Leaving a job is never easy, especially when your reason for departure is nothing personal. Perhaps you’ve simply outgrown your current position or maybe you’re finally ready to take the next step into your own entrepreneurial journey. Whatever the case, it is important to step out with consideration for your relationship with your active employer and a clear exit plan in place. To help, we’ve compiled 10 resignation letter samples to use when it’s time to make your move.
Resignation Letter Basics
In order to ensure you’re leaving professionally, here are a few key principles to consider when constructing your resignation letter:
- Get to the point: Include your intent to resign within the first few sentences.
- Keep it simple: There is no need to craft anything lengthier than a few paragraphs. In this case, straight and to the point is most effective.
- Provide a final day: State your last working date to avoid any confusion, ideally no less than two weeks from the date of delivery, unless your employment contract states otherwise.
- Honour your right to discretion: Remember that you are under no obligation to provide a specific reason for your resignation.
- Be professional: Use this letter as an opportunity to be complimentary. This is a great first step in maintaining a professional relationship with your employer, so make it count.
- Consider a business letter format: Include your contact information, date, and recipient’s contact information to appropriately begin the letter. A guideline is as follows:
- Your Name
- Address
- City, Province
- Postal Code
- Phone Number
- Date
- Recipient’s Name
- Recipient’s Title
- Company Name
- Company’s Address
- Company’s City, Province
- Company’s Postal Code
Resignation Letter Samples
Short and Sweet
This no-frills resignation letter covers all the basics.
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
Please accept my letter as formal resignation from [Company Name], effective [Date of Resignation]. I have truly valued my experience at [Company Name] and will be forever grateful for the opportunities this position has provided.
In this time of transition, please allow me to support in any way needed. I wish all the best to you and the [Company Name] team.
Sincerely,
[Sign here]
[Your name, your title]
Additional Gratitude
A resignation letter with extra emphasis on your thank-you.
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
This letter is to inform you of my resignation from my role of [Your Title] at [Company Name], effective [Date of Resignation].
I want to thank you for the unique professional opportunities I have received for the last [Amount of Time Employed] years. [Company Name] and your mentorship has propelled me to grow significantly, both personally and professionally, and I am incredibly grateful. It has been an absolute honour to work with this team.
Please let me know how I may be of any assistance during this transitionary period.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name]
Positive Reflection
A resignation letter that takes a bit more time to outline your growth as a result of your employment.
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
Please accept my letter as formal resignation from [Company name], effective [Date of Resignation].
I am very grateful for my [Amount of Time Employed] years at [Company Name]. In this time, I’ve been able to [Skill Acquired], [Skill Acquired], and [Skill Acquired]. All in all, [Company Name] has provided me with key industry knowledge and experience I will certainly carry with me through my career
Thank you for understanding my decision and for your continued support during my time with [Company Name]. If there is anything I can do to assist in this transition, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Respectfully,
[Signature]
[Your Name, your title]
A Helping Hand
A resignation letter that includes additional detail of your plans to help in the transition process.
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
After careful consideration, I have decided to resign from my current position at [Company Name]. My final date at [Company Name] will be [Date of Resignation]
In my remaining time at [Company Name], I’ll do everything possible to ensure any loose ends have been tied and that my colleagues are left without questions. If there is anything specific you need from me in my remaining time here, please don’t hesitate to ask. I understand this process may be challenging and hope to assist however needed.
Thank you so much for an incredible [Amount of Time Employed]. I will always value my experience at [Company Name] and wish you continued success.
Warmly,
[Signature]
[Your Name]
Providing a Reason, Entering Entrepreneurship
If you’re taking the next step in your entrepreneurial journey and your employer has been championing you in your process, the specifics of your transition might be cause for celebration. After you’ve informed your employer, Ownr’s features can help you register or incorporate a new business when you’re ready.
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
After thoughtful consideration, I am writing to formally notify you of my resignation from [Company Name]. While I will be stepping down to focus on my own business, I am deeply grateful for the confidence, skills and motivation [Company Name] has provided me. My successor will be very fortunate to join such a fulfilling environment.
Know that I am here to ensure this transition is as seamless as possible until my final date, [Date of Resignation].
Sincerely Yours,
[Signature]
[Your Name]
Providing a Reason, New Place of Employment
While there is no requirement to inform your employer of your next career step, perhaps you share the type of relationship where this knowledge is appropriate.
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
Please accept this letter as formal resignation from [Company Name]. I have recently been offered a new opportunity that I feel will better suit me and my career goals at this time. While I greatly appreciate the growth and encouragement [Company Name] has provided me, my final day will be [Date of Resignation].
I would like to acknowledge my gratitude for the incredible [Amount of Time Employed]. Please allow me to assist however appropriate in this time of transition.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Your Name]
Providing a Reason, Personal
If you wish to provide more specific and personal reasons for your departure, this resignation letter will shed some light as to what has brought you to this decision without going into too much detail.
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I regret to inform you that this letter is my formal resignation from [Company Name] effective [Date of Resignation]. Please understand this departure is in no way a reflection of my experience at [Company Name], unfortunately, personal reasons demand I vacate my role.
Thank you for your support and understanding. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance in my remaining time here.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Your Name]
Emergency Exit
Sometimes we’re forced to exit a job immediately. This resignation letter is to be used in a moment of urgency.
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
It is with deep regret that I am writing to inform you of my immediate resignation from [Company Name]. While I understand this is a breach of my employment contract, I must step down without notice as a result of unforeseen circumstances. I apologise for any challenges this may cause.
I want to sincerely thank you for the support I’ve received at [Company Name]. I value all the experience and lessons this job has granted me and will certainly carry all that I’ve learned in my next position
Whenever possible, please let me know how to best acquire my upcoming paycheque.
Cordially,
[Signature]
[Your Name]
Leaving Tomorrow
In a perfect world, we know that two weeks is the standard notice time, unless otherwise stated by your contract. When life gets in the way, here’s a letter of resignation to help mitigate the damage.
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
As a result of circumstances beyond my control, please accept this letter as formal resignation from [Company Name], effective immediately, [Tomorrow’s Date]. I sincerely apologise for the inability to provide a more considerate notice period and am extremely appreciative for your understanding at this time.
Thank you so much for an incredible [Amount of Time Employed]. I will always value my experience at [Company Name] and wish you continued success.
When possible, please notify me of how to best obtain my final paycheque.
Yours sincerely,
[Signature]
[Your Name]
Shortening Your Temporary Work or Contract Work
A letter of resignation built to remove yourself earlier than your contract indicates.
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
While I have appreciated the opportunity of [contract/temporary] work at [Company Name], please accept this letter as notice of my inability to fulfil the entirety of my contract. My final date of work will be [Date of Resignation].
I have enjoyed working for [Company Name] and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Warmly,
[Signature]
[Your Name]
Entering Your Next Chapter
By submitting a thoughtful and considerate resignation letter, the next phase of your professional journey is right around the corner. You’ve successfully begun to close a door and can, in good conscious, open the next. Once you’ve celebrated this incredible leap, allow Ownr’s resources to provide support in building and growing your business from the ground up.
This article offers general information only, is current as of the date of publication, and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While the information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by RBC Ventures Inc. or its affiliates.