [Employer/Team] continued success.

Yours faithfully, [Name] [Contact]’

Adapt wording to your role, notice period, and employer, honestly, for every resignation. Examples are templates, not text to copy.

Resignation mistakes

• Resigning in anger — angry resignations, with grievances, harming references and reputation, as employers state. Resign calmly, in writing, after deciding.
• No notice, where terms require it — skipping notice, where terms require it, breaching terms and harming references, as employers state.
• Burning bridges — criticising managers, colleagues, or employers, in resignation letters, signalling risk to future employers, as interviewers state.
• Resigning without a plan — resigning without next steps, savings, or alternatives, risking income gaps, as the market states. Plan before resigning, where possible.

Related Guides & Next Steps

• How to Write a CV With No Work Experience
• How to Write a Leave Request
• How to Write a Professional Email
• How to Ask for a Salary Increase

Frequently asked questions

What is a resignation letter? Written notice of resignation, with notice period, gratitude, and handover offer, in professional tone — confirmed in writing, as employment terms and employers state, for clear records.

How much notice should I give when resigning? The notice period, as your contract or letter of appointment states, honoured where possible, for professional conduct.

Should I state reasons for resigning? Briefly, where appropriate, without grievances or criticisms. Gratitude and handover, not grievances, belong in resignation letters, as employers state.

Can I copy a resignation letter example? No, verbatim — examples are templates, not text to copy. Adapt wording to your role, notice period, and employer, honestly, for every resignation.

Should I resign in anger? No — angry resignations, with grievances, harm references and reputation, as employers state. Resign calmly, in writing, after deciding.

Sources and last update

• No salary figure, vacancy count, or hiring outcome is asserted anywhere in this article, deliberately — employer career pages and reputable boards, checked at application time, govern.
• No company is named as currently hiring anywhere in this article, deliberately — hiring windows open and close; employer career pages govern.
• Scam patterns: fees for jobs, payment to personal accounts, guaranteed jobs or placements, and mentorship or networking schemes selling access are red flags — verify every employer and programme on official channels before applying or paying anything.
• No job, salary, placement, or hiring outcome is promised anywhere in this article.

Last updated: 24 October 2026. Guide — review every 6–12 months, and on every major hiring-platform change.