So, you’ve made the decision to move on. You’ve put pen to paper at your new job, and now all that stands between you and your fantastic new job is submitting your resignation letter to your current one.
While this isn’t the first step in quitting your job (that would be sitting down with your boss to have the “I quit” conversation and giving your two weeks’ notice), it’s an important one. The official document you submit to your higher-ups and HR will set the tone for the rest of your time at this job – as well as your relationship moving forward. So, it’s worth spending a little time making this two weeks’ notice letter solid and polished. But note, we said a little time – you’re not writing the Memoirs of a Back-End Engineer here. A letter of resignation is actually a quick, concise document that, with these tips, examples, and template, is pretty easy to write.
There’s no need to overcomplicate anything. Your letter of resignation has just three basic parts:
There’s no need to sugarcoat or get creative in the beginning; just state the position you’re resigning from and the effective date. While you probably shared with your boss your reasons for leaving, you don’t need to describe them here – keeping it simple is perfectly fine.
For example:
Dear Steve,
This letter is to formally notify you that I’m resigning as a marketing analyst at Platinum Resourcing Ltd. My last day will be two weeks from today on Wednesday, 21st July 2024.
Next, it’s always a good idea to thank your employer for the opportunity, describing some of the key things you’ve enjoyed and learned on the job. And yes, this is true even if you’re beyond thrilled to be leaving. Remember – you don’t want to burn bridges (and you may want a reference down the line), and wrapping up on a good note will leave a lasting and positive impression.
For example:
Thank you so much for the opportunity to work here for the past 18 months. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you and the rest of the team and appreciate the opportunity to learn more about marketing strategy and audience analysis. I’m excited to take these skills with me as I pursue the next step of my career.
State your willingness to help out with the transition. You don’t need to go into great detail (and definitely don’t promise anything you can’t deliver), but a couple of lines saying you’ll ensure a smooth wrap-up of your duties will show you’re in the game until the very end.
For example:
During the next two weeks, I’ll do everything possible to wrap up my duties and train other team members as needed. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can do to help out during the transition.
Finally, wrap up the email professionally. Express that you still want the best for the company going forward, and let them know they can reach out.
I wish the company continued success, and I hope to stay in touch in the future.
Sincerely,
John Smith
This isn’t the place for:
If you want some more guidance (or just convenience – no shame in that!), just plug your info into our template:
[Month][Day], [Year]
Dear [Your Boss’ Name],
Please accept this letter as formal notification that I am resigning from my position as a [position title] with [Company Name]. My last day will be [your last day – usually at least two weeks from the date you give notice].
Thank you so much for the opportunity to work in this position for the past [amount of time you’ve been in the role]. I’ve greatly enjoyed and appreciated the opportunities I’ve had to [a few of your favorite job responsibilities]. I’ve learned [a few specific things you’ve learned on the job], all of which I will take with me throughout my career.
During my last two weeks, I’ll do everything possible to wrap up my duties and train other team members. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can do to help during the transition.
I wish the company continued success, and I hope to stay in touch in the future.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
You can download this template here
Obviously, feel free to adjust this a bit based on your experience and your company culture. Then you’ll usually email it to your boss and HR department, but always double-check if your company has specific procedures for submitting your resignation.
