Resignation Letter Generator
Fill in your details and get a professional, respectful resignation letter ready to copy and send — no account needed.
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May 25, 2026 [Manager Name] [Company Name] Dear [Manager Name], I am writing to formally notify you of my resignation from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name], effective [Last Working Day]. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had at [Company Name] and for the support of my colleagues and management team. I will do everything I can to ensure a smooth transition, including completing outstanding work and helping to onboard my replacement if needed. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of the team. Sincerely, [Your Name]
Review before sending. You may want to personalise the tone to match your relationship with your manager.
How to write a resignation letter that protects your professional reputation
A professional resignation letter does three things: confirms your last working day in writing, maintains a positive relationship with your employer, and creates a clean paper trail. Most managers have read hundreds of these — the ones that hold up are brief, clear, and free of complaints. There is no need to explain your reasoning in detail or apologise excessively. Research shows that 78% of employers check references before making a hiring decision, making a graceful exit essential to your long-term career.
The standard notice period is two weeks, though your employment contract may require more. Check before you write. Send it via email to your direct manager first — they should hear it from you before HR or anyone else in the organisation does. A formal workplace may also call for a printed copy. Keep the letter under 150 words; brevity signals confidence and professionalism, not indifference.
Tips for a professional resignation
- —Have your new offer signed and a start date confirmed before you resign — never resign on the assumption an offer is coming.
- —Tell your manager in person (or by video call) before you send the letter — hearing it from you directly, not through HR, is a professional courtesy that is almost always remembered.
- —State your last working day explicitly in the letter — an open-ended resignation (no date given) creates ambiguity and can become contentious.
- —Review your employment contract for notice period, non-compete clauses, and IP assignment terms before you resign — knowing these protects you from unintentional breach.
- —Back up personal files, contacts, and work samples you are legally entitled to keep before your resignation is submitted — access is often revoked within hours of the letter landing.
- —Offer to help with handover and write it into the letter — it signals professionalism and gives your manager something concrete to work with, which reduces resentment significantly.
- —Avoid venting, criticism, or listing grievances — the letter creates a permanent record and you may need this manager as a reference for the next decade. Save honest feedback for an exit interview if one is offered.
- —Send during business hours — a resignation email at 11 pm or on a Friday afternoon reads as avoidant, and it prevents your manager from responding appropriately until the next working day.
Frequently asked questions
How much notice should I give when resigning?
Two weeks is the standard for most roles. Your employment contract is the definitive source — some senior or specialist positions require 30, 60, or even 90 days. When in doubt, give more notice than required; it signals professionalism and protects the relationship.
Should I explain why I'm resigning in the letter?
No. Your resignation letter only needs to confirm that you are resigning and when your last day is. Reasons can be shared verbally or in an exit interview if you choose — but written explanations in the letter carry risk and add nothing of value.
Is it okay to write a resignation letter by email?
Yes — email is widely accepted and creates a written record. If your workplace is formal or your contract requires written notice, follow up with a printed letter. Always send the email to your direct manager first, before HR or anyone else in the company.