6 Tips to Writing a Formal Resignation Letter, by Don Georgevich on YouTube. 10 min 6 s.
- Video length
- 10 min 6 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Check your contract or staff handbook for the notice period and the correct person to tell. This sets your last working day before you write anything.
Open a new document and add your name, address, phone number and email at the top. Below that, write the date.
Add your manager's name, job title and the company name under the date. Use a formal greeting such as Dear Ms Patel.
Write a clear subject line, for example Resignation - Your Name. Then state in the first sentence that you are resigning.
Give your last working day and say it follows your notice period. Keep the reason brief or leave it out.
Offer to help with a handover. Mention training a colleague, finishing open tasks or writing notes.
Thank your manager for the opportunity and wish the team well. Keep this short and sincere.
Close with Yours sincerely or Kind regards, sign your name and print it below. Send it to your manager and HR as your policy requires.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep the letter to one page and use a calm, neutral tone from start to finish.
Do not criticise your manager, colleagues or the company in writing, even if you are leaving on bad terms.
Save a copy of the signed letter and note the date you handed it in or sent it.
If you email the letter, send it from your work address and keep the sent message as proof.
Questions
Do I have to say why I am leaving?
No. A short, neutral reason is enough, and you can leave the reason out if you prefer.
How much notice should I give?
Follow the notice period in your contract or staff handbook. If your contract does not state one, ask HR or your manager what the company expects.
Can I send a resignation letter by email?
Yes, if your workplace accepts email resignations. Paste the letter into the email or attach a signed PDF, and keep a copy of the sent message.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
