How to write a short resignation letter to your manager

You will end up with a short, professional resignation letter that states your job title, your last working day and your offer to help with the handover. It suits anyone leaving a job who wants to quit on good terms. You only need your notice period, your manager's name and your final date.

How to Write a Letter of Resignation (QUIT YOUR JOB GRACEFULLY) Free Resignation Letter Template, by Jennifer Brick on YouTube. 4 min 16 s.

Video length
4 min 16 s
Time to do it
15 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
Steps
8

What you need

Steps

  1. Check your contract or employee handbook for the notice period you must give. Count forward from today to find your last working day.

  2. Open a blank document. Put the date at the top, then your manager's name, job title and company name underneath.

  3. Write one direct opening line that states your resignation and names your role, such as: I am writing to resign from my position as marketing assistant.

  4. Give your final date of work in the next sentence. Make it a clear date, not a rough week or month.

  5. Offer to help with the handover. Mention training a colleague, writing notes on open projects or finishing current work before you go.

  6. Add one short sentence of thanks for the opportunity, then close with a simple sign-off and your name.

  7. Read it through once for typos and trim anything that sounds like a complaint. Keep the whole letter to a few short paragraphs.

  8. Hand it to your manager in person if you can, or send it by email, and send a copy to HR so it goes on your file.

Tips and common mistakes

Keep the letter factual and short. Save any feedback about the job for your exit interview.

Never list grievances, salary complaints or criticism of colleagues in writing.

Save a copy for yourself before you send it, in case you need proof of your notice date.

If your manager asks why you are leaving, keep the answer brief and positive in the meeting.

Questions

How much notice should I give?

Follow the notice period in your contract or handbook, which is often two to four weeks. If you have no written terms, two weeks is the common standard.

Do I have to say why I am leaving in the letter?

No. A resignation letter only needs to state that you are leaving and when. You can explain your reasons in person or at an exit interview.

Should I email the letter or hand it over?

Handing it to your manager in person is warmer, but email is fine and creates a record. Either way, send a copy to HR.

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.

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