When preparing to resign from your job, you must consider the best way to write your resignation letter. Making the decision to leave your role can be difficult, and the most nerve-wracking part of the process is often telling your current boss that you are moving on to a new role.
Here is a compilation of resignation letter templates to ease the pressure off of you when writing your resignation letter. Below are some examples of resignation letters that you can edit and personalise, where relevant, for your situation.
Related: How to gracefully resign from your job
When writing your resignation letter, be sure to include the current date and the address of your company, following standard letter-writing practices. It is also crucial to remain professional and polite throughout.
Related: How to handle the conversation about your resignation
Even though you may be leaving due to personal grievances, you should not bring these to light in your resignation letter. You should discuss any further points in the exit interview.
1) Standard resignation letter
Dear [Manager’s Name],
Please accept this letter as formal notification of my intention to resign from my position as [job title] with [company name]. My final day will be [date of last day] as per my notice period.
I would like to thank you for the opportunity to have worked in the position for the past [time in employment]. I have learned a great deal during my time here and have enjoyed collaborating with my colleagues. I will take a lot of what I have learned with me in my career and look back at my time here as a valuable period of my professional life.
During the next [notice period in weeks], I will do what I can to make the transition as smooth as possible and will support in whatever way I can to hand over my duties to colleagues or to my replacement. Please let me know if there is anything further I can do to assist in this process.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Related: Why do I need to tell recruiters and employers my last-drawn salary when making a career move?
2) Resignation letter for a new opportunity
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to formally notify you of my resignation from the position of [job title] with [company name]. Per my notice period, my final day will be [date of last day].
I have been offered another role that will halve my daily commute and allow me to spend more time with my family outside of working hours.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at [company] over the last [years and months of service], and I would like to thank you for all of the opportunities I have been afforded here.
In the coming weeks before [end date], I am fully committed to providing assistance in ensuring a smooth transition.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Related: How to decline a job offer gracefully
3) Resignation letter template giving advance notice
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to inform you of my decision to resign from [company], effective [date]. I understand that transitioning a new person to the role of [position] will take some time, and I would like to provide as much notice as possible.
During my time at [company], I have learned a lot and grown professionally. Thank you for all of your guidance and support during my employment.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions about the projects I have been working on. I am happy to help in any way I can with the transition process.
I wish you all the best for your continued success.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Related: 6 performance and career progression secrets they don’t teach you at school
4) Resignation letter template for a role that’s not a good fit
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to formally notify you of my resignation from the position of [job title] at [company name]. My last day with the company will be [date].
During my time at [company name], I have come to realise that the scope of the role is, unfortunately, not what I had anticipated. As such, I would like to explore other opportunities.
Thank you for understanding; I truly appreciate all the support and guidance you have provided me during my time in the company.
Please let me know how I can help to support a smooth transition over the next [notice period in weeks].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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Even if you’ve got an exciting new job lined up, drafting a resignation letter is always a big step.
A personal reason resignation letter – where you may or may not want to disclose your reasons for leaving your current employer – can be especially daunting.
Deciding what to share with your soon-to-be former employer, for example, can be difficult. It is important to remember that you are in no way obligated to disclose anything you do not want to.
That said, leaving on a courteous, professional note is always advisable. There are a few things you can do to ensure the door remains open down the line.
Related: How to resign from a job in Singapore
Why people sometimes leave companies for personal reasons
Depending on several factors – both at work and otherwise – you might choose to leave your employer for “personal reasons”.
These reasons can include anything from moving home to care for an elderly parent, or choosing to be a stay-at-home parent yourself, or health and mental health concerns you are currently facing.
What makes a personal reason resignation letter different from a standard resignation letter
A “personal reason” resignation letter is different from a standard resignation letter in that your motivations for leaving the company are personal.
Again, while you do not have to disclose these reasons unless you want to, they are vastly different from resigning to explore other aspects of your career path at a different company, for example.
Related: Resignation letter templates for jobs in Singapore
What to consider when writing a “personal reason” resignation letter (and what to avoid)
1. Speak with your manager
Regardless of what your reasons for resigning are, you should speak to your manager (ideally, in person) before handing in your letter.
Depending on your relationship with them, you may choose to disclose your reasons for leaving at this point.
2. Speak with your company’s HR department
Clarify any doubts you might have on accrued vacation days or benefits that are owed to you.
3. Give your employer adequate notice
Ideally, you want to give your employer enough time to find your replacement.
Depending on where you are based and your company’s policy (amongst other factors) this may be two weeks’ time or more.
Ensure your personal resignation letter clearly states your last date working at the company.
4. Offer to assist in handovers
Both in person and in your resignation letter, help in handing over projects to your replacement, if possible.
Additionally, attempt to complete any pending projects before your last date.
5. Show gratitude and, most importantly, do not vent
Irrespective of whether your time at the company was satisfactory to you or not, be courteous – both in person and in your resignation letter.
Thank your manager for the opportunity the role offered you and aim to leave on good terms.
Related: Is it a good idea to withdraw your resignation notice?
A sample “personal reason” resignation letter
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