It's never easy telling your employer you want to resign, but when doing so it’s best to do it in a courteous manner that does not discount the possibility of maintaining a professional relationship in the future. The first step you need to take to achieve a dignified exit is to create a well-written and professional-looking resignation letter. But what should you write and what should you say? Below we’ve answered this question and included several resignation letter examples to help you on your way.
What is a Resignation Letter?
A resignation letter is a document you write and send to your line manager, HR department or employer when you want to give formal notice of your intention to resign from your current role. Although it may feel like an awkward or uncomfortable process, it is something that is necessary to officially finalize that you’re leaving your current position. Most professionals will have to write a resignation letter at some point in their careers.
When handled the right way, a resignation letter should help to set the groundwork for a smooth departure as it includes important information, such as when you expect your last working day to be. It’s recommended that you don’t leave your current role on bad terms if you can help it, as this could negatively impact your career going forward.
Remaining as dignified and respectful as possible in your resignation letter, and throughout your notice period, will help you to transition out of your role. How much detail you include in this is up to you, but we’re going to explore a number of different avenues to consider in this article, as well as providing you with situational resignation letter templates for inspiration.
How to Write a Good Resignation Letter: Step-by-step Guide
This guide is a formula that you can follow to ensure that your resignation letter covers everything it needs to. Traditionally you would hand deliver or mail a resignation letter. This could be written by hand or printed off, but if you’d rather send it as soon as possible, you have the option to email your resignation letter as an attachment or have it as the body of your email. Emailing is becoming a more common way for resignation letters to be sent.
If you would like to, you can speak to the person that you’re going to hand your letter of resignation to before you send it, as this can put you more at ease. It just depends on your relationship with the person you’re sending your resignation to and what you think is best with all things considered.
Follow these simple steps to create a clear and professional resignation letter:
Make it Clear in the Subject Line That You’re Resigning
Having a subject line clearly highlights what your message is about and informs the recipient it’s of high importance. Whether your subject line is for your email or is included on your resignation letter, it can be useful to have it as: “[Your Full Name] Resignation Letter”.
Open With a Professional Greeting
You need to determine the most appropriate recipient for your resignation letter, or if you’re sending your resignation by email, you can address multiple people. If it’s just one person, start it off formally with ‘Dear [Person’s Name]’. If you’re addressing multiple people ‘Dear all’ or ‘To whom it may concern’ are options you could go with.
State Clearly That You Wish to Resign
Typically, it’s best to get straight to the point towards the start of the communication by stating that you’re handing in your resignation. Try to be succinct where possible. For instance, you could say something along the lines of: “Please accept this as my resignation from the position of [Your Job Title] at [Organization’s Name]”.
Include Your Notice Period
It’s useful to include your notice period in your letter as it means you have written confirmation of when your last working day should be. It also underlines when your resignation will take effect if you’d like to work slightly longer than your notice period. Typically this will align with the notice period included in your contract, but it depends on how the business you work at operates, as they may be able to offer you flexibility. However, you should state when you intend your last day to be, and then you may be able to speak to someone about changing this if it works for both sides.
If you are only submitting a physical copy of your resignation letter, then you should date this with the day you hand it in so that there isn’t any confusion.
Optional: Express Thanks
If you would like to, showing appreciation for the opportunity and your time at the company can be a nice touch. This can be as simple as a sentence or two to leave things on a better note. You could say something along the lines of: “I am grateful for the experiences and opportunities I’ve had during my [X amount of time] at [company name]”.
Optional: State Reasoning for Leaving
If you feel like you want to give a reason for leaving, then this is up to you. However, if you do choose to provide an explanation, then it’s best not to go into a lot of detail. For example, if you’re going to another company, you can simply say: “I have been offered a position elsewhere which I have chosen to accept” or something of this nature. The likelihood is, if you don’t offer an explanation in your resignation letter, you may be asked why you want to leave when you’re at work, so be prepared for this but don’t feel like you need to give out any information that you don’t want to, as it’s at your discretion.
Offer to Help With the Transition Period
It is courteous to offer assistance with the handover process, which could include tying up any loose ends or helping to train up your replacement. This shows professionalism and means that you can end positively. You could include information about how you intend on doing this if you see fit, for example, you could mention a specific project you’re working on if it’s a large part of your workload.
End the Letter Politely
It’s recommended that you sign off with a professional sign-off, such as ‘Sincerely’ or ‘Best regards’ followed by your full name. It can also be useful to include your contact details at the end, such as your phone number, should the person receiving the letter wish to call you to discuss the next steps.
With all of this in mind, a standard resignation letter should read something like this, but if you want to add any further personalization, then feel free to:
| Ethan Maxwell Chicago, Illinois(312) 123-4567 [email protected] October 1st, 2024 [Company’s Name] Dear [Recipient’s Name], I am writing to formally resign from my position as [Your Position] at [Company Name]. My last working day will be [Your Last Working Day] and my notice period starts from [Today/Chosen Date]. I am grateful for my time at [Company Name] as the skills and experiences I’ve gained are invaluable. I have enjoyed collaborating with my team and appreciate the ongoing support from management. Please let me know how I can help with the transition period during my one-month notice to ensure a smooth handover. Sincerely, Ethan Maxwell |
Is there anything else that needs to be included?
As mentioned, it’s good to date your resignation letter so that if it’s printed then it’s clear when it was delivered. You may also want to sign it if you hand in a printed copy. Don’t forget to include your current role, notice period, and your intended last day of work at the business.
Is there anything that should be avoided in a resignation letter?
It’s best to stick to the point and avoid negativity where possible, even if you’re leaving due to being badly treated or dissatisfied in your role. You can address this if you feel the need to, but if you do, you should stick to being matter of fact about the situation. Inflammatory or emotional language can leave a bad taste and make your notice period unpleasant. It could also mean that you don’t get positive references from the company going forward, so it’s wise to avoid this.
Try not to make your resignation letter too long if you can help it. If you want to discuss the specifics further with your seniors, then you can do so in person. The purpose is to underline that you’re leaving and when. It doesn’t need a great deal of detail, as certain subjects may be subject to change, such as how much you can assist in the transition period, and so on. Therefore it is better to leave some sections open to discussion so that you can figure out the best outcomes with your manager, boss or HR.
By considering these steps, you should be able to easily write a concise and formal resignation letter that covers everything it needs to. If you want any further help, then please find a range of resignation letter templates below, that revolve around more specific circumstances.
Resignation Letter Examples by Reason
There could be numerous reasons why a person wants to leave their current role, which can mean that they approach their resignation letter differently. With the following resignation letters, the reasoning behind moving on influences the message in the letter, while the sentiment remains the same. Take inspiration from these examples if they resonate with you…
Resignation Letter for Health Reasons
If you are no longer able to work because of personal health concerns, then this could mean that there are a few variables in your resignation letter, depending on what you want going forward. For instance, if it’s a break from your work as you recover, then this is something to mention and it could be worth including that you’d like to potentially return to the company after a set period of time. On the other hand, if you wish to cut ties completely even if you make a full recovery, then you should specify this so that there isn’t any nuance. If your health concern means that you can’t work your notice period, then this is something you must address in your resignation letter too.
The version featured below mentions the possibility of returning to work, but if you don’t want to include this, then you can remove that paragraph:
| Ethan Maxwell Chicago, Illinois (312) 123-4567 [email protected] October 1st, 2024 [Company’s Name] Dear [Manager’s Name], It is with a heavy heart that I write to formally resign from my position as [Your Position] at [Company Name],effective [Your Last Working Day], due to personal health concerns. After careful consideration, I have come to the decision that I have to put my health and well-being first at this time. Therefore, stepping down is the best course of action for me right now. If circumstances allow, I would love to return to [Company Name] once I have made a full recovery. Please let me know if this is a possibility for the future, as I value the experiences and connections I’ve made here. For the time being, I will try to ensure a smooth transition and assist in any way I can during my notice period. Thank you for your understanding and support during this challenging time. Sincerely, Ethan Maxwell |
Resignation Letter for Personal Reasons
There are a number of personal reasons that might result in you being unable to work to the best of your ability, or, you may simply want to stop working in your current job to focus on other aspects of your life. It could be that you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, you’re burnt out, or you want to travel the world. Whatever your reasoning, it’s up to you how much you divulge. You can simply put it down to “personal reasons” and if further questions are answered, then you can state that you’d rather not discuss it as it’s private.
This resignation letter leaves your reasoning ambiguous, but you have the choice to add more information if you see fit:
| Ethan Maxwell Chicago, Illinois (312) 123-4567 [email protected] October 1st, 2024 [Company’s Name] Dear [Manager’s Name], I am writing to inform you of my resignation from my position as [Your Position] at [Company Name], effective [Your Last Working Day]. This has been a tough decision, but it is due to personal circumstances that I cannot continue in my current role.I appreciate the opportunities I’ve had to grow professionally during my time here. Working at [Company Name] has been a valuable experience, and I am thankful for the mentorship I’ve received. During my notice period, I will do my best to assist in any way I can so that everything runs as smoothly as possible. Thank you for your understanding, and I wish the company continued success in the future. Sincerely, Ethan Maxwell |
Resignation Letter for a Career Change
Sometimes a role or industry just isn’t for you after a certain point, and that’s okay. In your resignation letter it’s still important to try to keep a positive tone if possible, as the last thing you want is for anybody to take this personally. You can let your employer know this is your reasoning with this template:
| Ethan Maxwell Chicago, Illinois (312) 123-4567 [email protected] October 1st, 2024 [Company’s Name] Dear [Manager’s Name], I am writing to formally resign from my position as [Your Position] at [Company Name], with my intendedlast working day as [Your Last Working Day]. After much reflection, I have decided to pursue a different career path that aligns more closely with my long-term goals. I want to express my gratitude for the opportunities I’ve had at [Company Name]. The time I’ve had here has been enjoyable and I appreciate everything I’ve learnt in this role. I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition during my notice period and will do everything I can to assist in handing over my responsibilities. I wish you and the team all the best going forward. Sincerely, Ethan Maxwell |
Resignation Letter for Career Advancement
If you’re leaving because you have found a better opportunity elsewhere, then congratulations! If you felt that you didn’t get the progression you wanted at your current company, or if you simply found a role that’s more senior, then it’s up to you if you include this in your resignation letter. It’s a valid reason to leave, so including this in the letter answers a lot of questions.
Here is an outline template you can use but feel free to adjust the level of detail based on your relationship with your manager and how much you want to elaborate:
| Ethan Maxwell Chicago, Illinois (312) 123-4567 [email protected] October 1st, 2024 [Company’s Name] Dear [Manager’s Name], This letter signifies my formal resignation from my position as [Your Position] at [Company Name], effective [Your Last Working Day], as I have accepted a new role that will allow me to further advance my career. This decision was not made lightly as I have appreciated my time at [Company Name]. I’m grateful for all of the support I have been given since I started. However, I believe this new role is a good opportunity that provides the growth I am seeking. I am happy to help where possible in the transitional period ahead. Thank you for your understanding, and I wish [Company Name] continued success. Sincerely, Ethan Maxwell |
Resignation Letter for Job Dissatisfaction
If you feel you have no choice but to quit because you’re dissatisfied in your role, it’s a frustrating situation to be in. However, once you hand your notice letter in you may feel a sense of relief knowing that you’re not going to be there for much longer. Although you may not feel like being polite at this point, it’s for the best that you still maintain a level of professionalism, as you don’t want a black mark against your name. Job dissatisfaction can be a tricky subject to broach in a resignation letter, but you can address it in this way:
| Ethan Maxwell Chicago, Illinois (312) 123-4567 [email protected] October 1st, 2024 [Company’s Name] Dear [Manager’s Name], After careful consideration, I have decided to resign from my position as [Your Position] at [Company Name]. My last working day will be [Your Last Working Day]. This decision is due to ongoing dissatisfaction with aspects of the role that have made it challenging for me to perform effectively. While I had hoped for a different outcome, I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to learn and grow professionally during my time here. This decision is in the best interest of my well-being, and I believe it’s time to move on to new challenges that I’m more aligned with. I will make every effort to complete my responsibilities so that the transition will be smooth when I leave. Thank you for your understanding. Sincerely, Ethan Maxwell |
Resignation Letter for a Career Break
At a point in your life, you may just decide that you want some time away from work. This could be to pursue your dreams, to rethink your future, or to simply have some needed time off. Whatever your reasoning, you can highlight your desire for a career break through your resignation letter like this:
| Ethan Maxwell Chicago, Illinois (312) 123-4567 [email protected] October 1st, 2024 [Company’s Name] Dear [Manager’s Name], I hope you’re doing well. I am writing to formally submit my resignation from my position as [Your Position] at [Company Name]. With my notice period considered, my last working day will be [Your Last Working Day]. I’m resigning as I’ve made the decision to take a career break to focus on personal priorities that require my full attention at this time. This was not a decision made lightly, but I feel it’s the right step for me to pause my professional journey for now. I have truly valued my time at [Company Name], and I’d like to give thanks for the experiences and growth I’ve gained during my time here. Over my notice period, I will help to handover my responsibilities as much as possible to help you and the team. Please let me know how I can best support the process. Thank you for your understanding. Sincerely, Ethan Maxwell |
Resignation Letter for Relocation
Sometimes relocations can be unpredictable but necessary. If you are in a role where you need to be in the office a lot, and you won’t be able to commute from the place you’re relocating to, then you may need to write up a version of the following resignation letter:
| Ethan Maxwell Chicago, Illinois (312) 123-4567 [email protected] October 1st, 2024 [Company’s Name] Dear [Manager’s Name], I hope this finds you well. I am writing to inform you of my resignation from my role as [Your Position] at [Company Name], with my last working day being [Your Last Working Day]. Due to an upcoming relocation, I will no longer be able to fulfill the requirements of my position. As much as I’ve enjoyed working at [Company Name], my relocation means it will be impractical for me to continue working at the company. I am appreciative for the experiences I’ve gained during my time here, and leaving this team is a difficult decision. I will assist in any way I can during my notice period to ensure a smooth handover of my tasks. Thank you again for your understanding, and I hope to stay in touch as I move forward. Warm regards, Ethan Maxwell |
Resignation Letter for Further Education
Going back into education may have been a goal of yours for a while, and it’s something to be admired, so your employer should take this on board with a level of understanding. Maybe there could be an opportunity for you to return to the business once this is complete, if that’s something that interests you. To leave the door open should you want to, your resignation letter could say something along these lines (but feel free to omit the paragraph about potentially returning if this is not something you’re interested in):
| Ethan Maxwell Chicago, Illinois (312) 123-4567 [email protected] October 1st, 2024 [Company’s Name] Dear [Manager’s Name], I hope your week is going well. I am writing to formally resign from my position as [Your Position] at [Company Name]. I expect to work up until [Your Last Working Day]. I’ve made this decision as I want to pursue further education, which will require my full commitment and attention going forward.Returning to school has been a long-term goal of mine, and while I’ve learnt a lot in my time at [Company Name], this is the right next step for me. I am grateful for my time working with you and the team, and I leave with many positive memories. If the opportunity arises, I would love to stay in touch and explore the possibility of returning to the company once I have completed my studies. In the meantime, I will do everything I can to ensure an easy transition while assisting you during my notice period.I wish you and the company continued success. Sincerely, Ethan Maxwell |
Resignation Letter for Mistreatment
Similar to leaving due to job dissatisfaction, but with a more specific reason, you’re within your right to leave your role if you feel that the company you work for has not looked after you the way they should have. It’s up to you whether you want to specify the reasoning, but the likelihood is that your manager is already aware of the issue if you’ve brought it up before. Again, always try to maintain a respectful tone in this kind of formal documentation - your resignation letter could follow a formula similar to this:
| Ethan Maxwell Chicago, Illinois (312) 123-4567 [email protected] October 1st, 2024 [Company’s Name] Dear [Manager’s Name], I am writing to formally resign from my position as [Your Position] at [Company Name], effective [Your Last Working Day]. Unfortunately, due to ongoing issues of mistreatment that I have experienced during my time here, I feel I have no choice but to leave the role. The current circumstances have made it increasingly difficult for me to work in a positive and productive manner, therefore, I believe it is in my best interest to move on. I have raised my concerns previously, and while I had hoped for a resolution, I don’t feel this has been reached.I will, however, remain professional and help to hand my responsibilities over during my notice period. Thank you for the opportunities I have had during my time here, and I hope that steps can be taken to address any similar issues moving forward. Sincerely, Ethan Maxwell |
Resignation Letter for Family Reasons
For most people, family is their main priority. So, if you find yourself in a situation where you can no longer fulfill your work duties due to events in your family, then this is a noble reason to walk away from your work. It could be to look after a sick family member, to homeschool your children, or to simply make more time for your family. Regardless of the “why” behind it, this is how you can inform your employer:
| Ethan Maxwell Chicago, Illinois (312) 123-4567 [email protected] October 1st, 2024 [Company’s Name] Dear [Manager’s Name], I hope everything is going well. This letter of resignation is to inform you that I’m leaving my position as [Your Position] at [Company Name], effective [Your Last Working Day], due to family circumstances that require my full attention. This decision has not been easy, but after much thought, I have realized that my family needs to take priority at this time, and I am unable to balance my current responsibilities with the demands at home. I truly appreciate my time at [Company Name] and the support I’ve had during my time here. I will assist however I can over the next few weeks so that the handover period is smooth and everything is in order before I leave. Thank you for your understanding.I wish you all the best. Sincerely, Ethan Maxwell |
Resignation Letter to Look After Children
While it’s not as commonplace to resign to look after your children as it once was, it is still a good reason. Whether you have one newborn or your family is multiplying, being able to watch your little ones grow up and learn new things is special. So, being able to take care of them and see them flourish is a worthwhile reason to leave work if you can afford to. Your resignation letter relating this could go like this:
| Ethan Maxwell Chicago, Illinois (312) 123-4567 [email protected] October 1st, 2024 [Company’s Name] Dear [Manager’s Name], I’m writing to let you know that I will be resigning from my position as [Your Position] at [Company Name], effective [Your Last Working Day]. After much deliberation, I’ve made the decision to focus on my family and take on the full-time role of caring for my [child/children]. While this wasn’t an easy choice, I feel it’s the right one for my family at this stage. Being there for my [child/children] as they grow up is something I don’t want to miss, and stepping away from work will allow me to give them the attention they need. I’ve truly valued my time here at [Company Name] and would like to thank everyone for the guidance and experiences I’ve picked up along the way. I’m sure our paths will cross again in the future. Warm regards, Ethan Maxwell |
Resignation Letter to Pursue Entrepreneurship
You may have come to the decision that being employed just isn’t for you, and you want to start your own venture. Good for you! Even if you’re going to set up a competitor business, you still want to leave on good terms, as word of mouth is important in the corporate world. You can include that you’re leaving to pursue entrepreneurship in your resignation letter as follows:
| Ethan Maxwell Chicago, Illinois (312) 123-4567 [email protected] October 1st, 2024 [Company’s Name] Dear [Manager’s Name], I hope you’re having a fantastic week so far.I’m writing to formally resign from my position as [Your Position] at [Company Name], effective [Your Last Working Day]. After a great deal of thought, I have chosen to pursue entrepreneurship by starting my own business. This is an exciting yet challenging new chapter for me, and while I’ve learnt a lot at [Company Name], I feel that now is the right moment to take this step toward building something of my own. The skills and experiences I’ve gained here will no doubt be invaluable as I move forward into this new venture, so I’d like to give thanks to you and everyone I’ve worked with in my time here. I will do all I can to assist with the handover of my responsibilities before my last working day. Thank you for your understanding and support. I wish the company continued success, and I hope we can stay in touch. Sincerely, Ethan Maxwell |
Resignation Letter for Work-Life Balance
Good work-life balance seems to be an elusive thing in modern day society. By resigning, you may be able to pursue life as a freelancer, find work part-time, or just have some time off while you figure out your next move. Sometimes workloads can be overwhelming and that’s when it could be time to take a well-earned step back to reevaluate what you want from your life and your work, and how they can go hand in hand. Your resignation letter for this could go something like this:
| Ethan Maxwell Chicago, Illinois (312) 123-4567 [email protected] October 1st, 2024 [Company’s Name] Dear [Manager’s Name], I’m writing to formally submit my resignation from my role as [Your Position] at [Company Name]. My last working day will be [Your Last Working Day]. Over the past few months, I’ve realized that my current workload and schedule do not allow me to maintain the work-life balance that I want and need. Therefore, I’ve decided to reassess my priorities to focus more on my personal well-being. This decision was not easy, but I believe it’s necessary for me to leave to carefully decide my next steps. I will do my best to help in handing over all of my responsibilities during my notice period. Thank you for all of your help during my time at [Company Name], I appreciate the opportunity and I’m sorry it’s no longer working out. Best regards, Ethan Maxwell |
Resignation Letter for Ethical Concerns
Ethical concerns in the workplace are serious, especially if it’s a recurring, overlooked problem. If you’ve already made a formal complaint about an issue and nothing has changed, then you may have no choice but to leave. In serious cases, it is understandable that you may not want to work your notice period, which you can address in your resignation letter (edit this to match your circumstance and preferences):
| Ethan Maxwell Chicago, Illinois (312) 123-4567 [email protected] October 1st, 2024 [Company’s Name] Dear [Manager’s Name], I am writing to hand in my formal resignation from my position as [Your Position] at [Company Name]. This decision has come due to unresolved ethical concerns that have been a major source of discomfort for me. Despite raising these issues previously, there has been insufficient action taken to address them. Therefore, I must leave the company in order to uphold my personal values and professional integrity. Given the circumstances, I am requesting to leave the company without working my full notice period, therefore, my last working day will be [Your Last Working Day]. I understand this is unusual, but I feel I have no other option with all things considered. I thank you for the opportunity and I hope the company can address these concerns moving forward. I send my best wishes to you and the team. Sincerely, Ethan Maxwell |
Resignation Letter for Workplace Bullying
Nobody should be subject to bullying in the workplace, but unfortunately, it’s a relatively common scenario. If it can’t be improved, then you may have no choice but to leave. This could be an awkward resignation letter to write, if the bully in question is your manager. If that’s the case, you can include HR or other relevant senior recipients if you feel it’s right to. Although you may want to, avoid naming names, as it should already be clear who and what you’re referring to if you’ve previously brought it up. Again, the likelihood is that you won’t want to work your notice period, but that’s your decision to make based on how you’ve been treated and the impact of you handing in your resignation letter:
| Ethan Maxwell Chicago, Illinois (312) 123-4567 [email protected] October 1st, 2024 [Company’s Name] Dear [Recipient’s Name], I am writing to formally resign from my position as [Your Position] at [Company Name]. This decision is driven by ongoing issues related to workplace bullying that have negatively impacted my ability to work effectively and maintain my well-being. Despite raising these concerns, the situation has not improved, and I cannot continue in this work environment. As such, I find it necessary to resign in order to protect my mental and emotional health. With this in mind, I am requesting to be relieved of my duties immediately. I understand this is not typical, but I am willing to aid the transition process as a courtesy to you and the company if you so wish. Please direct any further correspondence or transition details to [HR/Other Relevant Senior Person] if needed. I hope the company will address these issues and move towards a more supportive work environment for everyone in the future. Thank you for your understanding. Sincerely, Ethan Maxwell |
Resignation Letters FAQs
- When Should I Send My Resignation Letter?
You should send your resignation letter once you’ve decided for definite that you want to leave and have an idea of what you’re planning on doing post-departure from the role. If you quit on the spot one day with no preparation in place, this could leave you in a very stressful position if you have bills to pay.
- How Much Notice Should I Give?
Typically, your notice period should reflect what is stated in your employment contract that you should have signed when you started in the position. Or, it may be company policy for all employees. Check this before you write your resignation letter. Your notice period usually starts from the day you send your resignation, unless you state otherwise.
Notice periods can vary depending on roles, departments, and industries, so ensure you know what your specific time frame is, then you can include this in your resignation letter. If you cannot work your notice period, then you need to address this in your resignation letter and when you intend your last working day to be. Your last working day can also sometimes be negotiated with your employer if they’re open to it. However, it is best practice to honor your notice period where possible to keep the peace.
- Is a Resignation Letter Necessary?
A resignation letter is not always a legal requirement but is a respectful and professional way to inform your employer that you’re leaving and to specify when your last day is. It’s also an opportunity to give reasoning and thanks, should you choose to. This is used as a record of your departure and gives clarity of how you want things to proceed, so it is helpful for you and your employer.
- What If My Employer Asks Me to Stay?
In this circumstance, you need to consider if it’s worth it or not. You have a reason for quitting - would things improve in your current role? Or are there preferable opportunities that you want to explore? Take time to consider what you truly want but don’t feel pressure to oblige if you don’t feel it’s right for you.
In some cases, your employer could offer you a more desirable role or pay packet, which may sway your decision. Write down a list of pros and cons for whatever your employer comes back to you with, as well as your alternative options, then you can weigh up which is best for you. As always, try to maintain your professionalism in your response, and don’t forget - if you have issues with your current employer, these may not improve just because you’ve been offered a better role. The new offer would need to address your concerns for leaving initially and align with your career aspirations.
- How Should I Address Unresolved Issues in My Resignation Letter?
As a few of our resignation letter templates showed, regardless of your situation at work, you should always remain dignified even when it might be hard to. You are within your right to mention the concerns as reasons for leaving, but the main focus is that you’re resigning, rather than the details of the “why”. If you need to go into this further with your employer, then it’s on them to contact you in response to your resignation letter. Try to avoid pointing the finger or getting emotional in your resignation letter, as it’s an official document that will be filed. If possible, you also want your resignation letter to be as well received as it can be to make your life easier during your notice period and beyond.
- Are There Legalities Involved with Resigning?
As long as you stick to the terms and conditions in your employment contract, then you shouldn’t have any legal issues. One of the main things to consider is working your notice period, but there may be other specifics you need to consider. It’s worth reading through your contract so you know what approach to take and how to abide by what’s expected of you. In some cases, it might be worth speaking to an employment lawyer so that you know your rights before you resign.
In summary, creating a resignation letter is an important part of officially leaving a job. No matter your reasoning, it’s important to follow a structured approach. Remember to address the recipient appropriately and clearly state your resignation. You should also include your notice period, gratitude (if you want to), and offer assistance with the next steps if possible. Keep your tone positive and professional, avoiding unneeded detail or negativity.
As you plan to leave, think about how you can assist your employer so that everything runs smoothly in the build up to your last day. This leaves things on the best note possible so that you’re more likely to receive positive recommendations in future. Maintain professionalism throughout your notice period to ensure a smooth exit and look after the work relationships you’ve made in your time there, as you never know when it could benefit you further down the line.
If you’re unsure about any aspect of your resignation, you can always consult with a trusted advisor or even a legal expert to ensure you do everything in the way you should in the eyes of the law.
Every big life decision that you make offers the opportunity for growth and new experiences, whatever it may be. We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors!