Resigning from a Job: How to Resign from Your Job and Write a Letter of Resignation in 2023
simple letter of resignation sample doc
Leaving a job? A simple resignation letter can help maintain a positive relationship with your old employer while also paving the way for you to move on to your new career opportunity.
Here’s how to properly write a letter of resignation and give your two weeks notice when leaving your current job.
Questions Answered (Updated 2023)
- Why write a resignation letter?
- Steps for writing a letter of resignation (two-week notice)
- Resignation letter sample doc (example)
- Resignation letter template
- When should you give notice?
- Should you continue working before you leave?
- How long should a letter of resignation be?
- Is it okay to resign by email?
Resigning from a Job for a New Career Path
So, you decided to try something new and quit your old job.
You had the dreaded “I’m leaving” conversation with your boss, two weeks’ notice has been submitted, and now all you have to do is wait, right?
Not exactly!
Resigning from a current position can be tough, and regardless of circumstance or reasoning, there are still standard protocols you should follow when quitting your job. You want to remain professional and refrain from burning bridges when leaving.
One important task is sending an official resignation letter to your employer. This is a necessary part of a professional resignation process even if you already discussed leaving with your boss and manager.
Why Write a Formal Resignation Letter?
Not only is writing a resignation letter the professional thing to do (regardless of the reason you’re leaving), but it also helps document the decision and date for the current employer. The letter also allows you to quit your job on good terms and resign professionally from the position.
After it’s all said and done, you will be happy with the decision to write your current job a formal resignation letter.
How to Write a Simple Resignation Letter (5 Easy Steps)
Regardless of your reasoning to resign from the company, it’s important to resign nicely. This not only means to give an ample notice period but to also create a quality resignation letter. To start, the layout of your resignation letter should include:
1. Letterhead (How you start a resignation Letter)
Include your contact information at the top so they have proper documentation when they file the job resignation away. This will be your name, title, company, email address, name of manager, and the date you are resigning from a job.
Your: Name, Address, Date (top right-hand side)
Your Boss: Name, Title, Organization, Address, Email (top left-hand side below your information)
2. Introduction (Who you direct the letter to)
Direct the letter to your reporting manager/boss with a professional greeting. A simple “Dear (Boss name)” will typically do the trick. The point is to keep things professional during this resignation message.
Dear (Name of Manager),
3. Resignation Statement (With end date of employment)
Begin by letting them know you will be resigning followed quickly by your last date of work. Getting this in at the top ensures no mistakes or misunderstandings by your manager or colleagues.
I’m writing to notify you that I will be resigning from my position as (Position) effective (Date).
4. Show Gratitude (Thank Them for everything)
Ease tension and stress they might feel by complimenting and thanking the employer for the time spent at their company. Do this even if you did not enjoy your time in the role or if you did not learn anything that would help your future career. You can always find something nice to say.
I appreciate the opportunity and have enjoyed working with the company over the last (Timeframe).
5. Offer Assistance (help finish out your last days)
Finish the short resignation letter with an offer for assistance in finding a replacement, training them, or helping with project transitions before you leave the company. Remain as generous and polite as possible. This may just pave the way for future referrals and great reviews.
The support and personal development you’ve provided has helped my career immensely. If I can help or answer any questions during this transition, please let me know.
Related:
- How to Write a Professional Resume
- How to Find a New Job Fast
- How to Write a Thank You Letter
- Messaging a Recruiter on LinkedIn
Job Resignation Letter Template
So, what does a resignation letter look like? Here’s a simple template to follow on what to put in a resignation letter when quitting a job.Templates, like this one, can make it easy to professionally write the resignation letter and provide a guide for the appropriate structure.
Your: Name, Address, Date (top right-hand side)
Your Boss: Name, Title, Organization, Address, Email (top left-hand side below your information)
Dear (Name of Manager),
I’m writing to notify you that I will be resigning from my position as (Position) effective (Date). I appreciate the opportunity and have enjoyed working with the company over the last (Timeframe).
The support and personal development you’ve provided has helped my career immensely. If I can help or answer any questions during this transition, please let me know.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
Job Resignation Letter Example (Sample Doc)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Resigning from a Job
What are some other resignation letter best practices?
Be sure to do the following:
- Try to provide both a printed copy and an email copy to the company
- Discuss the last few days of work and what they expect of you during that time
- Organize your desk in the event they ask you to leave the company right away
Look to avoid the following:
- Talking down about the company and how they have treated you (if poorly)
- “Going off” on coworkers or managers isn’t ideal either. If you don’t have anything nice to say, leave it out.
- Talking up your new job opportunity to others in the company
- Discussing anything outside of work
What is an appropriate notice period when I quit my job?
Do your best to provide your employer with the standard two weeks notice at the very minimum. They will appreciate it. Giving a notice period will help the company have time to start interviewing and hiring a replacement.
Is it better to resign on a Friday or Monday?
The best time to resign is at the end of the day when it’s most convenient for you during that particular week.
Most leaders tend to be in the office early on in the week so resigning on Monday or Tuesday might be your best bet option.
Also, make it a priority to professionally inform your boss when you will be quitting. But remember that you don’t need to tell your boss or colleagues the reason you are quitting.
Should I continue working before I leave my job?
Look to finish up any projects you are working on before you exit the company. Your boss will likely have a plan for your last few weeks of employment so make sure to follow their direction. Some employers will like to have an exit interview with you before you leave the company.
In this interview, your boss may ask about your experiences at the business, share feedback on how to improve, or ask how you feel the company can improve. Also, delete/clear out your computer if there are any personal emails or documents stored.
How long should my letter of resignation be?
Your resignation letter should be no more than a few paragraphs long.
Stick to a simple, short resignation letter (be brief and straight to the point). Don’t forget to thoroughly proofread for errors and have a friend or family member do the same before sending it to your reporting boss.
Is it okay to resign by email?
While resigning in person to your primary manager is typically the first step in this process, sending a formal resignation letter is also acceptable when circumstances don’t allow you to meet face to face for a conversation to resign from a job.
What are the benefits of writing a resignation letter?
There are several benefits to writing a resignation letter such as: allowing you to leave on a positive note, providing a written record of your resignation, helping you to clarify the reason for leaving, helping aid in a smooth transition, and protecting your corporate reputation.
Overall, a resignation letter is a respectful and professional way to inform your employer of your decision to leave and to thank them for the opportunity to work for the company.
Wrapping Up | Simple Resignation Letter
There you have it – an effective, yet simple two week notice letter! This step by step guide to writing a resignation letter will help you with a professional and clean transition into your new job.
When sending a resignation letter to the manager who you will soon be leaving, you’re not only building a good relationship, but you’re also helping the company smoothly transition to a new employee.
In some special cases, if a horrible situation existed for you at that job, you may be tempted to skip sending a letter.
Since it takes only a few minutes to write and you want to remain professional for your own interests, choose to write and send one anyway.
Before you leave, don’t forget to send your colleagues a farewell email to let them know you will be leaving. They will appreciate it.
Include your contact information if they don’t already have it, so that you can stay in touch. Best of luck!
How You Got Here: Job Search – Submit Resume – Interview – Negotiate Job Offer
Title: How to Write a Simple Letter of Resignation (Job Abandonment Letter)
Category: theFinish
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Author: Reid is a contributor to theJub. He’s an employment and marketing enthusiast who studied business before taking on various recruiting, management, and marketing roles. More from the author. | Author Profile
