Writing a resignation letter to your boss can be a daunting task. It’s important to be professional and clear in your message without burning bridges. Here’s how to write a resignation letter that will leave a good impression:
A resignation letter is an official document that notifies your employer of your intention to leave the company. It should be written in a professional tone and provide a clear date of your last day of work. The letter should also express gratitude for the opportunity and offer to assist with the transition.
For those who need guidance, there are many resignation letter templates available online that can be edited as needed to fit your specific situation.
Examples
Personal Reasons
Greetings [Manager Name],
It is with a heavy heart that I submit my resignation from [Company Name] due to personal reasons. My last day of work will be [Date]. I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to work with such a great team and company. I will do everything I can to ensure a smooth transition. Thank you again for everything.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
New Opportunity
Dear [Manager Name],
After much consideration, I have decided to accept a new opportunity and submit my resignation from [Company Name]. My last day of work will be [Date]. I appreciate the support and guidance the company has provided me and I will do everything I can to ensure there is a smooth transition. Thank you for everything.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Relocation
Dear [Manager Name],
I am writing to inform you that I will be relocating to [City/State] and will be unable to continue my position at [Company Name]. My last day of work will be [Date]. I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have had while working for the company and will do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition. Thank you for everything.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Health Reasons
Dear [Manager Name],
It is with a heavy heart that I submit my resignation from [Company Name] due to health reasons. My last day of work will be [Date]. I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to work with such a great team and company. I will do everything I can to ensure a smooth transition. Thank you again for everything.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Going Back To School
Dear [Manager Name],
I am writing to inform you that I have decided to go back to school and will be unable to continue my position at [Company Name]. My last day of work will be [Date]. I am thankful for the opportunities and experiences I have had while working for the company and will do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition. Thank you again for everything.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Better Opportunity
Dear [Manager Name],
After much consideration, I have decided to accept a better opportunity and submit my resignation from [Company Name]. My last day of work will be [Date]. I appreciate the support and guidance the company has provided me and I will do everything I can to ensure there is a smooth transition. Thank you for everything.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Tips
Be Professional
When writing a resignation letter, it’s important to maintain a professional tone. Avoid being negative or criticizing the company or colleagues. Keep the focus on your reasons for leaving and express gratitude for the opportunity.
Be Clear
Make sure your letter clearly states your date of resignation and offers to assist with the transition. This will help to ensure that the company is not left in a lurch and that your colleagues can continue working effectively.
Be Grateful
Express gratitude for the opportunities and experiences you have had while working at the company. This will help to maintain a positive relationship with your employer and colleagues.
Proofread
Before submitting your resignation letter, make sure to proofread it for errors in grammar and spelling. A well-crafted letter will help ensure that you leave the company on good terms.
Handwritten vs Typed
While a typed resignation letter is the norm in many workplaces, a handwritten letter can be a nice touch. It shows that you have taken the time to write a personal note and can be a good way to express your gratitude.
Don’t Burn Bridges
Even if you are leaving the company because of a negative experience, it’s important to maintain a positive relationship with your employer and colleagues. You never know when you might encounter them again in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I state my reason for leaving in my resignation letter?
A: It’s not necessary to state your reason for leaving in your resignation letter, but it can be helpful in some situations. If you are leaving because you are unhappy with the company or your colleagues, it’s best to avoid mentioning this in your letter. If your reason for leaving is positive, such as accepting a new job or relocating, it’s fine to mention this in your letter.
Q: How much notice should I give when resigning?
A: It’s standard to give at least two weeks’ notice when resigning from a job. However, if you are in a high-level position or have specific contractual obligations, you may need to give more notice. Check your contract or speak to your HR representative to determine the appropriate notice period.
Q: Should I talk to my boss before submitting my resignation letter?
A: It’s generally a good idea to speak to your boss before submitting your resignation letter. This will give you the opportunity to explain your reasons for leaving and ensure that the company has enough time to prepare for your departure.
Q: Should I offer to help with the transition?
A: Yes, it’s important to offer to assist with the transition to ensure that the company is not left in the lurch. This can include training your replacement, documenting your work processes, or providing a list of key contacts.
Q: Should I include my contact information in my resignation letter?
A: Yes, it’s a good idea to include your contact information in your resignation letter so that your employer can get in touch with you if necessary. This can include your phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile.
Q: Do I need to write a thank you note to my colleagues?
A: While it’s not necessary to write a thank you note to your colleagues, it can be a nice gesture. This can be a simple note expressing your gratitude for the time you spent working together and wishing them all the best in the future.
Conclusion
Writing a resignation letter can be challenging, but it’s an important part of leaving a job on good terms. By following these tips and using the examples provided, you can create a resignation letter that is professional, clear, and expresses gratitude for the opportunities and experiences you have had while working for the company.