Right here’s How I Write a Resignation Letter That Makes a Good (Final) Impression

I’m all too aware of that uncomfortable feeling in your abdomen when you must hit ship on a resignation letter to your supervisor.

(I’ve written 4 over the course of my profession.)

I all the time attempt to inform myself that tens of millions stop their jobs each month. However as a people-pleaser, I can by no means appear to shake the nervous vitality.

Because it’s very not often a simple dialog to have, I like to ensure my resignation letter is direct however respectful. Appreciative however intentional. Cordial however skilled. You get it.

Right here’s how you need to use your resignation letter to show a clumsy goodbye into an opportunity for a long-term skilled connection. Or on the very least, an opportunity to safe a couple of references for the longer term.

Desk of Contents

What’s a resignation letter?

A resignation letter is a proper doc that lets your employer know that you’re resigning from (or leaving) your place.

It’s the official announcement of your departure from the corporate with particulars about your final day and your transition plan.

David Rubie-Todd, co-founder & advertising and marketing head at Sticker It notes, “I would say that the resignation letter shouldn’t be a proof of why you’re leaving. It’s a discover that you’re — nothing extra and nothing much less.”

I couldn’t agree extra. It’s your official assertion that you’ll now not be performing your duties and shall be shifting on from the corporate. We’ll get into what you must and shouldn’t embrace somewhat later.

There’s solely been one occasion the place I’ve handed in a bodily resignation letter to my supervisor, however it may be submitted both by e mail or print.

I sometimes submit my resignation letter through the dialog the place I’m giving my two weeks’ discover or instantly after.

The best way I see it, your resignation letter ought to successfully convey two issues: your gratitude for the chance and your professionalism.

I like to begin the resignation course of with a face-to-face dialog with my supervisor. That approach, I can maintain the precise letter transient and solely concentrate on the related particulars — just like the date of my final day and my exit plan.

There are different contact factors, like the ultimate 1:1s along with your supervisor or your exit interview with HR, the place you possibly can focus on your departure (and the explanations for it) in additional element.

Must you use AI to put in writing a resignation letter?

As a author, I take advantage of AI for very particular functions — like summarizing info or outlining concepts for inspiration. That stated, I consider it’s greatest to make use of AI instruments like ChatGPT that can assist you format or finalize your resignation letter.

Right here’s an instance the place I requested ChatGPT to put in writing a easy resignation letter for me.

Granted, I didn’t present any background particulars about my position or expertise with the corporate, however this can be a fairly good construction to assist me get began:

[Date]

Pricey [Manager’s Name],

I’m writing to tell you of my choice to resign from my place as [Your Position] at [Company Name], efficient [Last Working Day, typically two weeks from today’s date].

I’ve appreciated the alternatives and experiences I’ve had throughout my time at [Company Name], and I wish to thanks and the staff for the help and steering you supplied me.

I’m dedicated to making sure a clean transition throughout my remaining time right here and can do my greatest to finish any excellent duties or tasks.

Thanks.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

One other certainly one of my favourite methods to make use of AI is to shine my writing, and HubSpot’s AI paragraph rewriter is so nice for this.

You should utilize it to experiment with totally different tones and strike the precise stability. That is particularly helpful in the event you’re leaving a job with a foul style in your mouth — been there.

Right here’s an instance:

Authentic language: I suppose I discovered a couple of issues from this job, however I would like to maneuver on from this poisonous surroundings as quickly as doable.

Up to date with AI paragraph rewriter: Whereas I’ve gained some helpful insights throughout my time right here, it’s important for my well-being {and professional} development to maneuver on at the moment.

Attempt HubSpot’s AI paragraph rewriter without spending a dime.

You can too use it to refresh language from a earlier resignation letter or rework an output from ChatGPT to suit your present scenario.

Both approach, resignation letters are fairly simple, so I say use AI to assist pace up the writing course of.

Resignation Letter Format

I pulled certainly one of my outdated resignation letters from the archive, so let’s use this to speak about format.

(Eliminated all of the juicy particulars, sry.)

January 20, 2022

Pricey [Manager’s Name],

I’m writing to inform you that I’ll be leaving my position as [My Position] at [Company Name]. My final day shall be February 9, 2022.

I wish to thank [Company Name] for the entire help and steering I obtained throughout my time right here. It has been a pleasure working alongside people who find themselves really obsessed with giving underrepresented communities the assets they should lead more healthy lives. The Healthcare Staff right here is, indubitably, certainly one of a sort.

Through the subsequent couple of weeks, I’ll work intently with you to make this transition as clean as doable, and I’ll attain out to [Colleague Name] to inform [Client Name] of my departure.

Wishing the staff continued success, and I sit up for staying in contact.

All the perfect,

Alana Chinn

[LinkedIn Profile URL]

[Email Address]

I’ll break it down additional within the subsequent part for simple reference.

1. Date and Greeting

This half is easy. Record the date you’re submitting your resignation letter so HR has a proper submitting date. Then, greet your supervisor with a easy salutation.

Right here’s what I did:

January 20, 2022

Pricey [Manager’s Name],

2. Assertion of Resignation

The truth that you’re leaving your position on the firm is why you’re writing the letter within the first place, so I like to guide with that. State the place you’re resigning from and the date of your final day.

That, people, is your assertion of resignation.

Professional tip: I wouldn’t really feel the necessity to gush right here. The truth is, I’d keep away from openings like this:

“I am so sorry, however I am resigning from the position of [Your Position] in two weeks, though it has been a real pleasure working with you all. I do know that is the worst, however I promise, I would not if I did not need to.”

Right here’s what I did:

I’m writing to inform you that I’ll be leaving my position as [My Position] at [Company Name]. My final day shall be February 9, 2022.

3. Expression of Gratitude

For the physique of my resignation letter, I normally embrace two brief paragraphs. The primary expresses my gratitude for the chance.

Take a second to mirror in your time on the firm. Thank them for the dear coaching, the supportive staff surroundings, and even simply the work expertise.

When you’ve got unfavorable causes for leaving, attempt to be as particular and real as doable. I am positive you’ll find no less than one benefit of the job … proper?

Right here’s what I did:

I wish to thank [Company Name] for the entire help and steering I obtained throughout my time right here. It has been a pleasure working alongside people who find themselves really obsessed with giving underrepresented communities the assets they should lead more healthy lives. The Healthcare Staff right here is, indubitably, certainly one of a sort.

4. Transition Particulars

Onto the second physique paragraph: the one which briefly talks about my transition plan. Right here, I notice how I’ll assist tie up any free ends and make the transition as seamless as doable on my approach out.

Professional tip: I like to recommend making a separate transition plan that outlines your tasks and duties with full particulars on the way you’ll hand over your duties.

No want to incorporate that in your resignation letter.

Right here’s what I did:

Through the subsequent couple of weeks, I’ll work intently with you to make this transition as clean as doable, and I’ll attain out to [Colleague Name] to inform [Client Name] of my departure.

5. Closing Paragraph

To wrap issues up, I normally embrace a closing paragraph with nicely needs and a gap to remain in contact. I’ll add a hyperlink to my LinkedIn profile (if we’re not already related) and my private e mail handle.

You possibly can add your telephone quantity too, in the event you really feel moved to take action.

Right here’s what I did:

Wishing the staff continued success, and I sit up for staying in contact.

All the perfect,

Alana Chinn

[LinkedIn Profile URL]

[Email Address]

1. Future Profession Strikes

Whilst you can point out the place you are going subsequent, I don’t advocate telling your employer about your new place at size. Hold issues skilled and concentrate on setting your current staff up for fulfillment earlier than your departure.

2. Distasteful Language

Whilst you might really feel the urge to criticize your former job, the resignation letter is not the time to air out the soiled laundry.

Belief me, you by no means know once you would possibly cross paths along with your outdated colleagues sooner or later — particularly in the event you’re staying in the identical business.

George Cotter, website positioning marketing consultant at Tall Advertising and marketing says, “In case you are leaving due to a battle or one thing overtly unfavorable, keep in mind, you‘re resigning — it says all they should know. You don’t want to inform them once more.”

You’re in your approach out anyway. Let that talk for itself.

3. Emotional Attachments

It’s not unusual to type connections along with your teammates. I’ve been identified to have a piece bestie or two. Nonetheless, save the emotional sentiments for face-to-face conversations.

Your resignation letter is an expert doc, so I say follow the formalities.

4. Criticism of Coworkers

Much like distasteful language, your resignation letter would not want to incorporate unfavorable feedback about your colleagues or managers on the firm. The letter is supposed to conclude your tenure — keep centered.

5. Anger or Bitterness

The truth is you might be leaving a job with some resentment. I do know I’ve.

However expressing anger or bitterness in your approach out will not be the way in which to go.

Daniel Prepare dinner, HR/advertising and marketing government at Mullen and Mullen says, “I prefer to keep away from negativity, as this isn’t the place to air grievances or present criticism in regards to the firm or co-workers.

Even when I’m leaving due to unfavorable experiences, a resignation letter needs to be centered on shifting ahead — not on previous complaints.”

Attempt to mirror on optimistic moments and the way you gained helpful information in regards to the business somewhat than airing out the soiled laundry.

For extra suggestions, watch what HubSpotter Jamal Meneide has to say on the subject of resignation letters:

Free Skilled Resignation Letter Templates

Let’s face it: Now we have nearly the whole lot at HubSpot, together with free resignation letter templates (hooray, all of us say in unison). These templates are versatile and tremendous straightforward to customise based mostly in your position.

Obtain the templates without spending a dime.

Job Resignation Letter Templates

I acknowledge that sure positions, like healthcare and C-suite roles, benefit a extra particular letter of resignation once you go away.

Whereas HubSpot’s templates are nice for all-purpose use, I’ve included a couple of templates for a few of these extra dynamic roles beneath.

1. Contractor Resignation Letter Template

As a contractor, you might want to regulate the main focus of your resignation letter to handle your ultimate assignments and the way you‘ll be parting methods along with your shopper.

This consists of any unfinished duties and the way you’ll settle for your final cost.

Attempt utilizing this template:

[Date]

Pricey [Manager’s Name],

I remorse to tell you that I shall be resigning from my place because the [Department] Freelancer as my contract with [Company Name] expires on April 20, 2022.

I’ve loved my time right here, and I’ve discovered and grown an important deal. I’m completely happy to have been part of the corporate, and I wish to thanks for the alternatives I’ve had.

I’m saddened to be shifting on from the corporate, however I’m going to be taking up new challenges with [New Company Name]. I hope my expertise right here has helped the corporate with its tasks, and I’m completely happy to have been part of the staff.

When you’ve got any questions or considerations, please be at liberty to contact me. I shall be out there that can assist you with any ultimate tasks.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

2. Government Resignation Letter Template

A fast e mail or two-paragraph discover to your superior won’t suffice as an official resignation in the event you’re in an executive- or senior-level management position.

As a result of these roles are more durable to fill, you would possibly play a extra vital position within the transition interval.

Attempt utilizing this template:

[Date]

Pricey [Manager’s Name],

Please let this letter function my resignation as [Your Position] at [Company Name] efficient [Last Working Date].

I’ll cherish the buddies I’ve made and maintain onto the various accomplishments which might be a part of my historical past with [Company Name]. As we half methods, I’m proud we had been capable of [List of Major Accomplishments].

I’m assured that the board will have the ability to discover a wonderful substitute for [Your Position] and proceed the corporate’s well-deserved success.

For all future communications, you possibly can attain me by telephone at [Phone Number] or by e mail at [Email Address].

I want you and the corporate the perfect sooner or later.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

3. Instructor Resignation Letter Template

As a instructor, you might wish to maintain area to debate your expertise working with college students and the way you’ll assist your momentary or full-time substitute with the transition.

Attempt utilizing this template:

[Date]

Pricey [Manager’s Name],

Please settle for this letter as my formal resignation from my place as [Your Position] at [School Name]. To make sure ample time for a clean transition, my final day of employment shall be [Last Working Day].

My expertise as an educator has been insightful, difficult, and fulfilling, and dealing with the [School Name] college students has introduced me nice pleasure.

Thanks for the chance to put money into the lives of kids by way of studying and play. I’m grateful to have been a part of this staff and can carry the various classes I discovered with me into my future endeavors.

As a result of the continued success and care of the scholars are of the utmost significance to me, I’m devoted to doing no matter I can to make the transition as seamless as doable. I’m completely happy to coach my substitute on our present curriculum and [List of Responsibilities].

I want all the perfect for the [School Name] college students, lecturers, and administration. Thanks once more on your help and management throughout my time right here.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

4. Nurse Resignation Letter Template

As a nurse, it is essential to present sufficient discover of your departure to make sure there are not any healthcare disruptions on your sufferers.

You should utilize your resignation letter to thank your employer for the expertise and supply coaching help on your successor.

Attempt utilizing this template:

[Date]

Pricey [Manager’s Name],

I’m writing to tell you of my resignation as [Your Position] at [Facility Name], efficient two weeks from immediately. My final day of labor shall be [Last Working Day].

Working at [Facility Name] has been a rewarding expertise. I’ve loved my time with you and discovered an important deal about working efficiently with a staff.

It was an honor to work with such devoted employees who’re dedicated to creating [Facility Name] a spot to obtain compassionate care. I thanks for the coaching and the chance to develop with you in my profession. I want all of the residents and employees good luck sooner or later.

In the event you really feel it could be useful, I might be completely happy to help with the hiring and coaching of my successor over the subsequent two weeks.

Please be at liberty to contact me in case you have any questions. My e mail handle is [Email Address], and my cellular phone quantity is [Phone Number].

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Resignation Letter Examples

Now that you’ve a couple of templates underneath your belt, I’m going to share some hypothetical (!) examples of resignation letters from my present place as Advertising and marketing Weblog editor at HubSpot.

That approach, you possibly can see a few of the blanks crammed in with actual info.

Quick Resignation Letter Examples

Quick resignation letters are nice for conditions the place:

It’s good to go away a job abruptly for private (or skilled) causes.
You don’t wish to overshare particulars about your departure or subsequent steps.
You’re sad along with your expertise and wish to stay skilled.
You haven’t been with the corporate for very lengthy.

Listed here are two brief resignation letter examples utilizing my position as an inspo:

Instance 1:

November 15, 2024

Pricey Meg,

I’m writing to tell you that I shall be resigning from my place as Advertising and marketing Weblog Editor at HubSpot on November 30, 2024.

I respect the chance to develop as a content material strategist throughout my time right here. I’m dedicated to working with you and the remainder of the Weblog staff to facilitate a clean transition earlier than my departure.

Thanks once more for the chance to be part of such a incredible staff and HubSpot’s impactful work.

Sincerely,

Alana Chinn

Instance 2:

November 15, 2024

Pricey Meg,

I’m writing to inform you that I’ll be leaving my position as Advertising and marketing Weblog Editor at HubSpot. My final day shall be November 30, 2024.

I wish to thanks, the Weblog staff, and HubSpot for the entire help and steering I obtained throughout my time right here. My purpose is to make this transition as clean as doable over the subsequent couple of weeks.

Wishing the staff continued success, and lots of extra well-timed GIFs.

Sincerely,

Alana Chinn

Lengthy Resignation Letter Instance

Longer resignation letters work nicely if:

You’re leaving on a optimistic notice and wish to emphasize that.
You’ve been with the corporate for some time and have constructed shut relationships.
You wish to go away issues open to work collectively once more sooner or later.

Right here’s an instance (once more, utilizing my position as an inspo):

November 15, 2024

Pricey Meg,

I’m writing to formally announce my resignation from my place as Advertising and marketing Weblog Editor at HubSpot, efficient November 30, 2024. This choice has been made after cautious consideration and reflection of my skilled objectives.

I wish to categorical my gratitude to you and the whole Weblog staff on your help and camaraderie throughout my time right here. Because of HubSpot, I’ve had alternatives for development and studying as a content material strategist that I will take with me.

I’m dedicated to making sure a clean transition throughout my final two weeks with the corporate. I’m prepared to help with the handover of my duties and help any coaching for the appearing editor.

Thanks once more for the chance to be part of the HubSpot Weblog staff. I want you all nothing however continued success sooner or later, and I sit up for conserving in contact.

Sincerely,

Alana Chinn

Skilled Resignation Letter Samples

Haven’t had sufficient but?

I’m a agency believer which you can by no means have too many examples. So, listed here are some extra resignation letter samples for much more eventualities.

1. Gracious Resignation Letter Pattern

For occasions when you possibly can actually say you really liked your job:

[Date]

Pricey Supervisor,

I wish to inform you that I’m resigning from my place as Information Analyst for Firm A, efficient November 30, 2024.

I respect the alternatives for skilled growth that you’ve supplied me over the previous 4 years. I’ve loved my tenure at Firm A, and really feel grateful to have began my profession alongside such a devoted staff.

I’ve accepted a educating place in Virginia. Whereas my expertise at Firm A was rewarding, I am excited to pursue my ardour for educating.

If I might be of any assist throughout this transition, please let me know. I’m prepared to assist out with freelance work till you discover a substitute.

Thanks once more for the chance to work at Firm A. I want you all the perfect and sit up for staying in contact. You possibly can e mail me at alana@e mail.com.

Sincerely,

Alana Chinn

2. Rapid Resignation Letter Pattern

For occasions when you must go away your job before anticipated:

[Date]

Pricey Supervisor,

I remorse to tell you that I am resigning from my place because the Information Analyst at Firm A, efficient instantly.

Whereas my contract requires me to work till December 31, 2024, I might be grateful if I might stop working instantly. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this sudden information might trigger.

Thanks for the incredible alternatives you’ve got supplied me to develop professionally and personally.

Please let me know if there’s something I can do to make the transition smoother.

Sincerely,

Alana Chinn

3. Retirement Resignation Letter Pattern

For the time once you’re formally, actually, and really off the clock:

[Date]

Pricey Supervisor,

After a lot consideration, I’ve determined to retire from Firm A on December 31, 2024.

I’ve loved working right here over the previous 10 years, and I’m pleased with the whole lot our staff has completed. Although I’m unhappy that this chapter of my life is closing, I’m trying ahead to touring and spending extra time with my household.

As we put together for my departure, I’m completely happy to help with hiring my substitute and the rest that may assist make this a clean transition.

Thanks for all of the alternatives and help you’ve supplied me through the years. I want you all the perfect.

Sincerely,

Alana Chinn

4. Prolonged Discover Resignation Letter Pattern

For occasions once you’re capable of present ample time for transition:

[Date]

Pricey Supervisor,

Please settle for this letter as discover of my intent to resign from my place as Information Analyst at Firm A on the finish of this quarter. My final day shall be December 31, 2024.

Whereas it’s powerful to depart this unbelievable staff, I shall be shifting on to pursue an MFA in Inventive Writing on the College of Iowa. It is all the time been my dream to put in writing books and I consider that that is the perfect path for me to realize that.

Thanks for all of the help and steering you’ve given me during the last 5 years. I’m deeply grateful for the entire alternatives I’ve had right here.

Since my final day is six weeks from now, I’ll work towards finishing my present tasks, together with coaching and handing off my high-level duties to different members of the staff. Please let me know if there’s something I can do which will assist ease this transition.

Sincerely,

Alana Chinn

5. Private Causes Resignation Letter Pattern

For occasions when life throws you a curveball:

[Date]

Pricey Supervisor,

I remorse to tell you of my resignation from Firm A. As a result of private causes, I’m now not capable of fulfill my duties as Information Analyst. My final day of employment shall be November 30, 2024.

It has been great working with you and the staff for the previous three years. I really respect the alternatives I’ve been given to develop my expertise and develop inside my position.

Over the subsequent two weeks, I’ll work to finish my remaining assignments and hand off my ongoing tasks to different staff members. I’m additionally completely happy to help with the rest you might want throughout this transition.

Thanks on your steering and understanding. I’ll look again on my time right here at Firm A fondly, and I want you all the perfect sooner or later.

Sincerely,

Alana Chinn

Prepared, Set, Resign

“Bear in mind, your resignation letter is a part of your skilled model, says Harmanjit Singh, founder & CEO of Web site Design Brampton. “It is like your digital footprint — it lasts longer than you would possibly assume.”

My ultimate recommendation? Don’t let one dangerous expertise maintain you from constructing your skilled bridges and conserving your community intact as you begin your subsequent journey.

Better of luck along with your sleek goodbye!

Editor’s notice: This put up was initially printed in October 2018 and has been up to date for comprehensiveness.