A resignation letter or email is a short, formal note that tells your employer you are leaving and the date you would like your last working day to be. It does not need to explain why. Most good resignation letters are under 200 words. Fill in the generator above, or use a template below.

What to include in a resignation letter

  1. The date you are writing.
  2. Your manager's name in the greeting.
  3. A clear statement that you are resigning from your role, with your job title.
  4. Your last working day. Check your contract for the notice you need to give.
  5. A short thank you. One or two lines is enough.
  6. An offer to help with the handover, if you mean it.
  7. Your name and signature.

How to write a resignation letter

  1. Tell your manager first, in person or on a call if you can. The letter confirms what you have already said.
  2. Check your notice period in your contract or employee handbook. Notice rules vary by country and contract, so check your contract and local rules if you are unsure.
  3. Keep it short and positive.
  4. Skip complaints. If there are problems you want to raise, do it separately, for example in an exit interview.
  5. Send it the way your employer expects: by email, printed and signed, or through an HR system. Keep a copy.

Resignation email subject lines

Keep the subject line plain so your manager knows what it is before opening it.

  • Resignation: [Your name]
  • Resignation notice: [Your name], [job title]
  • Notice of resignation, last day [date]
  • Letter of resignation, [Your name]

Simple resignation letter template

[Date]

Dear [Manager's name],

Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as [job title] at [company]. I would like my last working day to be [date].

Thank you for the opportunities and support during my time here. I'm ready to help with the handover.

Kind regards,
[Your name]

Short resignation letter

Dear [Manager's name],

I am resigning from my role as [job title]. I would like my last working day to be [date].

Thank you for everything.

[Your name]

Two weeks notice letter

In the US, two weeks is a common amount of notice, even when it is not required.

Dear [Manager's name],

Please accept this as my two weeks notice. I would like my last working day at [company] to be [date].

I have enjoyed working with the team and I am grateful for what I have learned here. I'm ready to finish my current work and help train whoever takes over.

Best regards,
[Your name]

Resignation letter with a reason

You do not have to give a reason. If you want to, one neutral sentence is enough.

Dear [Manager's name],

I am writing to let you know that I am resigning from my position as [job title]. I have accepted a role that seems a good next step for my career. I would like my last working day to be [date].

Thank you for your support and for the chance to grow here. Please let me know how I can help during the handover.

Sincerely,
[Your name]

Resignation letter after a short time

Dear [Manager's name],

I am writing to resign from my position as [job title]. After careful thought, I have decided this role is not the right fit for me. I would like my last working day to be [date].

Thank you for the welcome and for your time. I am sorry for any trouble this causes and I'm ready to help with the handover.

Kind regards,
[Your name]

After you resign

Ask what your employer needs for the handover, return equipment on your last day, and save personal contacts before you lose access. On your last day, a short farewell message to the team is a good way to leave.