How to Write a Resignation Letter | Modern Advice & Examples

Deciding to resign from your job isn’t easy, but it’s definitely necessary to grow. It’s become standard to work a few jobs across many companies (instead of staying in one place for decades). That means you need to know how to write a resignation letter.

It’s not as intimidating as you might think, I promise. But, a big part of writing a letter of resignation is knowing what you want for your future.

I’m going to cover the question you should ask yourself before you write your letter of resignation, how to write a resignation letter, and a resignation letter sample.

Let’s dive into how to write a resignation letter!

How to Write a Resignation Letter Step 1: Ask yourself…

“What kind of relationship do I want with this employer after my resignation?”

This is the big question a lot of articles on how to write a resignation letter don’t mention. The tone of your letter of resignation depends on your experience at the job and the relationship you want with them moving forward.

If you love the company and the people you’ve worked with, want to use them as references/ in your network, or had no major problems with the work environment, then your letter of resignation should use examples and offer help.

If it was a toxic work environment or you had several negative experiences and don’t care about your connection with them in the future, then you don’t need to spend as much time writing your resignation letter. I’m not saying you should bash them or totally burn your bridges, but you don’t have to lie.

My first full time job after college was a terrible, toxic place and I couldn’t wait to quit. In my letter (which I have as a resignation letter example below), I didn’t even set a firm date on my 2 weeks notice. Instead, I offered to do it, but also said I could leave immediately. They decided to just have me leave, which is what I wanted anyway!

Unfortunately, a lot of us have worked or will work in toxic environments. And most of the people that help create those environments would tell you to lie in your entire letter of resignation and be endlessly positive. I say that’s horseshit.

In this post, I’ll cover how to write a resignation letter for a job you love and a job you hate. That way, you’re prepared for both situations.

Keep your letter of resignation short & simple

No matter your relationship to the company, your resignation letter template should be short and simple. You don’t need to make it a long, drawn out message. Just a couple of paragraphs is enough to say whatever you need, whether you love ‘em or hate ‘em.

Here’s a right to the point example resignation letter intro sentence:

I am writing to inform you I am resigning from X position at X company. My last day will be X.

See? Short and simple!

In the sample resignation letter templates below, you’ll see how to expand on that intro with examples, while still keeping it short.

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Stay on message & Use examples

Another important part of how to write a resignation letter is staying on message and using relevant examples.

First, I want to say, if you’re quitting a job you hate, don’t give examples of why you hate it in your resignation letter. I know it’s really tempting, especially if you don’t want to keep in touch after, but it’s better to just leave it be. You can skip examples completely if it’s easier!

If you don’t hate the job you’re leaving, then use your letter of resignation as a networking opportunity. Compliment them and the experience you had with specific examples that stick out to you. Then, commit to keeping in touch and continuing to develop your professional relationship in a new way.

Be helpful

When you want to keep a close relationship with your company, it’s important to offer help with their transition (as long as they’re still paying you).

So, include a short sentence in your resignation letter about how you can help them with selecting and onboarding your replacement during your 2 weeks (or however long your notice is).

Again, do not offer free labor here. Be clear this is just for the rest of your employment there. Your time is valuable!!!

Resignation Letter Examples

Here are 2 sample resignation letters you can use as a template. First is my letter of resignation from my toxic teaching job after college (with personal details removed). Next is a resignation letter template for a job you’ve had a generally positive experience at.

Resignation letter sample 1: toxic job

Dear [SUPERVISOR],

Please accept this as my formal resignation from [COMPANY].

This has not been an easy decision to make; I appreciate the opportunity and am beyond grateful for the relationships I’ve built. However, it’s time for me to pursue something more closely aligned with my passions and personality.

Thank you again for the opportunity to teach these wonderful students. I am willing to work until [DATE] if you would like this to be a true two weeks notice. Otherwise, I’ll come in over spring break to pack up my things. If you would like an exit interview, let me know and I would also be willing to come in for that.

I wish [COMPANY] the best of luck moving forward.

Sincerely,

Olivia Sod

Resignation letter sample 2: positive experience

Dear [SUPERVISOR],

I hope you’re having a great week!

I am writing to inform you I am resigning from [POSITION] at [COMPANY]. My last day will be [DATE].

The past [LENGTH OF EMPLOYMENT] has been an excellent experience. [COMPANY] has developed my [SKILLS] and helped me become a better [POSITION]. One of my favorite experiences with [COMPANY] was [NOTABLE EXPERIENCE THAT MAKES YOU AND THEM LOOK GOOD].

This decision was not easy to make, but it is necessary. [COMPANY] has prepared me to take the next step in my career, [SHORT EXPLANATION OF YOUR NEXT STEPS].

Thank you again for an excellent experience. Please let me know what I can do in the next [LENGTH OF REMAINING EMPLOYMENT] to help make this transition smooth. I look forward to keeping in touch and developing our new professional relationship.

Thank you,

[YOUR NAME]

That’s everything you need to know about how to write a resignation letter! I told you it wasn’t too complicated! First, figure out the relationship you want to have with them moving forward. Then, keep your letter of resignation short and simple, stay on message, use examples, and be helpful (if you want). Use the resignation letter examples I included as a guide to write your own!

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