How to Write a Resignation Letter

Unfortunately, not every company and employee are a perfect match. There comes a time when a person needs to move on with their career. So, how do you tell your current organization you’re moving on without burning bridges? A resignation letter is the perfect way to professionally part ways without any hostility. Here’s how to write a resignation letter.

Why a Resignation Letter

So, why write a resignation letter? These letters give finality to your decision. They prevent your boss or current organization from giving you a counter offer. Now, if you want a counter offer, you can tell your boss in person. However, if you know it’s time for you to move on to a new chapter, then a resignation letter prevents the temptation of being wooed into staying somewhere you don’t want to be.

What Makes Up a Resignation Letter

There are several components to a successful resignation letter. According to Indeed, here’s what makes up a resignation letter:

Date
Your Supervisor’s Name
Statement of Resignation
Your Last Work Day Date
Gratitude Statement
Next Steps
Closing and Signature

Now, we’ll break down each section.

Date

First, start your letter with the date you’re giving the resignation letter. This is important because you want to give your current employer two full weeks notice. By doing this, you give the company enough time to plan to replace you.

Your Supervisor’s Name

Next, you write your supervisor’s name. Include their preferred pronoun and last name. Again, be professional. Even if you have a great rapport with your boss, you should still be formal in this letter.

Statement of Resignation

Now, you put your statement of resignation. This should look something like, “Please accept this letter as my resignation from [insert company name], effective today, [insert today’s date].”

Your Last Work Day Date

Then, you need to include your final day with the organization. “My last day will be [insert the date two weeks from now].”

Gratitude Statement

And, it’s important you show gratitude for everything the company did for you. Remember, even the worst jobs teach you something useful for the rest of your career—even if it’s how to not manage. So, show how thankful you are for what your boss and the organization did for you. “I want to take this opportunity to thank you for this experience and all the valuable career insights you taught me. It’s been a pleasure working for you.”

Next Steps

Here, you want to assure your boss you’re willing to ensure a seamless hand-off. Some organizations won’t want you to put in the full two weeks, which is fine (funemployment!). You should write, “Over the next two weeks, I will write up a plan to help successfully onboard my replacement.” This illustrates how you plan on contributing for the final two weeks of your tenure there.

Closing and Signature

Finally, you add another thanks and include your name. “Thanks again for everything! [Insert Your Name]”

Click here to download our resignation letter template.

Remember, consider reaching out to Applied Resource Group, Atlanta’s top staffing firm, even if you already have accepted a new job offer. You should connect with Applied Resource Group now, even if you’re 100% happily employed. Conversations can lead to a lot of places that you wouldn’t have even considered before reaching out.