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HomeBlogothersHow to Write a Resignation Letter in 2024? [Examples + Templates]

How to Write a Resignation Letter in 2024? [Examples + Templates]

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29th Mar, 2024
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    How to Write a Resignation Letter in 2024? [Examples + Templates]

    Leaving a job is a significant decision that often involves careful consideration and planning. Whether you’re transitioning to a new opportunity, seeking a career change, or addressing personal reasons, the process of leaving a job requires thoughtful deliberation and execution. 

    Crafting a well-written resignation letter is another crucial aspect of leaving a job. A resignation letter formally notifies your employer of your intent to resign and specifies your last day of work. It provides an opportunity to express gratitude for the opportunities and experiences gained during your tenure and ensures clarity and professionalism in the departure process.

    In this blog post, I will walk you through the various sections of resignation letters, making the transition easier for you. From understanding how to write a resignation letter to crafting an effective one, I’ve got you covered. Plus, with access to our wide range of resume templates, resigning from your job has never been simpler.

    What is a Resignation Letter?

    A resignation letter serves as a formal communication, typically in document or email form, informing your employer of your decision to leave your current position. It’s customary to send this letter at least two weeks before your planned departure date, providing your employer ample time to find a replacement. Regardless of your reasons for leaving, it’s considered courteous to submit a resignation letter as it demonstrates professionalism and helps maintain positive relationships with your employer and colleagues. While resigning from a job can be a significant step, it’s also an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Consider enrolling in courses such as KnowledgeHut certification training to enhance your skills and increase your career opportunities. 

    Resignation Letter Format

    How to format a resignation letter? A resignation letter typically follows a formal format and should include the following elements:

    • Header: Begin with your contact information, including your full name, address, phone number, and email address, aligned to the left side of the page.
    • Date: Below your contact information, include the date when you’re writing the letter.
    • Employer’s Contact Information: Beneath the date, provide the contact details of your employer, including their name, title, company name, and address.
    • Salutation: Start the letter with a formal salutation, such as “Dear [Employer’s Name]” or “To Whom It May Concern.”
    • Introduction: In the opening paragraph, clearly state your intention to resign from your position and provide your last working day.
    • Reason for Resignation (Optional): If you feel comfortable, you can briefly mention the reason for your resignation. However, this is not always necessary.
    • Gratitude: Express appreciation for the opportunities and experiences gained during your time with the company.
    • Transition Assistance: Offer assistance with the transition process, such as training a replacement or completing pending tasks.
    • Closing: End the letter with a polite closing, such as “Sincerely,” or “Best Regards,” followed by your signature.
    • Keep It Concise: Keep the letter concise and to the point, avoiding unnecessary details or explanations.

    How to Write a Resignation Letter?

    Let me guide you on how to write a resignation letter. A resignation letter must contain your contact details, an official notification of your impending departure, and the date of your last day of employment. Additional details are optional; however, you are welcome to include them if you would like. 

    Below, you will find how to write a simple resignation letter:

    PDF Link for reference:
    Simple Resignation Letter Example Pdf

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    1. Address the Letter to the Right People:

    Identify the recipient of your resignation letter before you begin writing. Consider whether it will be directed to your manager, the HR department, or another relevant individual, such as the CEO. Tailoring your tone to match the recipient is crucial to strike the right balance between formality and informality. If addressing the HR department or a senior executive, maintain a formal tone throughout your letter. However, if you’re addressing a long-time manager or someone with whom you have a close working relationship, a slightly more informal tone may be appropriate as long as it remains professional.

    Understanding your audience will also guide you in determining the relevant information to include in your resignation letter, ensuring that it aligns with the expectations of the recipient.

    • If you’re opting for a straightforward resignation letter with just a formal two-week notice, it’s not necessary to elaborate extensively. 
    • If you’d like to include details about assisting with the transition period, it’s beneficial to mention it upfront. 
    • Expressing gratitude to your manager, especially if they are the recipient of the letter, is perfectly acceptable.

    2. Add all the Necessary Information

    Include all the necessary elements in your resignation letter to ensure clarity and professionalism:

    3. Contact Information

    • Your name and address – Format your name and address in proper business letter format, centered at the top of the page.
    • In an email resignation letter, your contact information should be included at the end of the letter, following your signature. It’s unnecessary to include the company’s contact information.
    • The date – Left-align the date beneath your address to indicate when you are submitting the letter.
    • The company address – Provide the company name, street address, city, and ZIP code to address the letter correctly.

    4. Greeting

    A proper salutation – Address your immediate supervisor or the appropriate department with a respectful greeting.

    Paragraph 1: Your final workday – Clearly state the exact date you intend to leave your position to facilitate planning.

    Paragraph 2: Your reason for leaving (optional) – Optionally, mention your reason for leaving, such as health concerns, family priorities, relocation, retirement, or career changes.

    Paragraph 3: (Optional) Please indicate in your letter if you are available to assist with the transition. 

    Paragraph 4: (Optional) A thank you to your employer – Express gratitude for the opportunity to work with the company and offer assistance with the transition process if desired.

    Closing: Conclude with a professional sign-off, such as “Sincerely” or “Thank you,” followed by your typed or signed name, depending on whether the letter is submitted digitally or in hard copy.

    Resignation Letter: What to Include & What Not to Include

    How to make a resignation letter? To ensure a graceful and professional exit when resigning from your job, it’s best to keep your letter or email concise and focused on essential details. 

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    What to Include

    Here’s a format of how to write a resignation letter:

    • Statement of Resignation: Begin your letter by clearly stating your intent to resign from your position.
    • Last Day of Employment: Provide the date of your final day of work to assist with the company’s planning and transition process.
    • Offer to Assist with Transition: Express willingness to aid in the transition process, whether by assisting in finding or training a replacement. This gesture fosters a sense of respect and cooperation between both parties.
    • Questions or Clarifications: If you have any inquiries regarding your final pay, benefits, or other matters, you can include them in your letter or email for clarification.
    • Contact Information: Ensure your personal contact details are included to facilitate communication between you and the company.
    • Signature: If submitting a hard-copy letter, sign your name above your typed signature. For emails, simply type your name at the end.
    • To add a positive and appreciative tone to your resignation, consider thanking your employer for the opportunities provided and mentioning any valuable experiences gained during your tenure at the company. This helps leave a lasting impression of professionalism and gratitude.

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    What Not to Include

    Let us see how to write a formal resignation letter. When crafting your resignation letter, it’s important to avoid including certain details:

    • Avoid providing the reason for your departure, especially if it’s negative.
    • Refrain from expressing complaints or criticisms about the company, your manager, or colleagues.
    • Omit any mention of a higher salary at your new job, as well as any expectations of a counteroffer to encourage you to stay. These discussions are more appropriate for in-person conversations.
    • Do not use the letter as a platform to reveal the details of your new job or express excitement about leaving.
    • Maintain professionalism in your resignation letter, refraining from using foul language even if you’re departing due to challenges with your boss or coworkers. 
    • Rather than projecting bitterness in your resignation letter, focus on highlighting positive aspects of your time with the company. Leaving on a positive note with your employer is important for maintaining professional relationships. Also, as you navigate your career transition, consider taking advantage of free certification training to enhance your skill set and stay competitive in the job market.

    Resignation Letter Examples

    Below are 2 how to write a resignation letter examples for you to understand. 

    Example 1

    Let us look at the standard resignation letter example referring to the supervisor:

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    • First Section: Let’s see how to write a resignation letter. Firstly, start your letter by clearly stating your position within the company. Alongside this, include a straightforward statement of your resignation. Additionally, providing your intended end date in the first paragraph is beneficial.
    • Second Section: Expressing gratitude to your employer for the opportunities and resources they have invested in your career growth is also important. 
    • Third Section: In the third paragraph, convey your readiness to facilitate a smoother transition:
    • Last Section: It’s not necessary to add this final paragraph, especially if you don’t want to use your previous company as a reference. However, a lot of applicants decide to keep up their professional connections.

    Example2:

    In the example below, the resignation letter is addressed to HR. 

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    Address Information:

    • Include your full name and complete address at the top of the letter.
    • Write the current date below your address.

    Recipient Information:

    • Include the name and address of the company from which you are resigning.
    • Dear (HR Manager’s Name) - Address the letter to the Human Resources Manager or whoever is responsible for managing resignations within the company.

    Resignation Statement: This paragraph clearly states your intention to resign, including your job title, the company name, and your proposed last working day. 

    Notice Period: This sentence reinforces that the letter serves as your official notice of resignation. It also indicates your willingness to assist with the transition during the notice period.

    Appreciation: The closing paragraph expresses gratitude for the support received while working at the company and offers well wishes for the future.

    Resignation Letter Templates

    Resignation letter templates can be incredibly helpful in guiding you through the process of crafting a professional and effective resignation letter. Here are 2 examples of how do I write a resignation letter for your reference:

    Template 1

    Below is a PDF link of how to write resignation letter samples for your reference:
     Standard Resignation Letter Template

    Template 2

    Below is a PDF link to how to write a resignation letter for a job:
     Job Resignation Letter Template

    Professional Resignation Letter Samples

    Knowing how to write a resignation letter is an important skill in every professional’s toolkit. A professional resignation letter always adheres to certain principles and guidelines to ensure that it effectively communicates your decision to resign while maintaining professionalism and courtesy. Below are 6 examples of how to do a resignation letter. Using the provided examples as a guide, you can write a professional resignation letter that leaves a positive impression as you transition out of your current position. You can adjust the tone, add or remove details as needed, and tailor it to fit your unique situation. Remember to keep it professional, courteous, and concise. 

    1. Gracious Resignation Letter Sample

    Below is an example of how to write a resignation letter graciously. A gracious resignation letter reflects the employee’s professionalism, gratitude, and consideration for the employer and colleagues, even as they prepare to move on to new opportunities. The term “gracious” in this context refers to showing kindness, courtesy, and appreciation in the letter, even though the employee is leaving the job. Throughout the letter, a professional and respectful tone is maintained, focusing on the appreciation for the employment experience and the desire to leave on good terms.

    2. Brief Resignation Letter Sample

    A brief resignation letter gets straight to the point, making it easy for the recipient to understand your intentions quickly without unnecessary elaboration or details. This resignation letter can effectively communicate your decision to resign while maintaining professionalism and clarity. Below is an example of how to write a resignation letter that includes all the essential elements while keeping the message brief.

    3. Immediate Resignation Letter Sample

    You may need to resign immediately due to urgent personal reasons, such as a family emergency, health crisis, or other unforeseen circumstances that require your immediate attention. In such a scenario, submitting an immediate resignation letter allows you to formally communicate your decision to leave the company without providing the standard notice period of two weeks or more. However, it’s important to handle this situation with professionalism and courtesy. Below is an example for your reference:

    4. Retirement Resignation Letter Sample

    Retirement resignation occurs when an employee decides to retire from their position and formally notifies their employer of their intention to leave the workforce. Many employees choose to retire when they reach the traditional retirement age, typically around 60 years old. At this stage, individuals may feel ready to transition into retirement and enjoy their leisure time after decades of working. Below is a template for your reference:

    5. Extended Notice Resignation Letter Sample

    Extending a notice period may be necessary for various reasons, depending on the circumstances and needs of both the employer and the employee. If the employer has not yet found a suitable replacement or the replacement needs additional time for training, extending the notice period provides the employee with an opportunity to train their successor effectively. 

    Careful communication between employer and employee ensures both parties’ needs are met and the transition is smooth and professional. Below is a sample template for your reference:

    6. Personal Reasons Resignation Letter Sample

    The decision to resign from a job due to personal reasons is deeply personal and depends on individual circumstances, values, and priorities. It’s essential to consider the potential impact of resignation and explore alternative solutions before making a final decision. Here’s a template for a resignation letter due to personal reasons:

    Tips to Write a Resignation Letter

    Here are five effective tips on how to write a resignation letter. Following these tips will help you craft a well-written resignation letter that leaves a positive impression as you transition out of your current position.

    • State Your Intention Clearly: Open the letter by clearly stating your intent to resign from your position and last day of work.
    • Express Gratitude (Optional): Briefly express appreciation for the opportunities and experiences you gained during your time at the company, especially if you are leaving for a positive reason.
    • Keep it Professional: Maintain a professional and courteous tone throughout the letter, even if you’re not leaving on the best terms.
    • Offer Transition Assistance: Demonstrate professionalism by offering to help with the transition process, such as training your replacement or completing outstanding tasks.
    • Keep it Concise: While expressing gratitude is appreciated, keep the letter concise and focused on the essential information: your resignation and willingness to assist during the handover.

    Conclusion

    In summary, a well-written resignation letter is more than just a formality; it’s a reflection of your professionalism, gratitude, and commitment to ensuring a smooth transition as you move on to new opportunities. Crafting a thoughtful and respectful resignation letter can leave a lasting positive impression as you depart from your current role. This formal document informs your employer of your intent to resign and outlines your last working day. The letter should be concise and courteous, focusing on the essential details. It reinforces your professionalism and leaves the door open for potential future opportunities or references. Additionally, it contributes to maintaining positive relationships, which can be valuable in your career network. You can ensure a smooth and professional departure from your current role by writing a perfect resignation letter.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    1Is it necessary to give reasons for resigning in the letter?

    No, it’s not mandatory. You can provide a brief and general reason if you wish, but it’s not required.

    2Should I mention my last working day in the letter?

    Yes, it’s important to specify your last working day in the resignation letter to clarify and ensure a smooth transition.

    3How do I maintain professionalism in the resignation letter?

    Maintain a respectful and courteous tone, avoid negativity or criticism, and focus on expressing gratitude and offering assistance with the transition.

    4Can I include constructive feedback or suggestions in the resignation letter?

    While it’s generally not recommended, you can offer constructive feedback if it’s relevant and constructive. However, sharing feedback through appropriate channels, such as an exit interview is best.

    5Do I need to mention my future plans or next steps in the resignation letter?

    No, it’s not necessary. You can choose to keep your future plans private or discuss them separately. The focus of the resignation letter should be on the resignation itself and facilitating a smooth transition.

    Profile

    Abhresh Sugandhi

    Author

    Abhresh is specialized as a corporate trainer, He has a decade of experience in technical training blended with virtual webinars and instructor-led session created courses, tutorials, and articles for organizations. He is also the founder of Nikasio.com, which offers multiple services in technical training, project consulting, content development, etc.

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