Best Resignation Letter Templates

Do you need to write a resignation letter? Here are some of the best resignation letter examples and templates you can use to leave your job under a variety of circumstances, including basic and formal letters, email resignation messages, as well as letters giving two weeks' notice, short notice, or no notice. You'll also find examples citing specific reasons for leaving—whether they're personal or professional, such as retiring or finding a new job.

Whatever the circumstances of your departure, the examples below can help you craft a polite and appropriate resignation letter.

Note

Even if you tell your manager in-person that you're resigning, it's a good idea to provide a formal letter with the details of your departure from the company.

When writing your own resignation letter, you can use these examples for inspiration. You can find a template below that you can download and use to write your own letter.

Basic Resignation Letter Samples

Two Weeks' Notice Resignation Letter Example
Use this resignation letter example when you are providing your employer with two weeks' notice. If you are providing longer notice, you can adjust your letter accordingly.

Email Resignation Message Examples
Review resignation email message examples and sample resignation announcements to inform colleagues and clients that you are leaving your job.

Formal Resignation Letter
Use this example to formally notify your employer that you are submitting your resignation. You can use this template even if you do not wish to provide the details of your departure.

Simple Resignation Letter Example
Use this basic example to inform your employer that you are submitting your resignation. This letter is brief and to the point.

Professional Resignation Letter
Use this example when you are providing your company with notice that you are resigning from employment and offering to help with the transition.

Advance Notice Resignation Letter
This resignation letter provides advance notice to your employer, explaining that you plan on resigning from your job.

Note

Be sure to take the time to tailor the letter to fit your individual circumstances.

Short Notice Resignation Letters

Generally, you want to provide your employer with at least two weeks' notice when you resign. However, sometimes circumstances require you to resign with less notice. While this is not ideal, sending a professional and courteous resignation letter makes the process go more smoothly. The following are resignation letters to use when you are providing less than two weeks' notice.

24 Hours Notice Resignation Letter
Use this example when circumstances require you to resign within a day.

Resignation Letter Effective Immediately
This resignation letter example is for an employee who is leaving immediately.

Resignation Letter Example No Notice
Use this example when you need to resign without providing two weeks' notice.

Short Notice Resignation Letters
Here are ​example letters and emails to use when you have to give less than the required notice.

Resignation Letters With a Reason for Leaving

You don't have to give a reason when you resign, but under some circumstances, you may want to let your employer know why you're moving on. Here are examples of resignation letters that provide a reason for quitting a job.

Resignation Letter Example With a Reason
Use this resignation letter example when you want to thank your employer and provide a reason for your resignation.

New Job Resignation Letter Examples
Use this resignation letter sample to advise your employer that you're leaving your job because you were offered a new opportunity. Here's another example of a new job resignation letter, a letter for when you have been offered your dream job, and an example of what to write when you're leaving for a job that is a promotion.

Career Change Resignation Letter
Letter of resignation example to use to resign from employment when you are changing careers.

Career Growth Resignation Letter
This resignation example explains that the employee is leaving for a position that provides more opportunities for professional career growth.

Resignation Due to Changes at the Company
This example is for an employee who is leaving because of organizational changes at the company.

Resignation Due to Health Issues
Use this template when you need to leave your job due to health issues.

Relocation Resignation Letter
Here is a resignation letter example you can use to announce your resignation to your employer because you are relocating.

Resignation Letter Example for Returning to School
This resignation letter example is for an employee leaving his or her first job and returning to school.

Personal and Family Reasons Resignation Letters
Use this resignation letter sample to tell your employer that you're leaving your job because of personal reasons. Also, here's a letter to resign for family reasons.

Maternity Leave Resignation Letters
Here's an example of an email sent to resign during a maternity leave. Also, review an example of a resignation letter sent when you have decided not to return to work after a maternity leave.

Resignation Letter for Retirement
Resignation letter example announcing your retirement from employment.

More Retirement Letters
Use these examples to inform your employer about your pending retirement.

Different Types of Resignation Letter Samples

Use these resignation letter samples when you want to add more detail to your letter or are resigning under special circumstances.

Heartfelt Resignation Letter Examples
This resignation letter example includes thanks and appreciation for the opportunities provided by the employer. Here's another letter that expresses sincere gratitude and appreciation for a manager and organization. You can also use this example when you want to express your regret for leaving.

Thank You Resignation Letter Example
Use this example to thank your employer and ask to keep in touch.

Independent Contractor Resignation Letter
This example is an independent contractor resignation letter you can send via mail, as an email attachment, or in an email message.

Job Specific Resignation Letters

Temporary Job Resignation Letter Example
Use this resignation letter sample to formally notify an organization where you have been temping that you are submitting your resignation and will not be completing the assignment.

Resignation Letter Template

Download the resignation letter template to use to write your own letter (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online), or review more templates to choose from.

Basic Resignation Letter (Text Version)

Kathy Leonard
802 Brockton Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93306
(000) 123-1234
kleonard@email.com

Mr. James O’Leary
Manager
Acme Corp.
7803 Main Street
Bakersfield, CA 93306

Please accept this letter as notice that I will be resigning from my job here at Acme Corp. two weeks from today’s date. My final day of work will be August 21.

Thank you for the support and the opportunities you have provided me over the course of the last six years. You and our team have created a climate that makes it a pleasure to come to work each morning, and I will miss you all.

If I can do anything to help with your transition in finding and training my replacement, please let me know.

Kathy Leonard (signature hard copy letter)

Letters to Say Goodbye to Colleagues

Farewell Letter Examples
Sample farewell letters to send to co-workers, with advice on what to include when you tell them you're leaving your job.

Goodbye Letter Samples
Sample letters for when you accept a new job, are retiring or resigning for other reasons, or your co-worker is the one moving on to a new position.

The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. SHRM. "Exit Right: How You Leave Your Job Matters."
2. SHRM. "Can Employers Require Workers to Give Notice Before They Quit?"

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