How to Write a Simple Resignation Letter in 2023 (Examples)

By Reid - December 2, 2023

simple letter of resignation sample doc

Leaving a job? A simple resignation letter can help maintain a positive relationship with your old employer while also paving the way for you to move on to your new career opportunity.

Here’s how to correctly write a letter of resignation and give your two weeks' notice when leaving your current job.

Questions Answered (Updated 2023)

Why write a resignation letter?
Steps for writing a letter of resignation (two-week notice)
Resignation letter sample doc (example)
Resignation letter template
When should you give notice?
Should you continue working before you leave?
How long should a letter of resignation be?
Is it okay to resign by email?

Resigning from a Job for a New Career Path

So, you decided to try something new and quit your old job. You had the dreaded “I’m leaving” conversation with your boss; two weeks' notice has been submitted, and now all you have to do is wait.

Not exactly!

Resigning from a current position can be challenging, and regardless of circumstance or reasoning, there are still standard protocols you should follow when quitting your job. You want to remain professional and refrain from burning bridges when leaving.

One crucial task is sending an official resignation letter to your employer. This is necessary for a professional resignation process, even if you discussed leaving with your boss and manager.

Why Write a Formal Resignation Letter?

Not only is writing a resignation letter the professional thing to do (regardless of the reason you’re leaving), but it also helps document the decision and date for the current employer. The letter also allows you to quit your job on good terms and resign professionally.

After it’s all said and done, you will be happy with the decision to write your current job a formal resignation letter.

How to Write a Simple Resignation Letter (5 Easy Steps)

Regardless of your reasoning for resigning from the company, it’s essential to do it nicely. This not only means giving an ample notice period but also creating a quality resignation letter. To start, the layout of your resignation letter should include:

1. Letterhead (How you start a resignation Letter)

Include your contact information at the top so they have proper documentation when they file the job resignation away. This will be your name, title, company, email address, name of manager, and the date you are resigning from a job.

Letterhead

Your: Name, Address, Date (top right-hand side)
Your Boss: Name, Title, Organization, Address, Email (top left-hand side below your information)

2. Introduction (Who you direct the letter to)

Direct the letter to your reporting manager/boss with a professional greeting. A simple “Dear (Boss name)” will typically do the trick. The point is to keep things professional during this resignation message.

Introduction

Dear (Name of Manager),

3. Resignation Statement (With an end date of employment)

Begin by letting them know you will be resigning, followed quickly by your last date of work. Getting this in at the top ensures no mistakes or misunderstandings by your manager or colleagues.

Resignation Statement

I’m writing to notify you that I will be resigning from my position as (Position) effective (Date).

4. Show Gratitude (Thank Them for everything)

Ease tension and stress they might feel by complimenting and thanking the employer for the time spent at their company. Do this even if you did not enjoy your time in the role or did not learn anything that would help your future career. You can always find something nice to say.

Show Gratitude

I appreciate the opportunity and have enjoyed working with the company over the last (Timeframe).

5. Offer Assistance (help finish out your last days)

Finish the short resignation letter with an offer for Assistance in finding a replacement, training them, or helping with project transitions before you leave the company. Remain as generous and polite as possible. This may pave the way for future referrals and great reviews.

Offer Assistance

The support and personal development you’ve provided has helped my career immensely. If I can help or answer any questions during this transition, please let me know.

Related:

Job Resignation Letter Template

So, what does a resignation letter look like? Here’s a simple template to follow on what to put in a resignation letter when quitting a job. Templates like this can make it easy to professionally write a resignation letter and provide a guide for the appropriate structure.

Job Resignation Letter Template

Your: Name, Address, Date (top right-hand side)
Your Boss: Name, Title, Organization, Address, Email (top left-hand side below your information)

Dear (Name of Manager),

I’m writing to notify you that I will be resigning from my position as (Position) effective (Date). I appreciate the opportunity and have enjoyed working with the company over the last (Timeframe).

The support and personal development you’ve provided has helped my career immensely. If I can help or answer any questions during this transition, please let me know.

Sincerely,
(Your Name)

Job Resignation Letter Example (Sample Doc)

resignation letter example

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Resigning from a Job

What are some other resignation letter best practices?

Be sure to do the following:

Try to provide both a printed copy and an email copy to the company
Discuss the last few days of work and what they expect of you during that time
Organize your desk in the event they ask you to leave the company right away

Look to avoid the following:

Talking down about the company and how they have treated you (if poorly)
"Going off” on coworkers or managers isn't ideal either. If you don’t have anything nice to say, leave it out.
Talking up your new job opportunity to others in the company
Discussing anything outside of work

What is an appropriate notice period when I quit my job?

Do your best to provide your employer with the standard two weeks' notice at the very minimum. They will appreciate it. Giving a notice period will help the company have time to start interviewing and hiring a replacement.

Is it better to resign on a Friday or Monday?

The best time to resign is at the end of the day when it’s most convenient for you during that particular week. Most leaders tend to be in the office early in the week, so resigning on Monday or Tuesday might be your best bet.

Also, make it a priority to inform your boss when you will be quitting professionally. But remember that you don't need to tell your boss or colleagues why you are leaving.

Should I continue working before I leave my job?

Look to finish any projects you are working on before you exit the company. Your boss will likely have a plan for your last few weeks of employment, so make sure to follow their direction. Some employers will like to have an exit interview with you before you leave the company.

In this interview, your boss may ask about your experiences at the business, share feedback on how to improve, or ask how you feel the company can improve. Also, delete/clear out your computer if any personal emails or documents are stored.

How long should my letter of resignation be?

Your resignation letter should be no more than a few paragraphs long. Stick to a simple, short resignation letter (be brief and straight to the point). Don’t forget to proofread for errors thoroughly and have a friend or family member do the same before sending it to your reporting boss.

Is it okay to resign by email?

While resigning in person to your primary manager is typically the first step in this process, sending a formal resignation letter is also acceptable when circumstances don’t allow you to meet face to face for a conversation to resign from a job.

What are the benefits of writing a resignation letter?

There are several benefits to writing a resignation letter, such as: allowing you to leave on a positive note, providing a written record of your resignation, helping you to clarify the reason for leaving, helping aid in a smooth transition, and protecting your corporate reputation.

Overall, a resignation letter is a respectful and professional way to inform your employer of your decision to leave and to thank them for the opportunity to work for the company.

Wrapping Up | Simple Resignation Letter

There you have it – a practical yet straightforward two-week notice letter! This step-by-step guide to writing a resignation letter will help you with a professional and clean transition into your new job.

When sending a resignation letter to the manager who you will soon be leaving, you’re not only building a good relationship, but you’re also helping the company smoothly transition to a new employee.

In some special cases, if a horrible situation existed for you at that job, you may be tempted to skip sending a letter.

Since it takes only a few minutes to write and you want to remain professional for your interests, choose to write and send one anyway.

Before you leave, don’t forget to send your colleagues a farewell email to let them know you will be leaving. They will appreciate it.

Include your contact information if they don’t already have it so that you can stay in touch. Best of luck!

How You Got Here: Job Search - Submit Resume - Interview - Negotiate Job Offer

Title: How to Write a Simple Letter of Resignation (Job Abandonment Letter)

Category: theFinish

_Tags: How to write a short resignation letter, how to write a resignation letter for work, letter of resignation, simple resignation letter example, simple two week notice letter, short simple resignation letter sampl_e

Author: Reid is a contributor to theJub. He's an employment and marketing enthusiast who studied business before taking on various recruiting, management, and marketing roles. More from the author. | Author Profile