How to Write a Resignation Letter (the Right Way)

Thinking of leaving your job? Writing a resignation letter can be an intimidating task, but it’s an important part of the process of quitting a job professionally.

Whether you’re moving on to a new role or taking a break from your career, a well-written resignation letter will ensure you leave your current position with grace.

Do you need a resignation letter when you quit your job?

While not all employers require you to submit a formal resignation letter, it’s always a good idea to do so.

Submitting a resignation letter is the most professional way to resign and gives you the chance to express that you’re grateful for the opportunities you’ve been given while working at the company.

How to write a proper letter of resignation

Here’s how to write a resignation letter that helps you smoothly exit your current job:

1. Put your name and address at the top

To follow proper business letter formatting, place your name and address in a centered list at the top of the page.

2. Include the date

Left-align the date you submit the letter under your address. Listing the date is important because your company’s HR department will use it to officially begin your notice period.

3. List the company address

Use professional business letter formatting to list your company’s address. When drafting your resignation letter, put the company name on the first line, followed by the street address, city, and ZIP code.

4. Address your boss by name

Unsure how to address your resignation letter? Typically, you should address your manager, but if necessary you can address a whole unit, team, department, or company.

If you’re on a first-name basis with your boss, use their first name. Otherwise, use their formal title and last name (for example, “Ms. Chen” or “Dr. Jones”).

Here are two examples of how to address a resignation letter:

Dear Mr. Jacobsen,

Dear GenTech Finance Team,

5. Say that you want to resign

Don’t worry about how to start your resignation letter. Just make it clear that you’re resigning from the first sentence. Your manager will appreciate your straightforward approach.

6. Set your final workday

Tell your employer the exact date you want to quit. Doing so lets them immediately begin planning to fill your role and gives all your coworkers an idea of when you’re leaving so they can say their goodbyes.

7. Give your reasons for leaving (optional)

In the body paragraphs of your resignation letter, provide your reasons for leaving your company. Acceptable reasons range from general health concerns, relocation, career change, or just accepting a different position.

But if you don’t want to share your reason for resigning, you don’t have to. Just like when writing a goodbye email to your coworkers, it’s best to keep a positive tone. A resignation letter isn’t the best place to say that you’re unhappy with poor management.

8. Offer to help with the transition

It’s polite to offer to help with the transition process when you resign from your position. This can involve training your replacement, or bringing other team members up to speed on what you’ve been working on so they can take over your responsibilities when you leave.

9. End by thanking your employer

At the end of your resignation letter, you should:

• Thank your manager
• If you feel grateful, acknowledge the opportunity your employer gave you
• Optionally, note your desire to keep in touch

Even if you hated your job, try to remain courteous in your resignation letter. This way, your employer is more likely to be willing to give you a positive reference for your next job.

10. Sign off

If you submit a hard copy of your resignation letter, sign above your typed name. But your typed name is all you need for a letter of resignation attached to or written in the body of an email.

Resignation letter example

Here’s a resignation letter example for you to copy and adjust to fit your own circumstances: