Resignation Letters

Resignation letters are used to formally inform the company you are currently working for that you no longer wish to work for them and will be leaving them. They are simple, brief and to the point. For the sake of your future networking, resignation letters should always be written in a courteous and professional manner rather than making accusations or complaints about coworkers, senior management or the company.

In the following samples and activities, you will get a better idea of the basic structure and functions of resignation letters. You will also learn skills for writing a good resignation letter that would maintain good relationships with your employers.

Examples

Common Expressions

Opening paragraph/intent of leaving

  1. I am writing to…
  2. I would like to inform you that…
  3. I will be resigning from my position as…
  4. Effective on/immediately

Expressing gratitude to the employer

  1. Please accept my deepest gratitude.
  2. I deeply appreciate…
  3. Thank you for the opportunity to work…
  4. I have learned/very much enjoyed
  5. I appreciate the support you have provided me…

Reasons for leaving

  1. However, it is time for me to…
  2. …to take my career in a different direction/move on to new…

Closing remarks

  1. Thanks again/once again, thank you…
  2. …for your understanding and support.
  3. I wish you/the company the best in the future.
  4. Let me know if I can help with…

Activities

These expressions help you explain the purpose of this letter.
Be direct when stating your intention to leave. Make it sound like you have already made up your mind.
Use this to state the date of leaving.
It is common courtesy to thank your employers for the opportunity to work at their companies as it maintains a friendly tone.
Used to state the knowledge and benefits gained from working at the company.
Be appreciative of your employer’s support during your tenure.
State why you are moving on in a tactful and diplomatic way without undermining the company.
You could also say that you would like a change of scenery career-wise.
You should thank the employer again as you’re wrapping up the letter.
Thank them for their support.
Wishing them well concludes the letter in a friendly and polite tone, which is important for leaving on good terms.
Letting them know that you can continue to offer help demonstrates that you still have a professional attitude and are willing to work with them before you actually leave.