Remember that most industries are small worlds. You will want your soon-to-be former manager and co-workers to have good things to say about you during background checks and references. A well-written resignation letter ensures that everyone is on the same page about timing, transfer of responsibilities, and other important details. It’s also an opportunity to say thank you for the experience. Here are some tips on writing your resignation letter, including what to include and how to format it.
What To Include in a Resignation Letter
It’s usually better to resign in person, and then follow up with a formal resignation letter or email. However, as more jobs become entirely remote, many workers will find themselves needing to resign via email, without having an in-person meeting first. If you are in this position, be sure to write your resignation email as professionally as you would a resignation letter on paper. However you send your message, be sure to include the following:
Your last day of work. Ideally, this will be in two weeks or the period specified in your employment contract if you have one. A thank you for the experience. Be specific if you can. For example, you might thank your manager for advocating for a promotion on your behalf. An offer to help with the transition (if possible).
Writing and Formatting Your Letter
In general, your resignation letter should be brief. Your letter will be included in your employment file and could be shared with potential future employers; therefore, it should be professional and polite. The message should also be positive. If you’ve decided to move on, there’s no point in criticizing your employer or your job. Avoid including anything negative or disparaging about the company, your supervisor, your co-workers, or your subordinates. You may need a reference from that company one day. Here are some things to consider when formatting your letter: Length of the Letter: Most resignation letters are no more than one typed page. Font and Size: Use a traditional font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Your font size should be between 10 and 12 points. Format: A resignation letter should be single-spaced with a space between each paragraph. Use 1" margins and align your text to the left (the alignment for most business documents).
Organizing Your Resignation Letter
After including a header and salutation, the opening paragraph of your message should provide notice of your resignation and give the immediate details of your departure. Any subsequent explanation as to why you’re leaving is up to your discretion. Review these organization tips before you sit down to write your letter. Header: A resignation letter should begin with both you and the employer’s contact information (name, title, company name, address, phone number, email) followed by the date. If this is an email rather than an actual letter, include your contact information at the end of the letter, after your signature. Salutation: Address the resignation letter to your manager. Use their formal title (“Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. XYZ”). Paragraph 1: State that you are resigning and include the date on which your resignation will be effective. Check your contract to see how much notice you are required to give your manager. Paragraph 2: (Optional) If desired, state the reason you’re leaving (i.e., beginning another job, going back to school, taking time off), but this is not necessary. If you do reveal the reason, be positive, focusing on where you are going next, not on what you disliked about your current job. Paragraph 3: (Optional) Unless you know you will be completely unavailable, say that you are willing to help with the transition your leaving will cause. Paragraph 4: (Optional) Thank your manager for the opportunity to work for the company. If you had a particularly good experience, you can add a bit more detail about what you appreciated about the job (the people you worked with, the projects you worked on, etc.). Paragraph 5: (Optional) If you would like a letter of reference from your manager, ask for it here. Close: Use a kind but formal signoff, such as “Sincerely” or “Yours Sincerely.” Signature: End with your handwritten signature followed by your typed name. If this is an email, simply include your typed name, followed by your contact information.
Resignation Letter Template
Here is a resignation letter example. Download the resignation letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Microsoft Word).
Resignation Letter Example
July 15, 2022 Ginger LeeManagerWatson and Smith123 Business Rd.Business City, NY 54321 Dear Ms. Lee, I’m writing today to notify you that I will be resigning from my position as receptionist effective two weeks from today. I have enjoyed my time here at Watson and Smith, and I thank you for the opportunity and training you have provided over the past five years. Please contact me with any questions, and I will be happy to help with any preparations you need to bring in a new receptionist. My email is steve.lau@email.com, and my cell phone is 555-555-5555. Sincerely, Signature (hard copy letter) Steve Lau
