How to Write a Professional Resignation Letter or Letter of Resignation

Are you tired of your job? Have you been feeling unfulfilled or unhappy in your current position? It might be time to consider writing a resignation letter or letter of resignation. Although it can be a daunting task, it is important to leave your job gracefully and professionally. Lucky for you, there are plenty of resources available to help you create a well-crafted resignation letter. You can easily find examples online and edit them as needed to make them personal to your situation. In this article, we will discuss the importance of a resignation letter and provide some tips on how to write an effective one. So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive in!

The Best Structure for Resignation Letter or Letter of Resignation

Resigning from your job can be a difficult decision to make, but once you have made it, it is important to submit a formal resignation letter to your boss or HR department. A resignation letter is important because it serves as a lasting record of your intention to resign and can act as a reference in the future. Writing a resignation letter may seem like a simple task, but if the letter is not structured correctly, it can send the wrong message or lead to misunderstandings. In this article, we will explore the best structure for a resignation letter to ensure that you communicate your intent with clarity and professionalism.

1. Opening Paragraph

The first paragraph of your resignation letter should start with a clear and concise statement of your intention to resign. You should state your last date of work and express gratitude for the employment opportunity and the support you have received from your employer and colleagues. If you are leaving for personal reasons, it is not necessary to state your reasons in detail. Keep this paragraph brief and professional.

2. Middle Paragraph

In the middle paragraph, you can elaborate on the reason why you are resigning if you wish. However, keep in mind that you should always avoid writing anything negative about your employer or colleagues. Even if the reason for your resignation is related to dissatisfaction with your job, it is better to frame it positively, such as seeking new challenges or opportunities. You can also offer to assist with the transition of your workload to another employee or provide any other relevant information required to ensure a smooth transition.

3. Closing Paragraph

The final paragraph of your resignation letter should reiterate your appreciation for the opportunity to work for the company and express your desire to maintain a positive relationship with your employer and colleagues in the future. You can also provide your contact information if you would like to stay in touch with anyone from the company or your employer needs to contact you after your departure.

4. Signature and Date

Your resignation letter should end with your signature and the date of submission. If your employer requires it, you can also include your contact information, current position, and employee ID number. This information comes in handy as reference when the company wants to contact you for any further details after your resignation.

In summary, a resignation letter is a formal document that requires proper planning, structure, and consideration. By following the best structure outlined above, you can ensure that your resignation letter is professional, respectful, and serves as a positive reflection of your time at the company.

7 Sample Resignation Letter Templates

Sample Resignation Letter – Personal Reasons

Dear [Manager’s Name],

It is with a heavy heart that I submit my resignation from [Company Name] as [Your Position]. Due to some personal reasons, I am compelled to leave the organization. I have made this decision after a lot of contemplation and discussion with my family members.

Please know that I am grateful for the opportunities provided to me during my tenure at [Company Name]. I learned a lot during my time here, and I will miss working alongside such a talented team. It is tough for me to leave behind my colleagues and the projects I was working on.

My last day of work will be [Date], and I will ensure that all my pending tasks are completed by then. I am open to discussing the handover process with my successor if need be.

Thank you for your understanding and support during my time with [Company Name]. I hope that the organization continues to thrive and achieve new heights in the future.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Resignation Letter – New Opportunity

Dear [Manager’s Name],

This letter serves as formal notice that I will be resigning from my position as [Your Position] at [Company Name]. I have decided to accept a new opportunity that will aid my professional growth and help me develop my skills further.

Working with [Company Name] has been a fantastic opportunity, and I am proud of the contributions I have made to the organization. The guidance and support provided by you and my colleagues have been tremendous throughout my tenure here. I have learned a lot during my time with the organization, and I will miss working here.

My last day at [Company Name] will be [Date]. I will ensure that all of my tasks are complete and that my handover is done efficiently to avoid any inconvenience to my colleagues.

Thank you again for everything, and I am grateful for the opportunities given to me. I will cherish the memories and lessons learned at [Company Name] always.

Best Regards,

[Your Name]

Sample Resignation Letter – Health Issues

Dear [Manager’s Name],

It is with a heavy heart that I tender my resignation from [Company Name] due to my health issues. I have received medical advice to take a break and focus on my health. Therefore, I have decided to resign with immediate effect.

I am grateful for the fantastic opportunities and support provided by [Company Name].The projects I have worked on were fulfilling and helped me grow professionally. I had a great time working here, and I will cherish the experiences and memories always.

Please know that my health has nothing to do with my work environment or colleagues. However, as much as I would like to continue working at [Company Name], my health takes precedence.

I will ensure that my handover is smooth and provide a detailed report on the status of my work. I will cooperate during the handover period and make it as seamless as possible.

Thank you again for everything, and I hope to stay in touch. Wishing the team at [Company Name] all the success they deserve.

Best Regards,

[Your Name]

Sample Resignation Letter – Relocation

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to inform you of my decision to resign from my position as [Your Position] at [Company Name]. This decision was not an easy one, but I am relocating to a new city due to personal reasons.

My tenure at [Company Name] has been an excellent learning experience, and I am grateful for the opportunities and support provided by the organization. The projects I have worked on were challenging, and I gained a lot of knowledge during my time here.

I will ensure that my handover is complete before my last day at work, which is [Date]. I will also assist the transition process to the best of my ability to avoid any inconvenience for the team.

Thank you for being a wonderful manager and mentor to me. I will always look back at my time at [Company Name] with fondness and appreciation of the lessons learned. Please stay in touch.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

Sample Resignation Letter – Career Change

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to inform you that I will be resigning from my position as [Your Position] at [Company Name]. My decision to leave is a result of my recent realization that I would like to pursue my passion and make a career change.

Working at [Company Name] has been an invaluable learning experience, and I am proud of the contributions I have made to the organization’s growth. The support and guidance provided by you and my colleagues will always be appreciated.

I will ensure that my handover is complete before my last day of work, which is [Date]. I will also assist in the handover process to ensure that it is done efficiently to avoid any inconvenience for the team.

Thank you for being an incredible mentor, and please know that I have the utmost respect for you and the organization. I would appreciate any further guidance you can provide as I transition into my new role.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Sample Resignation Letter – Dissatisfaction with work conditions

Dear [Manager’s Name],

This letter serves as a formal notice of my resignation from [Company Name] as [Your Position]. Unfortunately, I must inform you that while I was excited to join the organization, the current work conditions have not been favorable to me due to various reasons.

While I appreciate the opportunity that was provided to me, I am not satisfied with the working conditions and the lack of support provided by the management. These factors have significantly impacted my career growth and personal well-being, leading me to tender my resignation.

I will ensure that I complete my tasks and handover anything that requires completion. My last day of work will be [Date]. I will cooperate during the handover period to ensure a smooth transition.

Despite the circumstances surrounding my departure, I am grateful to have worked with some talented individuals. I value the professional and personal relationships made during my tenure at [Company Name], and I hope to maintain some of those relationships.

Regards,

[Your Name]

Sample Resignation Letter – Job Stress

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to inform you that I will be resigning from my position as [Your Position] at [Company Name]. Regrettably, I am compelled to resign due to sustained levels of stress related to my work.

I would like to thank you and the entire team for the experience and support provided to me during my tenure at [Company Name]. The work I did here was challenging, and I learned a lot during my time here.

However, the stress levels that are an inherent part of my job have become unbearable and have affected my personal life. Regrettably, it is impossible for me to continue to work under these conditions and maintain my health and well-being.

I will ensure a smooth handover of my duties to ensure the least amount of inconvenience to the team. My last day of work will be [Date], and I will make sure all my pending tasks are complete before then.

Regards,

[Your Name]

Tips for Writing a Professional Resignation Letter

When it’s time to move on to a new career opportunity, writing a resignation letter is a necessary step. Here are some tips for making your letter of resignation as professional and effective as possible:

  • Address your letter to your immediate supervisor or manager, and copy HR if necessary. Keep in mind that this letter will likely be kept on file, so you want to maintain a respectful and professional tone throughout.
  • Include the reason for your resignation, if you feel comfortable doing so. You are not required to disclose your reasons for leaving, however it can aid in the transition process for all parties involved.
  • Offer to help with the transition. This may include training your replacement or tying up any loose ends of your work assignments. This can help to ensure a smooth and efficient departure from your current position.
  • Keep it concise and to the point. While you want to thank your employer for the experience and opportunities provided, you do not need to write a lengthy essay.
  • Consider delivering your letter in person, if possible. This allows you to discuss your resignation with your manager in a professional manner and answer any questions they may have. It also shows that you respect your employer and their time.
  • End on a positive and appreciative note. Even if your experiences at your current job were not always positive, it is important to maintain a professional and respectful attitude to ensure a positive reference in the future. Consider thanking them for the opportunity and expressing your gratitude for the time you spent with the company.

Remember that resigning from a job, while often difficult, can also be an exciting and necessary step in your career. Following these tips can help ensure that your resignation is handled professionally and respectfully, leaving a positive impression with your employer and colleagues alike.

Resignation Letter FAQs


What is a resignation letter?

A resignation letter is a document used to inform an employer that an employee will be leaving their position or job. It serves as a formal announcement of intent to leave and typically includes the employee’s reasons for leaving and the proposed last day of work.

When should I submit a resignation letter?

It is recommended to submit a resignation letter at least two weeks before the proposed last day of work. This gives the employer enough time to make necessary arrangements and find a replacement if needed.

What should be included in a resignation letter?

A resignation letter should include the employee’s name, position, and the date of the letter. The letter should also thank the employer for the opportunity, state the reason for leaving, and provide a proposed last day of work.

Is a resignation letter mandatory?

No, a resignation letter is not mandatory, but it is considered a professional and courteous way to inform an employer of an employee’s intent to leave.

Who should I address my resignation letter to?

A resignation letter should be addressed to the employee’s immediate supervisor or manager.

Can I resign via email?

While it is possible to resign via email, it is generally considered more professional to resign in person or via a written letter.

Can my employer deny my resignation?

No, an employer cannot legally deny an employee’s resignation. However, an employer may request that an employee reconsider their decision or negotiate terms of their departure.

Should I give a detailed reason for my resignation?

While it is not necessary to provide a detailed reason for your resignation, it can be helpful to provide a brief explanation to aid in the employer’s transition process.

Time to say goodbye

Well folks, I hope this article has cleared up any confusion you had regarding resignation letters and letters of resignation! They may sound like the same thing, but they have different connotations and purposes. Remember, it’s always better to leave your job on good terms, and a well-crafted resignation letter can help you achieve just that. It’s never easy to say goodbye, but I want to thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope you found it helpful. Be sure to check back soon for more informative articles!