How to Write a Resignation Letter (Examples + Template!) - The Muse

How to Write a Resignation Letter (Examples + Template!) - The Muse How to Write a Resignation Letter (Examples + Template!) So, you’ve decided to move on. You’ve signed on the dotted line at your new gig, and now all that’s standing in between you and your fab new job is submitting your resignation letter to your current one. Gulp. While this isn’t the first step of quitting your job (that would be submitting your two weeks’ notice and sitting your boss down for a one-on-one- read more on having that “I quit” conversation), it’s an important one. The official document you submit to your higher-ups and HR will set the tone for the next two weeks at the office- as well as your relationship moving forward. To help you out, here’s a step-by-step resignation letter template to use. Part 1 The Basics of a Resignation Letter 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. (No need to, um, create an “I quit” video.) Dear [Your Boss’ Name], Please accept this letter as formal notification that I am resigning from my position as [position title] with [Company Name]. My last day will be [your last day- usually two weeks from the date you give notice]. Part 2 The Thank You 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 thrilled to be leaving. Remember- you may need these people for a reference down the line, and leaving things on a good note will leave a lasting (positive) impression. 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], and I’ve learned [a few specific things you’ve learned on the job], all of which I will take with me throughout my career. Part 3 The Hand-off Finally, 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 stating that you’ll ensure a smooth wrap-up of your duties will show that you’re in the game until the very end. 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 aid during the transition. I wish the company continued success, and I hope to stay in touch in the future. Sincerely, [Your Name] Part 4 Example Resignation Letters Want to put this all together and see what it looks like in practice? We’ve written a couple letter of resignation samples for you to work off of. Example #1 Dear Mr. Don Cohen, Please accept this letter as formal notification that I am resigning from my position as Account Executive with Marketing Media. My last day will be Thursday, March 2. Thank you so much for the opportunity to work in this position for the past six years. I’ve greatly enjoyed and appreciated the opportunities I’ve had to grow our sales team and pipeline, be a part of creating a great product, and work with my fellow colleagues, and I’ve learned so much about marketing strategy and the digital media space, which I will certainly take with me throughout my career. I’ll do everything possible to wrap up my duties and train other team members over the next two weeks. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can do to help during this transition. I wish the company continued success, and I hope to stay in touch in the future. Sincerely, Anne Acharya Example #2 Dear Ms. Fran Braden, I’m writing to give my formal notice that I’ll be leaving my role as Office Manager for Larry and Keets Financial Partners on July 31. I’ve recently received an offer to serve as an executive assistant at a small startup, and after careful consideration I’m excited to explore this new path in my career journey. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve been provided working on the Operations team for the past four years. It’s been a wonderful experience to work for such a great company and help in solving Larry and Keets’ mission to provide better financial support for older employees. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance during this transition. Thank you for all your guidance. I wish you all the best, and look forward to keeping in touch. Sincerely, George Lin Obviously, feel free to adjust this a bit based on your experience and your company culture, then submit it via the typical procedures at your company. Sure, it may sit in the depths of HR until the end of time, but you can be sure of two things: One, your former boss (and future reference) will read it and be impressed. And two, if you ever decide to come back to your company (hey, it happens), it’s a very good thing that last thing on file is a great, professionally written letter of resignation. Happy quitting!