- A resignation letter is one of the first steps in quitting your job.
- A letter of resignation gives you a paper trail to indicate your last day and how you'll help the transition.
- After talking to career experts, Business Insider has provided a sample of the exact format you should use in a resignation letter.
- Click here for more BI Prime stories.
Telling your boss that you're leaving the company can be awkward. Whether you're dreading the farewell or you can't wait to start your new job, there's a way to frame your resignation letter without burning bridges.
Tim Vipond, CEO of Corporate Finance Institute, told Business Insider that a resignation letter is really just a formality after you've had a conversation with your manager. The letter shouldn't be how your boss learns of the news — it's more of a brief, written confirmation, he added.
Similarly, job coach Lea McLeod previously told Business Insider that your letter doesn't need to be a summary of your entire employment history.
"It needs to be simple, straightforward, and to the point," she said.
Here's the exact format you should follow when writing a resignation letter to your boss.
Start with the basic, legal requirements of resigning
Some components you have to include in your resignation letter are your name, job title, the notice of resignation, and your end date (usually a two-week notice).
While it's the only must-have, your first paragraph is also the most important, Vipond said. It will establish your final day on the job to human resources and your boss.
If you have a contract with stipulations on your end date, reference that in this initial part of the letter.
Here's a sample introduction:
Dear (boss' name),
Please accept this letter as a notice of my resignation from (your position). Per my employment contract, I am giving two weeks notice. My last day will be (two weeks from today).
Say how you'll help with the transition
The transition section is very helpful in demonstrating your value to the company even when you're leaving, Vipond said.
Here is an example:
I will spend the next two weeks of my time at (company) completing all outstanding projects and ensuring that my replacement will be able to hit the ground running on day one. I'm available to aid in the transition in any other way before (last day of work).
End with saying thank you
While you certainly don't need to explore your entire time at the company, saying thanks and listing some of your accomplishments in the written notice is a good idea.
You can thank them for the training, the opportunity to work with great people, and anything else you're grateful for, Business Insider previously reported.
Here is an example:
It has been a pleasure working with you and your team the past (amount of time you've been at the company). This was an incredible opportunity to build my career, and I will always cherish (two or three things you accomplished during this role). The lessons I've learned at (company), including (some skills you've learned at the job), have been valuable.
Thank you very much for the opportunities and support during my time at (company). I wish you and the team success and the best of luck, and hope we can keep in touch.
Sincerely,
(Your name)
Depending on your industry, the letter may be even shorter
For some industries where employees are required to leave right away, like in banking and law firms, a brief thanks may be the only part of the letter, Vipond said.
This is all the letter needs:
Dear (boss' name),
Please accept this as a notice of resignation, effective immediately.
Thank you for all of the opportunities you've given me in my (amount of time) here.
Sincerely,
(Your name)
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