Quitting Your Job? How to Write a Resignation Letter, by KISSS Career Coaching on YouTube. 3 min 45 s.
- Video length
- 3 min 45 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Check your contract or staff handbook for the notice period you must give. Count the weeks from your intended last day and confirm the date is realistic.
Set up the letter like a formal business letter. Put the date at the top, then your manager's name, job title and the company address.
Open with a clear statement that you are resigning. Name your job title and your final working day so there is no confusion.
Keep the middle short and positive. Thank your manager and the company for the experience, training or opportunities you were given.
Offer to help with the handover. Mention training a colleague, writing notes on your tasks or finishing current projects before you leave.
Close politely, sign your name and print it underneath. Read it once more to check the dates and spelling of names.
Save a copy for yourself and hand the letter to your manager in person where possible. Send a copy to HR so your file is updated.
Tips and common mistakes
Leave out complaints about pay, managers or workload, since the letter can end up in your employment record.
Give more notice than the minimum if you can, because a smooth exit protects your reference.
Keep a dated copy and note when you handed it over, in case the notice period is ever questioned.
Questions
How much notice should I give?
Give whatever your contract states, and check whether it runs from the day you hand in the letter or the start of the next pay period. If you have no contract, two to four weeks is the usual standard.
Can I resign by email?
Yes, if you work remotely or your manager is often away. Attach the letter as a PDF, write a short polite message and keep the reply.
Do I have to say why I am leaving?
No. A resignation letter only needs to confirm your job title, your last day and your thanks. You can explain your reasons in a separate conversation if you want to.
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.
