How to Write a Resignation Letter + Samples & Templates
Quitting your job can feel overwhelming, yet it can be an important step in advancing your career or taking a well-deserved break. A professional resignation letter will help you communicate your decision and show your gratitude for what you’ve learned at your current job.
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From HR policies to industry expectations, there are professional standards that govern how to resign from a job. Your resignation letter notice should follow these best practices while reflecting your own voice and situation.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to write a respectful, clear, and polished resignation letter that leaves a positive final impression. You’ll also find examples of resignation letters for every occasion and a template to fill out.
Our innovative tools empower you to effortlessly build CVs and letters for any career step, from landing a new job to transitioning careers. Use our expertly designed cover letter templates to prepare a letter of resignation that allows you to leave your current job professionally and respectfully.
What is a resignation letter?
A resignation letter notice is a short, formal message you write to let your employer know you’re leaving your job. It usually includes your last working day, a brief thank-you to the company, and sometimes a quick explanation for your departure.
The purpose of a resignation letter is to let your employer know that you’re leaving your job. It’s an official record of your decision to resign, and it helps both you and your employer move forward in a respectful and organised way.
A good letter of resignation:
- Gives clear notice: It tells your manager the exact date you plan to leave, which helps them plan for your replacement or transition. Always check your contract or applicable employment laws to ensure you give the correct notice period.
- Keeps things professional: It helps you leave on good terms even if you were wronged.
- Protects your future: Employers often appreciate people who resign with grace.
- Fulfills company policy: Some companies require a written resignation for HR and legal purposes, especially if contracts or notice periods are involved.
Free resignation letter template you can copy and use
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[City, Postcode]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, Postcode]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to formally resign from my position as [Your Job Title] at [Company Name], effective [Last Working Day, typically two weeks from today].
This decision was not made lightly, but after careful consideration, I believe it is the right step for my career/personal growth. [Optional: You may briefly include your reason for leaving, e.g. “I have accepted a new position that aligns with my long-term career goals.”]
I want to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunities and support I’ve received during my time here. I’ve enjoyed being part of [Team Name or Department] and am proud of what we’ve achieved together.
I am happy to assist with the transition period, including training a replacement or wrapping up my responsibilities, to ensure a smooth handover.
Thank you once again. I wish you and the company continued success, and I hope to stay in touch.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
13 resignation letter samples
Thinking about moving on? You’re not alone. 24% of UK workers are dissatisfied with their careers, and 33% plan to change their jobs in the next 12 months. Whether it’s for better pay, more flexibility, or simply a fresh start, resigning is often the first formal step toward something new.
Below, you’ll find a selection of resignation letter samples to fit your own, personal goals:
- Standard resignation letter
- Simple resignation letter example
- Resignation letter for a new opportunity
- Resignation letter template giving advance notice
- Resignation letter template for a role that’s not a good fit
- Formal resignation letter example
- Short resignation letter example
- Professional resignation sample
- Two weeks’ notice resignation letter
- 24-hour notice letter of resignation
- Immediate effect resignation letter
- One-month resignation letter
- Resignation letter during a probation period
Standard resignation letter
Use this standard resignation letter notice when you want a simple, professional way to leave your job on good terms. Customise this generic resignation letter sample to fit your details:
Owen Glen
35 Clipton Close
Birmingham B2 9TG
07912 345 678
owen.glen@example.co.uk
6 July 2025
Martin Jones
Evee Solutions
Birmingham B2 C6VB
RESIGNATION LETTER
Dear Mr Jones,
I’m writing to formally resign from my position as Software Developer at Evee Solutions, effective 31 January 2025.
My time at Evee has been rewarding and has given me invaluable growth opportunities. I’m sincerely grateful for the guidance and support I’ve received from you and the team during the last two years.
I’m more than happy to assist you in handing over my responsibilities. Please let me know if there’s any additional way in which I could support the team during this transition.
Thank you again for the opportunity to be part of Evee Solutions. I hope to stay in touch and wish the company and the software development team continued success.
Sincerely,
Owen Glen
Simple resignation letter example
This notice of resignation letter clearly communicates your decision to leave while keeping things concise. Use this example as inspiration:
Owen Glen
35 Clipton Close
Birmingham B2 9TG
07912 345 678
owen.glen@example.co.uk
2 December 2024
Martin Jones
Evee Solutions
Birmingham B2 C6VB
RESIGNATION LETTER
Dear Mr Jones,
I’m writing to inform you of my decision to resign from my position at Eevee Solutions, effective on 31 January 2025.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with the entire sales team and for the amazing growth opportunities I’ve had at Eevee. It’s been a true privilege to have you as my manager. Please let me know how I can assist you during the transition period to ensure a smooth handover of my responsibilities and customer information.
Thank you for your guidance and support. I hope to stay in touch and wish you and Eevee continued success.
Sincerely,
Owen Glen
Resignation letter for a new opportunity
You might be leaving to pursue a new job—whether in the same field or something entirely new. Stay professional and keep your letter brief with this adaptable resignation letter notice sample:
Owen Glen
35 Clipton Close
Birmingham B2 9TG
07912 345 678
owen.glen@example.co.uk
2 December 2024
Martin Jones
Evee Solutions
Birmingham B2 C6VB
RESIGNATION LETTER
Dear Mr Jones,
I’m writing to formally announce my resignation from Evee Solutions, effective 15 January 2025.
My time at Evee has been incredibly rewarding, which makes this decision difficult. Still, after careful consideration, I’ve decided to pursue a new opportunity that better aligns with my long-term career goals.
I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had with the team, including gaining IT project management expertise and working on many impactful projects under your leadership. These invaluable experiences will remain with me for the rest of my professional life.
Please know that during this transition, I’m committed to ensuring a smooth handover of my responsibilities. I’ll do everything I can to support the team in any way possible.
I wish you and the company continued success and hope to stay in touch.
Sincerely,
Owen Glen
Resignation letter template giving advance notice
Giving advanced notice helps you leave on good terms and gives both you and your employer time to prepare. Use this resignation letter sample to ensure you part ways professionally and respectfully:
Owen Glen
35 Clipton Close
Birmingham B2 9TG
07912 345 678
owen.glen@example.co.uk
2 December 2024
Martin Jones
Evee Solutions
Birmingham B2 C6VB
RESIGNATION LETTER
Dear Mr Jones,
I’m writing to formally provide a six weeks notice of my resignation from Evee Solutions, effective 20 January 2025.
My time here has been a significant learning experience and a positive part of my career. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and the professional relationships I’ve built. The past two years have been among the most rewarding of my career, and I deeply appreciate the privilege of recognising the significance of this experience while still in the present.
By providing this advance notice, I aim to make the transition seamless for the team and the organisation. Over the next six weeks, I’ll be happy to assist in training a replacement, documenting my responsibilities, and supporting the team in any other way you find necessary.
Thank you for your understanding, support and mentorship. I hope to stay in touch and look forward to the possibility of our paths crossing again in the future.
Sincerely,
Owen Glen
Resignation letter template for a role that’s not a good fit
If your role no longer aligns with your goals, a letter of resignation lets you prioritise your well-being while staying professional. Read this sample for inspiration:
Owen Glen
35 Clipton Close
Birmingham B2 9TG
07912 345 678
owen.glen@example.co.uk
2 December 2024
Martin Jones
Evee Solutions
Birmingham B2 C6VB
RESIGNATION LETTER
Dear Mr Jones,
I’m writing to resign from my position as Software Developer at Evee Solutions with effect from 1 February 2025.
After much reflection, I’ve come to the conclusion that my current role and responsibilities are not a good fit for my skills and career aspirations. This hasn’t been an easy decision, as I value the opportunities and experiences I’ve had here. The culture, the welcoming environment you’ve created, and the chance to work with such talented colleagues are among the things I will forever be grateful for.
Please know that I’m fully committed to assisting with the transfer to ensure a smooth transition for the team and the organisation. Please let me know how I can best facilitate the handover of my duties.
Thank you for your understanding. I have great respect for the work being done here and wish the team continued success in the future.
Sincerely,
Owen Glen
Formal resignation letter example
For a formal resignation, minimise personal details and use a professional tone throughout. Here’s an example:
Owen Glen
35 Clipton Close
Birmingham B2 9TG
07912 345 678
owen.glen@example.co.uk
2 December 2024
Martin Jones
Evee Solutions
Birmingham B2 C6VB
RESIGNATION LETTER
Dear Mr Jones,
Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from Evee Solutions, effective 16 December 2024.
This decision has been made after careful consideration, and I believe it to be the most appropriate step for my professional development. I am grateful for the experience I have gained at Evee. Furthermore, I would like to express my gratitude for the guidance and assistance I have received during my tenure. It has been a privilege to collaborate with such a skilled team.
I am dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition and will work assiduously to fulfil my current obligations and facilitate the transfer of my responsibilities to a suitable successor.
Thank you for your understanding. Please let me know how I can support this process.
Sincerely,
Owen Glen
Short resignation letter example
If you prefer a short resignation letter, keep it to just a few sentences while still covering key details. This includes your final working day and, optionally, your contact details or offer to support the transition.
Owen Glen
35 Clipton Close
Birmingham B2 9TG
07912 345 678
owen.glen@example.co.uk
2 December 2024
Martin Jones
Evee Solutions
Birmingham B2 C6VB
RESIGNATION LETTER
Dear Mr Jones,
I’m writing to formally resign from my position at Evee Solutions with effect from 1 January 2025. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had during my time here and appreciate the support and guidance of the team.
I’ll do my best to ensure a smooth transition and am happy to assist in handing over my responsibilities. Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
Owen Glen
Professional resignation sample
A professional resignation letter allows you to leave on good terms while keeping your message clear and respectful. Use this example to convey appreciation and communicate your departure:
Owen Glen
35 Clipton Close
Birmingham B2 9TG
07912 345 678
owen.glen@example.co.uk
2 December 2024
Martin Jones
Evee Solutions
Birmingham B2 C6VB
RESIGNATION LETTER
Dear Mr Jones,
I’m writing to inform you of my intention to resign from my position at Evee Solutions with effect from 15 January 2025. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had during my time here, and I appreciate the team’s support and guidance.
I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects, collaborate with talented colleagues, and develop key skills. Your invaluable leadership has undoubtedly shaped my career in significant ways.
In the coming weeks, I’ll do my utmost to facilitate a seamless transition and am delighted to assist in any way I can. This includes helping transfer my responsibilities and providing support to train my replacement.
Please let me know how I can assist you during this time. I wish you and the team continued success and hope to remain in touch.
Sincerely,
Owen Glen
Two weeks’ notice resignation letter
If your contract permits a two-week notice period, it’s important to honour it by informing your employer in advance. You can use this example to write your two-week’s notice resignation letter:
Owen Glen
35 Clipton Close
Birmingham B2 9TG
07912 345 678
owen.glen@example.co.uk
2 December 2024
Martin Jones
Evee Solutions
Birmingham B2 C6VB
RESIGNATION LETTER
Dear Mr Jones,
I’m writing to formally give my two weeks’ notice of resignation from my position at Evee Solutions, with my last working day being 22 December 2024.
This decision was not made lightly, as my time at the organisation has been a rewarding and meaningful part of my career. I’m grateful for the opportunities to work with such an exceptional team, contribute to innovative projects, and develop my skills in software development.
I’m committed to ensuring a smooth transition during my remaining time here. Please let me know if there are any ways in which I can support this process.
It’s been a pleasure being part of your team, and I wish you continued success in the future.
Sincerely,
Owen Glen
24-hour notice letter of resignation
In urgent cases where immediate resignation is necessary, a well-written resignation letter still shows respect and professionalism. This sample will help you communicate your decision clearly while meeting standard expectations:
Owen Glen
35 Clipton Close
Birmingham B2 9TG
07912 345 678
owen.glen@example.co.uk
2 December 2024
Martin Jones
Evee Solutions
Birmingham B2 C6VB
RESIGNATION LETTER
Dear Mr Jones,
I’m writing to formally submit my resignation from my position at Evee Solutions, effective 24 hours from today. I understand that this is an abrupt decision and I sincerely apologise for the short notice. Unfortunately, due to urgent personal matters, I’m unable to continue in my current role.
I really appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the organisation and am grateful for the support and experience I’ve gained during my time here. Please let me know how I can assist in the transition process during this short time frame.
Thank you for your understanding, and I apologise again for any inconvenience this may cause.
Sincerely,
Owen Glen
Immediate effect resignation letter
It’s important to be clear and direct if you need to resign immediately. This sample letter will help you inform your employer of your decision without delay:
Owen Glen
35 Clipton Close
Birmingham B2 9TG
07912 345 678
owen.glen@example.co.uk
2 December 2024
Martin Jones
Evee Solutions
Birmingham B2 C6VB
RESIGNATION LETTER
Dear Mr Jones,
I’m writing to formally resign from my position at Evee Solutions immediately as of 2 December 2024. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I’m unable to continue my duties at this time.
I apologise for any inconvenience my immediate departure may cause, and thank you for your understanding. I’m grateful for the opportunities and experience I’ve gained during my time with the company.
Thank you for your support, and I wish the team continued success.
Sincerely,
Owen Glen
One-month resignation letter
A one-month resignation letter ensures a smooth transition and gives your employer ample time to prepare for your departure. This resignation letter template allows you to clearly communicate your intentions:
Owen Glen
35 Clipton Close
Birmingham B2 9TG
07912 345 678
owen.glen@example.co.uk
2 December 2024
Martin Jones
Evee Solutions
Birmingham B2 C6VB
RESIGNATION LETTER
Dear Mr Jones,
I’m writing to formally give one month’s notice of my resignation from my position at Evee Solutions. My last working day will be 31 January 2025.
This decision has been carefully considered and although it’s not easy to leave such a skilled team, I believe it’s the right step for my career. I’m truly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had at Evee Solutions to grow professionally, work with talented colleagues, and contribute to innovative company projects.
I’m committed to ensuring a smooth and effective transition during my remaining time here. I’ll do everything I can to complete my responsibilities and help in any way I can to make this process seamless. Please let me know how I can assist you during this time.
Thank you for your understanding and support. It’s been a pleasure to be part of the team, and I wish Evee Solutions continued success in the future.
Sincerely,
Owen Glen
Resignation letter during a probation period
Resigning during your probationary period can feel daunting, but clarity and professionalism are key. If the role isn’t the right fit, this example shows how to respectfully inform your employer and leave on good terms:
Owen Glen
35 Clipton Close
Birmingham B2 9TG
07912 345 678
owen.glen@example.co.uk
2 December 2024
Martin Jones
Evee Solutions
Birmingham B2 C6VB
RESIGNATION LETTER
Dear Mr Jones,
I’m writing to resign from my position at Evee Solutions. After careful consideration, I’ve decided this role is not the right fit for me. Although my time at Evee has been short, I appreciate the opportunity to have been part of the team during my probationary period.
I’d like to express my gratitude for learning more about the company and its operations. Although this role has not met my expectations, I respect the work being done at Evee Solutions and wish the team continued success.
I thank you for your understanding and apologise for any inconvenience my departure may cause.
Sincerely,
Owen Glen
How to write a resignation letter
Writing a resignation letter can be challenging, especially if you dislike writing or feel uncomfortable discussing the reasons behind your decision to leave. Whether you’re moving on to a new opportunity, taking time off, or changing careers entirely, your resignation letter should reflect gratitude, clarity, and respect.
Don’t worry, though. With our expert guidance, you’ll create a resignation letter that shows you know how to communicate in a professional setting.
Follow these steps to write a resignation letter that leaves a positive impression and serves as an introduction to the new chapter of your career:
Review your employment contract
Before you begin writing, take a moment to check your employment contract or staff handbook. Look for details about your notice period, resignation process, or any formal requirements. This helps ensure you follow the correct procedures and avoid unexpected issues. For instance, some contracts might ask you to give a minimum notice period or submit your resignation in a particular format.
Always leave on good terms and make sure your departure causes little or no inconvenience for the organisation or your team.
Create your resignation letter’s header
Always start a resignation letter like you would start a cover letter—with a clean, formal header. Here’s what to include:
Your details (at the top):
- Your full name
- Your job title (optional)
- Your personal address
- Your phone number
- Your email address
- The date of writing
Employer’s details (just below yours):
- Manager’s full name
- Their job title
- Company name
- Company address
If you’re resigning via company email, there’s no need for a full header—just make sure to use a subject line like: Resignation – [Your Name].
Here is an example:
Owen Glen
35 Clipton Close
Birmingham B2 9TG
07912 345 678
owen.glen@example.co.uk
2 July 2025
Martin Jones
Evee Solutions
Birmingham B2 C6VB
RESIGNATION LETTER
Address your resignation letter & state your intention to resign
Once you’ve added the header, it’s time to greet the person you’re writing to. This is usually your line manager or supervisor, and the greeting should remain polite and respectful.
Use a formal salutation such as:
- Dear [Manager’s First Name] — if your workplace is relatively informal and you’re on a first-name basis.
- Dear Mr/Ms [Last Name] — if your company culture is more traditional, or you simply prefer a more formal tone.
Avoid casual greetings like “Hi” or “Hey.” Even if you have a friendly relationship with your boss, this is still a formal document and should maintain a professional tone.
Next, your notice of resignation needs a direct statement that you are resigning from your position. There’s no need to over-explain or sugarcoat—just be polite and to the point. Once you’ve stated your intention to resign, the next thing to cover is your notice period and final working day.
See these examples:
Dear Mr Jones,
I’m writing to formally give my two weeks’ notice of resignation from my position as a project manager at Evee Solutions, with my last working day being 22 August 2025.
OR
Dear Mr Jones,
I’m writing to inform you of my intention to resign from my position at Evee Solutions with effect from 18 July 2025. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had during my time here, and I appreciate the team’s support and guidance.
State why you’re leaving
Including a reason for your resignation isn’t required, but if you feel comfortable, it can provide clarity and show professionalism.
If you decide to explain why you’re leaving, keeping this part of your letter positive and concise is important. Avoid negativity and focus on presenting your decision in a professional light. Just as strong wording can make your CV stand out, using thoughtful, constructive phrases in your resignation letter notice can help you communicate your reasons effectively.
You shouldn’t give a reason for leaving in your letter of resignation if doing so could:
- Cause unnecessary tension
- Make your departure seem abrupt or negative
- Lead to difficult follow-up questions
- Not benefit your relationship with the employer
Keep the statement brief and emphasise aspects such as seeking new opportunities, personal growth, or career development to ensure the focus remains on your future goals rather than any dissatisfaction with your current role.
See these resignation letter samples:
After much reflection, I’ve come to the conclusion that my current role and responsibilities are not a good fit for my skills and career aspirations. This hasn’t been an easy decision, as I value my opportunities and experiences here.
OR
My time at Evee has been incredibly rewarding, which makes this decision difficult. Still, after careful consideration, I’ve decided to pursue a new opportunity that better aligns with my long-term career goals.
Express gratitude and offer to assist with the transition
Use the next paragraph of your resignation letter to express gratitude for the opportunities and experiences you had while working there.
Even if your experience wasn’t perfect, it’s important to end on a professional and courteous note. Thank your employer for the opportunity to work with the company, learn new skills, or grow in your role. Gratitude not only leaves a good impression but also helps maintain positive relationships for the future.
Also, if you’re in a position to do so, offering to assist with the handover process shows goodwill and responsibility. Whether that’s training your replacement, documenting your tasks, or staying on for a notice period.
Here are some resignation letter samples for this part:
I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had with the team, including gaining IT project management expertise and working on so many impactful projects under your leadership. These invaluable experiences will remain with me for the rest of my professional life.
Please know that during this transition, I’m committed to ensuring a smooth handover of my responsibilities. I’ll do everything I can to support the team in any way possible.
OR
This decision was not made lightly, as my time at the organisation has been a rewarding and meaningful part of my career. I’m grateful for the opportunities to work with such an exceptional team, contribute to innovative projects, and develop my skills in software development.
I’m committed to ensuring a smooth transition during my remaining time here. Please let me know if there are any ways in which I can support this process.
Close your resignation letter
Wrap up your resignation letter with a forward-looking close, that leaves a good, lasting impression. Wish the company continued success or say you hope to stay in touch, then sign off using a professional phrase like “Sincerely,” “Kind regards,” or “Best wishes.” Add your full name underneath. If you’re printing the letter, leave space for a signature above your name.
Have a look at these examples of letters of resignation:
Thank you for your understanding and support. It’s been a pleasure to be part of the team, and I wish Evee Solutions continued success.
Sincerely,
Owen Glen
OR
Thank you for your understanding, support, and mentorship. I hope to stay in touch and look forward to the possibility of our paths crossing again in the future.
Sincerely,
Owen Glen
Format and polish your resignation letter
Presentation matters. A well-formatted resignation letter shows professionalism and attention to detail. Before sending it, take a moment to tidy it up and make sure everything looks just right.
For a resignation letter, use the best cover letter formatting and polishing tips:
- Keep it to one page—always write a short letter of resignation that’s focused and respectful of your manager’s time.
- Use a professional cover letter font—like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, size 11 or 12.
- Align text to the left—keep things clean and traditional.
- Use single spacing—with an extra line between each paragraph for readability.
- Stick to standard margins—1 inch on all sides for a balanced layout.
- Save and send as a PDF—unless instructed otherwise, to preserve your formatting.
- Use a clear filename—like Resignation_Letter_JaneSmith.pdf.
And never forget to proofread your resignation letter. When proofreading, ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors and that the tone remains professional and respectful. You can also ask a colleague or family member to read the letter and help you edit the content. Another option is using a free online spell checker to double-check that the letter is error-free.
What should you do after resigning from a job?
After resigning from a job, it’s important to wrap things up smoothly and prepare for your next chapter. Here’s what to do next:
- Continue doing your job well until your final day. Maintain a positive attitude, meet deadlines, and support your team—your professionalism now will be remembered later.
- Create clear documentation for your tasks, projects, and any ongoing work. Offer to train your replacement or guide teammates so they can pick up where you left off.
- Give back any equipment, access cards, keys, or documents that belong to your employer. This helps avoid any complications during your departure.
- Have an honest exit interview. Share your experience respectfully and offer helpful feedback.
- Refresh your CV, LinkedIn profile, and job board accounts to reflect your work experience. Mention your responsibilities and achievements from this role while they’re still fresh in your mind.
- Send a friendly farewell message to your colleagues. Express your appreciation and include your personal contact information to stay in touch. Building and keeping a professional network is always valuable.
- Take some time to think about what you’ve learned and what you want in your next role. Whether you’re jumping straight into a new job or taking a short break, use this moment to align with your career goals.
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Dos and don’ts for writing a resignation letter
Make sure you give the notice required by your contract or company policy. This will allow your employer time to make the necessary arrangements and ensure a smooth transition.
State your intention to resign clearly and without ambiguity. This will ensure there is no confusion about your decision and provide a straightforward end to your employment.
Thank your employer for the opportunities and experiences you’ve had during your time with them. This builds goodwill and can help maintain strong professional relationships in the future.
Whenever possible, hand your letter of resignation directly to your manager. This gives you the opportunity to discuss your decision in person if necessary. If you’re working remotely, send a professional email.
Offer to help with the transition, whether it’s training your replacement or assisting with any outstanding tasks. This shows your commitment to the company even as you prepare to leave.
Failing to give proper notice can damage your professional reputation. Unless it’s an emergency, always follow the notice period in your contract and speak to your manager if an exception is needed.
Avoid oversharing personal reasons for leaving, as it can make your letter seem emotional or unprofessional. A short, polite explanation—if any—is enough.
Never criticise your employer or colleagues in a resignation letter. Focus on the positive aspects of your experience instead. You don’t know what the future holds, so never burn bridges that could benefit you later.
Giving notice via letter without speaking to your manager first can come off as cold. Always have a conversation in person or over the phone before sending your resignation letter.
While it’s good to offer to help with the transition, avoid making commitments that you may not be able to fulfil. Be realistic about the support you can provide during the notice period.
Key Takeaways
- Be professional: Keep your resignation letter polite and professional, maintaining positive relationships for the future.
- Include essential information: Ensure your letter includes key details such as the effective date of resignation and your willingness to assist with the transition.
- Offer adequate notice: Respect the notice period stipulated in your employment contract to give your employer time to find a replacement.
- Stay positive: Even if you are leaving for negative reasons, frame your resignation positively to leave on good terms.
- Prepare for the next step: Once you’ve resigned, start preparing for your next career by writing a professional CV and cover letter.
Frequently asked questions about writing a letter of resignation
How much notice should I give when resigning?
The amount of notice you have to give depends on your employment contract. As of December 2024, the statutory minimum in the UK is one week if you’ve been employed for over a month. However, your contract may require a longer notice period – a month or more. To ensure you comply with your agreement with your employer, always check your contract first or ask the organisation’s HR department for advice.
Do I need to explain why I’m leaving in my resignation letter UK?
No, it’s not a requirement. While it’s perfectly fine to mention your reason briefly if you feel like it, explaining why you’re leaving is not mandatory. Moreover, no employer should require you to share that information.
To whom should I address my resignation letter?
Your resignation letter should be addressed to your manager or supervisor. In some cases, you may need to send a copy to the organisation’s HR department. This helps with record keeping and ensures your resignation is formally submitted.
Is it acceptable to resign via email or over the phone?
While a face-to-face meeting is generally considered the best option when you want to hand in your resignation letter, in some cases, you can choose to inform your manager about your decision via email. Leaving your job over the phone should be your last option, as it usually leaves no tangible proof of your resignation. If you choose to resign verbally, always follow up with a written confirmation.
What’s the best way to handle counteroffers or negotiations during resignation?
When you’ve been a valuable asset to the organisation, your employer may want to convince you to stay in your current job. If you receive a counteroffer from them, review it carefully. Compare it against your short- and long-term career goals and personal plans. Whatever you decide to do with the counteroffer, respond politely and professionally.
Can I change my mind and withdraw my resignation letter after submitting it?
In some cases, it’s possible to withdraw your resignation after you’ve submitted it, depending on your employer’s policy and the circumstances. If you decide to withdraw your resignation, act quickly and tell your manager as soon as possible. Explain why you’ve changed your mind and why you want to stay with the company. If your resignation hasn’t been processed yet, you have a better chance of having your withdrawal accepted.
Are farewell gifts a good idea when leaving a job?
Farewell gifts can be a thoughtful and appreciated gesture, as they express gratitude for your team and employer. However, it’s important to consider the workplace culture and preferences of your colleagues to ensure that the gift is appropriate and well received.
Mariusz Wawrzyniak
Content Writer
Mariusz is a career expert at MyPerfectCV who writes practical, research-based guides that help professionals from all industries craft impactful CVs, write compelling cover letters, and advance their careers.
*The names and logos of the companies referred to above are all trademarks of their respective holders. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such references are not intended to imply any affiliation or association with myperfectCV.