Resignation letter template

Short, professional, and free to copy

A resignation letter doesn't need to explain your reasons, apologise, or say much at all beyond the essentials — the goal is a clean, professional record that you're leaving, when, and (briefly) that you're grateful for the opportunity. Below is a simple template, followed by notes on the parts people most often get wrong.

The template

[Your name]
[Your address — optional]
[Date]

[Manager's name]
[Company name]

Dear [Manager's name],

I am writing to formally resign from my position as [job title] at [company name], effective [last working day]. This will provide [notice period, e.g. "two weeks"] notice, in line with my contract.

Thank you for the opportunity to work with the team over the past [length of time]. I've genuinely valued [one brief, specific thing — a project, what you learned, the team], and I'm happy to help with a smooth handover during my notice period.

Please let me know how I can best support the transition, including documenting my current work or training a replacement.

Best regards,
[Your name]

How much notice to give

Check your contract first — it usually states a specific notice period, and that's the number to use rather than a general assumption. Two weeks is a common default in the US when no contract period is specified; in the UK and much of Europe, statutory or contractual minimums are common and often longer (a month is typical for many roles). Giving more notice than required is rarely held against you; giving less can affect your final pay, reference, or re-hire eligibility depending on your employer's policy.

What to leave out

Your reasons for leaving. You're not obligated to explain why, and a resignation letter is not the place for grievances, even valid ones — save that for an exit interview, if you choose to give feedback at all.
Criticism of the company, a manager, or colleagues. This letter often becomes part of your permanent file — keep it entirely neutral regardless of how the departure feels.
Over-explaining or apologising. One sentence of thanks is enough; you don't need to justify the decision at length.

A quick note on delivery

Have the conversation with your manager first, in person or by call, before sending the letter — a resignation that arrives as a surprise email reads poorly, even if the letter itself is well written. The letter is the formal record that follows that conversation, not a replacement for it.

Handing in notice is also a good moment to make sure your CV is current — most people update it only once they're already interviewing, which leaves less time to think it through properly.

Update your CV while you're at it

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