Free tool
Resignation letter generator
Enter your role, your last working day and the tone you want. You get a short, polite resignation letter that states the facts, offers a handover and keeps the door open, without explaining more than you need to.
- Free, no account needed
- Uses only the facts you give it
- Writes in the language of this page
- Plain text you can edit anywhere
What should a resignation letter include?
A resignation letter needs only a few things: that you are resigning, from which role, and your last working day. A good one also thanks your employer, offers to help with the handover and stays short. You don't have to give a reason, and it is safer not to criticize anyone in writing.
| Part | Example |
|---|---|
| Statement | Please accept this letter as my resignation as sales coordinator. |
| Last day | My last working day will be 15 November. |
| Handover | I'm happy to help train my replacement before I leave. |
| Thanks | Thank you for the support over the past three years. |
How to resign professionally
Check your notice period
Your contract or collective agreement sets the notice you owe, within local law. In the US most jobs are at will and two weeks is the custom; in the UK you must give at least one week once you've worked there for a month, and contracts often ask for more. Ask HR if you're unsure when it starts counting.
Tell your manager first
Have the conversation in person or on a call, then send the letter the same day so the date is on record.
Plan the handover
List your open work, where files live and who should take over each task. Offering this in the letter makes your last weeks easier.
Resignation letter lines by tone
Illustrative opening lines for the three tones the generator offers.
Warm
Tone
Grateful, keeps the relationship
Line
It has been a real pleasure working with this team, and I'm grateful for everything I've learned here.
Neutral
Tone
Professional, no extra detail
Line
Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as sales coordinator.
Brief
Tone
Facts only
Line
I am resigning from my role as sales coordinator. My last working day will be 15 November.
Resignation letter mistakes to avoid
Venting in writing
The letter can stay in your file for years. Save complaints for an exit interview, if you want to share them at all.
Leaving out the date
Without a clear last day, your notice period can be disputed. State the date, not only "two weeks".
Over-explaining
You don't owe a reason. One line about a new opportunity is plenty, and none is fine too.
Resigning before the offer is signed
Wait until you have the new offer in writing, unless you've decided to leave anyway.
Questions about resignation letters
How much notice should I give?
Usually what your contract or collective agreement says, within the minimum set by local law. In the US most jobs are at will, so the law often requires no notice, but two weeks is the custom and your contract may ask for more. In the UK you must give at least one week once you've been in the job for a month, and your contract may set a longer period. Many other countries set longer legal notice periods. Check before you choose your last day.
Do I have to give a reason?
No. A resignation letter can simply state that you are leaving and when. If you want to give a reason, keep it short and positive.
Should I email or print the letter?
It depends on your contract and the country. In the US and the UK, email is usually accepted unless your contract asks for written notice in a set form. Some countries are stricter: in Germany, for example, a resignation is only valid on paper with your handwritten signature. Keep a copy and, if you can, a confirmation that your employer received it.
Can I use this letter as it is?
Read it first, replace any [add: …] gaps and make sure the date and role are right. This is a template, not legal advice. Notice periods and formal requirements depend on your contract, collective agreement and local law, so check them before you send it.
What should I do after I resign?
Agree on the handover, update your resume while your recent work is fresh, and save the details of your achievements before you lose access to your work files.
Moving on? Get your resume ready
Check your resume for free and update it while your latest results are fresh, before you apply for the next job.