Prepared for:
[Client.FirstName][Client.LastName]
[Client.Company]
Created by:
[Sender.FirstName][Sender.LastName]
[Sender.Company]
A resignation letter is a written document that asserts the signer’s intent to leave an official position, most often a job, which is usually an indefinite term of employment.
A resignation letter may also be sent in other circumstances, including when leaving political office, short-term commissions, and even voluntary roles.
A resignation letter should include three main points: notification of the signer’s intent to resign, a date for the last day of employment, and an offer to ease the transition.
Resignation letters do not need to be overly long. They should include both yours and your employer’s address at the top of the document. It is also usually appropriate to thank the recipient.
Because resignation letters are not long and complex documents that require the inclusion of multiple clauses and sections, templates offer an excellent way to save time and avoid mistakes.
Opt for a template from a trusted service to ensure that all necessary details are included.
Whether or not you need to send a resignation letter depends on your terms of employment outlined in your contract – in most cases, a resignation letter will be necessary.
A letter of resignation is a legal document in the sense that it acts as a notification of termination, which may be contractually required to cease employment unilaterally.
A resignation letter can usually only be rejected or withdrawn if a contract specifies a certain length of employment (i.e. resignation is rendered contractually invalid) or both parties agree to backtrack.
Documents that are signed and sent digitally are usually just as legally binding as physical copies. Check the rules in your jurisdiction and employment contract to make sure.
There is usually no legal requirement to provide an explanation in your letter of resignation. You may wish to do so, however, for the benefit of your employer.
Keep the opening of your resignation letter straightforward. Format the header correctly by including your address and the address of your employer.
An opening line like, “Please accept this letter as my official letter of resignation from…” is usually sufficient.
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[Sender.FirstName][Sender.LastName]
[Sender.StreetAddress]
[Date]
[Sender.Company]
Dear Mr/Ms Last Name,
Please accept this letter as my official letter of resignation from [Sender.Company] as Job title, as I have decided to pursue another opportunity that I feel will benefit me in achieving my long-term career goals.
Please know that this decision has not come easy. I have thoroughly enjoyed working for [Sender.Company] over the past number years, and I have grown both professionally and personally from my experiences here. Truly this has been a very difficult decision to make.
I understand that business needs necessitate my availability over the next few weeks and I have done my best to allow time to help the organization prepare for this transition. I hereby give the required notice period notice per company policy, plus an additional number weeks in order to help with the transition. Please know that I am dedicated to my position within the organization until my departure date, so if there are any specific requests you may have between now and then, please let me know.
I would like to take this opportunity to extend my thanks to you and everyone that I have had the privilege to work with over the past number years. I owe you all a great deal and wish you the very best.
Kindest regards,
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