First things first, if you’ve been wondering if you need to write a resignation letter, then the answer is simple, yes. The title of this post probably gave that away! Even if you’ve had a discussion with your boss and informed them that you want to resign, you still need to write your formal resignation letter. But what should you include in a resignation letter? In this post, I’m going to show you the 5 key items you need to include and better still there’s even a resignation letter example included.
No matter how ready you are to resign from your job, for some reason, writing a resignation letter can still feel daunting. Perhaps you’ve already told your boss that you want to resign and you just need to formalize it, or maybe you haven’t, either way, putting pen to paper somehow gives you brain freeze. What on earth do you write when you want to resign?
The good news is that a resignation letter doesn’t have to be very long. And here I’ll cover the key things you need to include and a simple resignation letter example template as well. If you’re still worried, just know that when you want to resign, it’s best to keep things short and to the point as the resignation letter example template will show.
As long as you include a few key points then there’s no need to ramble on, the point is, you’ve already decided it’s time to resign and you’re just letting them know formally.
So, how do you write a formal resignation letter and what should you include?
Any resignation letter can be broken up into 5 simple steps or short sections which we’ll cover now, followed by a simple resignation letter example.
Opening statement
Confirm leaving date
Thank you and acknowledgments
Provide assurances
Sign off
Here’s how
Step 1: The opening statement of resignation
Without a doubt the opening line in any letter is probably the hardest part, how do you get the thing started?
When you’re writing a resignation letter, this can be as brief as one line.
Here are 3 examples:
When you want to keep it brief and to the point.
Dear Name,
After careful consideration, I regret to inform you that I have decided to tender my resignation from my position as …
When you’ve found a new opportunity
Dear Name,
I would like to inform you that after careful consideration, I have decided that it’s time for me to move on and take the next step in my career. Please accept this as my formal letter of resignation from my position of ….
When you’ve just got your reasons
Dear Name,
Due to personal circumstances, I regret to inform you that effective from the day, month, year, I will be moving on. Please accept this as my formal letter of resignation.
Any of the above, or something similar is all you need.
Step 2: Confirm your last day
Next, make sure you highlight when your last working day will be, especially if you do shift work or plan to use some of your holidays as part of your notice.
My last day with the company will be…
My last working day will be…
The last day I will be able to work is …
Step 3: Thank you and acknowledgments
If you’ve been hating every minute of your job then being thankful is probably the farthest thing from your mind. After all, what on earth do you have to thank them for!
Well, think of it this way, if things have been great it’s a no brainer, but if things have been bad, then at the very least you’ve learned something. Even if that thing is what kind of person you never want to work for again, what kind of company culture to avoid or what you’re absolutely not prepared to put up with in the future.
It’s definitely easier said than done, but it doesn’t need to overdo it. A single line will do.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work here.
I would like to thank you for having given me this opportunity…
You can add things like: It’s been a pleasure to work with such a wonderful team and I’ve learned a lot. ( if this is true of course)
That will do. Of course, if you’ve had the time of your life and you want to give thanks for anything specific then that’s OK as well.
Step 5: Give your assurances
Finally, give some assurance that you will be leaving things in good order. It’s a small world and good references matter so, let them know you fully intend to honor your commitments.
For example:
Please be assured that I will do my utmost to make sure everything is in order and any outstanding projects are completed, but please feel free to contact me should there be any queries after I leave.
Or simpler still…
I will endeavor to complete any projects and will make sure that everything s in order, however, please feel free to contact me should you have any questions at all after I leave.
Step 6: Sign off
Very finally, sign off.
Yours sincerely,
Your Name
Putting it all together
Next time you need to write a resignation letter, there’s no need to fret, just cover the points above.
Here’s a simple resignation letter example template that you can use if you decide to resign:
Dear Name,
After careful consideration, I regret to inform you that I have decided to tender my resignation from my position as …
My last day with the company will be…
I would like to thank you for having given me this opportunity.
Please be assured that I will do my utmost to make sure everything is in order and any outstanding projects are completed, but please feel free to contact me should there be any queries after I leave.
Yours sincerely,
Your Name
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