How to write a resignation letter

Sometimes when you resign from a job, you may tell your employer in person. However it's also best to also put your resignation in writing and either give a letter to your employer or send it via email. This makes the resignation official.

Give the right amount of notice

When you resign, you usually need to tell your employer the last date you'll be coming in to work. This is called 'giving notice.'

There are two ways to work out how much notice to give:

• if you have a written contract it may specify the amount of notice you have to give
• if you don't have a written contract the general rule is to base your notice on your pay cycle (for example, if you get paid every two weeks, give two weeks' notice).

Write a resignation letter

Once you know how much notice you have to give you can put your resignation in writing. Some tips for writing it include:

• keep it short
• stick to the point
• use formal language
• be nice about it.

Your resignation letter should include:

• a statement that clearly says you're going to resign 
• the date of your last day of work (based on the notice you're giving)
• a short explanation of why you are leaving
• a short, polite thank you at the end of the letter.

Other things your resignation letter could include are: 

• something positive about your experience in the job (for example, the chance to gain experience or develop skills)
• an offer to help make things easier for the organisation (for example, helping train other staff before you finish).

When writing the letter it's important to:

• make sure you get the dates right
• keep a copy so you have proof you submitted it and proof of your last day.

Sample resignation letters

Here are some sample resignation letters you can use as the basis for your own resignation letter.