10 Resignation Letter Examples + How to Write One in 2024

How to Write a Resignation Letter

Knowing how to write a resignation letter is not exactly a skill you’ll get many opportunities to hone. After all, how often does one quit a job?

Fortunately, it’s pretty easy once you learn the key ingredients of a professional letter. Here’s what you need to do to quit your job in style.

What to include in a resignation letter

If having to write a resignation letter sounds dreadful, don’t worry—you won’t have much to write. Resigning from your job should be done with a concise letter that effectively communicates when and how you’ll be quitting. We’ll show you how to do this step-by-step.

State your resignation

There’s no beating around the bush, so the best way to start your letter is by saying that you’re resigning. There are many ways to do this, but make sure your message is clear and avoid going into detail. You could simply say: “I am writing to inform you of my resignation from the position of [Position] at [Company].”

Give the exact date your resignation is effective

Depending on the job and the circumstances, you may need a resignation letter effective immediately, but you might also want to give some notice. Regardless of how much time you’re giving your employer before cutting the cord, state the exact date of your resignation. For example: “My resignation comes into effect in two weeks, on January 31, 2024.”

Offer genuine gratitude

Whether you love or hate your job, showing genuine gratitude can go a long way in not burning bridges and securing yourself a good reference. Pick an aspect (or two) of the job that you felt was great and thank your employer for it, perhaps like this:

“I am sincerely grateful for the professional guidance I have been given at [Company]. The help I received throughout my tenure helped me hone my skills in [Industry].”

Demonstrate a willingness to help with the transition

You’re leaving, but the show must go on at your current company. Express that you’re still here and willing to make the changeover easier to handle. You don’t have to promise the impossible, though. A simple “I will concentrate my efforts on training my replacement” can go a long way toward a smooth transition.

Provide your contact info

Whether it’s to help out if no one can find an important document or to answer a couple of questions from your successor, providing contact info always leaves a great impression.

It’s generally better to give your email instead of your phone number, as that will leave the ball in your court and let you reply when you have the time. A good way to do this is to say, “If you have any questions, you can always reach me at [email].”

Use the right resignation letter format

Remember to follow the standard format when using our resignation letter example—you don’t want to keep your employer guessing. Include the sender’s address, date, recipient’s address, and greeting at the top. Next, write the actual letter, leave a thank you as the closing line, and sign it.

Here’s how you can do this in your letter of resignation:

What to avoid in a resignation letter

Can’t wait to leave your old job behind? If you’re itching to polish your resume to help you move on to greener pastures, you’re not alone. Still, some things are best left unsaid, so steer clear of them to ensure you end on a good note.

Criticism and tirades

You’re leaving your current position in the rearview mirror, and something must have pushed you toward that. As much as we wish every workplace were perfect, that’s often not the case.

You may have dealt with harassment, verbal abuse, foul language, overly harsh feedback, or unreasonable expectations. Perhaps you’ve been unlucky and found yourself in a toxic company culture with coworkers who would rather tell stories about each other than focus on their work. Worse yet, you may have had a terrible manager, a shockingly common reason for switching jobs.

There could be any number of reasons why you’re moving on, and letting it all out can feel great—we get it! However, for the sake of your career, it’s best to vent to a friend.

Even if you’d never want to return to this particular company, your resignation letter is not the place to criticize it or go on tirades. Treat it as a short, formal farewell that can help you secure a reference for your next role.

Using your resignation letter to leave negative feedback won’t help you, so don’t let your bad experience have any sort of impact on your future.

How to deal with a toxic work environment

Working in a toxic environment can lead to burnout, depression, anxiety, and lack of self-confidence. But don’t worry—you’re not alone, and there are things you can do to guarantee you come out on top.

If you like the job and don’t want to quit, start by identifying the root cause of the problem. Are you dealing with an unreasonable manager who expects you to juggle too many things at once? Or is the company culture hostile?

Document instances of behaviors that are toxic and try to build up a paper trail that proves you’re being mistreated. Don’t hesitate to seek support from trusted colleagues, a mentor, or HR who can provide actionable advice and escalate the issue.

Unfortunately, this won’t always work. If your job is affecting your mental health, it’s better to dust off your resume and look elsewhere. Your well-being needs to come first.