Resignation letter: template and 5 examples
Updated
A resignation letter is a short, formal notice that you are leaving your job. It should state that you are resigning, give your last working day based on your notice period, and thank your employer — nothing more is required. Keep it polite and brief: it goes into your employment file and may be read when references are written.
What to include
- Date and addressee (your manager, and HR if required by your contract).
- A clear statement that you are resigning from your position (state the job title).
- Your last working day, calculated from your notice period.
- A brief thank-you.
- An offer to help with the handover (optional).
- Your signature or typed name.
How much notice do you need to give?
Count the notice from the day after you hand in your letter unless your contract says otherwise, and confirm the last day with HR. For US-style notice, see the two weeks notice letter.
| Country | General rule | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Whatever your contract says. If it says nothing, the legal minimum is one week once you have worked there for a month. | Your employment contract / written statement |
| United States | In most states employment is "at will": no legal notice period, but two weeks is the common courtesy. | Your offer letter, contract or company handbook |
| Other countries | Notice periods are often set by law or contract and can be longer. | Your contract and local employment law |
Standard resignation letter template
[Your name]
[Date]
Dear [Manager's name],
Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as [job title] at [company]. In line with my [notice period], my last working day will be [date].
Thank you for the support and opportunities I have had during my time here. I will do everything I can to make the handover smooth, including documenting my current work and training a colleague if needed.
Kind regards,
[Your name]
Replace the text in square brackets.
4 more examples
| Situation | Key sentence |
|---|---|
| Short and simple | "Please accept this letter as notice of my resignation as Sales Assistant. My last day will be Friday 4 December." |
| Leaving for a new job | "I have accepted a position with another organisation and am resigning from my role as Accounts Assistant. My last working day will be…" (you do not have to name the new employer). |
| Personal reasons | "For personal reasons I have decided to resign from my role as Care Assistant…" — you do not need to explain further. |
| Asking to shorten notice | "I would be grateful if we could discuss an earlier leaving date of [date], subject to handover needs." Your employer can agree or refuse. |
How to hand it in
- Tell your manager in person or on a call first, then send the letter the same day.
- Email is acceptable for most employers; check whether your contract requires a signed letter.
- Keep a copy and ask for written confirmation of your last working day.
- Stay professional in the exit conversation — you may need a reference later.