How to Write the Perfect Letter of Resignation - Sample Resignation Letter, by Professor Heather Austin on YouTube. 5 min 24 s.
- Video length
- 5 min 24 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Check your contract or staff handbook for your notice period, then pick the last working day you want to give. Two weeks is common, but a month or more may be required.
Write the letter for your manager and company, not from a template you found online. Use the correct names, job title and date so it reads as a real, personal note.
Say plainly that you are resigning and give the date your resignation takes effect. Put this near the top so there is no doubt about your last day.
Give a short reason, such as a new opportunity, relocation or a change in career direction. One or two sentences is enough; you do not owe a long explanation.
Thank your manager and the team for the time you spent there. Mention one or two things you valued, like training, support or a project you enjoyed.
Offer to help with the handover. Suggest training a colleague, writing notes on your tasks, or finishing current work before you go.
Keep the whole letter to a few short paragraphs and leave out complaints, salary demands or anything you would not want on record. Read it twice for typos.
Print and sign the letter, or attach it as a PDF if you are emailing it. Send it to your manager, copy HR, and keep a copy for yourself.
Tips and common mistakes
Hand the letter to your manager in a short meeting rather than leaving it on a desk, so you can talk through the timing.
Keep the tone neutral even if you are leaving on bad terms, because the letter may end up in your personnel file.
Check whether your company wants a signed letter or accepts an email before you send anything.
Questions
How long should a resignation letter be?
One page or less. Three or four short paragraphs covering your notice date, a brief reason, thanks and your offer to help with the handover is plenty.
Do I have to say why I am leaving?
No. You can keep it to a simple statement that you are resigning. If you do give a reason, keep it neutral and brief.
Should I give two weeks notice?
Check your contract first. Two weeks is common in many jobs, but your notice period may be longer, and that is what your employer will expect.
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.
