Here’s advice on how to resign from a new job, with tips for what to write and include in your resignation letter, and a sample letter to review.
Make Sure You Want to Leave
Before resigning, make sure leaving is definitely the right decision for you. Perhaps you could talk to your boss about modifying your responsibilities or your schedule? Or maybe you want to stick it out for a little while longer to see if things change.
Give Two Weeks’ Notice If Possible
It is standard to give two weeks’ notice when resigning. Just because you haven’t been at the job long, doesn’t mean this rule no longer applies. If you cannot give two weeks of notice for any reason, try to give as much notice as possible. Speak with your boss in person, when possible, about your decision to resign. Be ready to explain your reason for resigning. Bring your formal resignation letter with you if you’re meeting with your manager.
Use Business Letter Format for Your Resignation Letter
Your resignation letter should be a professional letter, written in business letter format. Include your contact information, the date, and the employer’s information at the top. Use a professional salutation and a complimentary close. Be sure to sign your letter as well.
Keep it Short
Keep your letter brief. You can explain why you are resigning, but do not go into unnecessary detail. In the first paragraph, state the specific date you will be resigning. Again, try to give two weeks notice when possible.
Keep It Positive
Don’t say anything negative about the company in your letter, even if you were dissatisfied with the job. Remember that you may need to ask the employer for a letter of recommendation, or perhaps you’ll apply for another job at the company in the future. You might even use the letter to express gratitude for the opportunities you were given with the company.
Include Your Contact Information
Provide some form of personal contact information so that the employer can reach you once you leave the company. You might put a personal email or cell phone number in the letter. If you’ve been on the job long enough, you might offer to help train a new employee. However, if the job is very new, this might not apply.
Resignation From a New Job Letter Sample
This is an example of a resignation letter for a new job. Download the resignation letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online).
Sending an Email Message
If you’re emailing your letter, be sure to format your email message and include the important information. Also, proofing the message before you send it to double-check that you have all the information you need is a good idea. January 21, 2022 Mark LeeDirector, Human ResourcesLMN Inc.123 Business Rd.Business City, NY 54321 Dear Mr. Lee, Please accept my resignation from my position, effective February 4, 2022. I was so pleased to begin my work here earlier last month at LMN Inc. However, a family emergency has come up and I, unfortunately, need to relocate immediately. As a result, I will be unable to fulfill my commitments here indefinitely. Thank you so much for your patience and understanding during a personally tumultuous time. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to ease the transition in any way, as I want to make this as painless as possible for you. My apologies for not being able to stay on the job. I do appreciate the opportunities provided to me, and I hope to stay in touch in the future. Sincerely, Signature (hard copy letter) Leonard Jones
