You want to leave a positive final impression when you make an exit from your job. A positive, professional resignation letter will help you leave that positive impression.
Resignation Letter Template
Begin your resignation letter with a standard date, name of the addressee, usually your direct manager or supervisor, and the company address, just as you would start any business letter. If you have personalized stationery, plan to print the resignation letter to fit your stationery using your home printer. If not, you can use a plain piece of quality white paper to print your resignation letter. Never write a resignation letter using your current employer’s stationery, just as you would never, ever use your current employer’s stationery or envelopes to mail out resumes or applications when you are job searching. (Don’t laugh. Employers receive resumes in employer envelopes regularly—fortunately, this practice is diminishing with online applications.) Date Employer Contact InformationName of ManagerTitle of ManagerCompany NameAddressCity, State Zip Code Address the resignation letter to your manager or supervisor. Use their first name if that is what you typically call them. You will also want to send a copy of your resignation letter to Human Resources. SalutationDear Name of Immediate Supervisor:
Opening the Resignation Letter
The first paragraph of your resignation letter should state that you are resigning from your job and that this is your letter of resignation. You should offer your employer two week’s notice, and provide the last date of your employment.
Body of the Resignation Letter
If you want to provide your manager with a reason for your resignation, you may. Make your reason sound favorable to your career, not negative about your current employment. Your resignation is for a new job, going back to school, or moving to another state, for example. Continue to project a professional image as this resignation letter will reside permanently in your employee personnel file. In the next paragraph in the body of your resignation letter, it is appropriate to express a positive remark or two about your current employment.
Closing the Resignation Letter
Your final paragraph of the resignation letter should offer your employer positive wishes for ongoing success. You will also want to offer your services to help your employer transition a new employee into the job from which you are resigning. End your resignation letter with your favorite closing such as sincerely, warmly, best, or regards. Then, type and sign your name to the resignation letter. Copy to: Human Resources. ClosingSincerely,Employee SignatureEmployee NameCopy to: Human Resources
