Are you ready to leave your current job? If so, it's important to provide an official resignation letter to your employer.

But what does a good resignation letter look like? When should you give notice to your employer? How do you write a simple resignation letter that lets you leave your current job on good terms?

Here's everything you need to know about writing a great resignation letter — what to say, how to say it, and when to deliver it along with several letters of resignation templates.

What is a resignation letter?

A resignation letter is a document that tells your current employer you are leaving your job.

Resignation letters are usually delivered on a printed page or in an email. It’s a good idea to have both a digital and printed copy ready, especially if you’re not sure what your boss or HR department requires.

Why should you write a resignation letter?

The purpose of writing a resignation letter is to create an official notice that you’re leaving your job. Resignation letters, or the details of the letter, often end up in your employee records. For that reason, your resignation letter should be clear, effective, and professional.

Even if you do not like your current job, it is still important to submit a formal letter saying that you are leaving.

It gives your current employer time to prepare for your departure and also makes them more likely to speak positively about you with future or prospective employers.

How to write a resignation letter

Each resignation letter can be different, but it doesn't have to be unique or lengthy. You can use one of the resignation letter templates below and add in your own details to customize it.

Every resignation letter should contain a few key pieces of information in order to be clear, effective, and professional.

• Notification date: Include the notification date on your resignation letter. The date on the letter should match the date you submit it to your employer.

• Your address: Include your mailing address.

• Employer address: List the company name and address of your current employer, as well as your direct boss or HR department (if applicable).

• Resignation statement: Provide a simple sentence stating that you are resigning from your current job.

• Date of departure: Provide the date you intend to resign from your job.

• Reason (optional): A reason, or explanation, for leaving your job is NOT required. If you feel comfortable doing so, you can include why you're resigning in a polite and professional way. (We'll talk more about this in a minute.)

When is the best time to deliver a resignation letter?

In almost all industries, most employers expect an employee to deliver a resignation letter with at least 2 weeks' notice. While sometimes that is not possible, try your best not to leave on short notice.

Be prepared to provide your written resignation letter at the same time, or immediately after, you verbally notify your employer that you're leaving the job.

5 tips for an effective resignation letter

Here are five things you can say and do in your resignation letter that will help keep the letter clear and professional.

1. Don't brag about your new job

If you’re taking a new job, it’s best not to say much about it. Even if you're proud of your new opportunity, it's best not to mention why your new job is “better."

Talking about how much happier you’re going to be with your new employer can create unnecessary conflict, and could be viewed as unprofessional.

2. Keep your resignation letter respectful

It's always best to leave on a positive note in case a future employer ever calls them for a reference. Try for positive, and at a minimum be respectful. Re-read your letter after you write it. Read it as if you were the boss and your employee handed you the letter. Is the tone professional?

3. Don't write negative things about your co-workers (or boss)

A resignation letter is not the place to critique co-workers or management. Negative comments will not improve the letter, and may reflect poorly in your employee records.

4. Don't disrespect the company

Don’t badmouth your current company on your way out the door. You may need their reference one day.

Avoid commentary about your current job (or your new one). When in doubt — say less. Only state what you need to be clear and effective.

5. Only provide a reason for leaving if you are comfortable doing so

You can provide a reason for leaving, but you don’t have to. If you prefer to keep your reasons to yourself, that’s fine — especially if you are leaving to work for a competitor or for a personal reason.

You are not required to provide your employer an explanation about why you are resigning. If you chose to provide one, the simpler your explanation, the better.

4 resignation letter template examples

If you need a professional resignation letter template, use one of these four templates to help you get started.

Resignation letter template with a two-week notice

January 1, 2021

Jennifer Jobcase
123 Anywhere Place
Anytown, NY

Employer Corp (Attn: Current Boss)
321 Anytime Street
Somewhere, NY

Dear {Current Boss}:

I am writing to inform you that I am resigning from my position at Employer Corp effective January 15, 2021 (two weeks from today).

My time with Employer Corp has been rewarding and I thank you for the opportunity to bring value to your team. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist with this transition over the next two weeks.

Feel free to reach out if an exit interview is required, or if you have any questions.

Best regards,

Jennifer Jobcase
[email protected]
(123) 456-7890

Resignation letter template with a reason for leaving

January 1, 2021

Jennifer Jobcase
123 Anywhere Place
Anytown, NY

Employer Corp (Attn: Current Boss)
321 Anytime Street
Somewhere, NY

Dear {Current Boss}:

I am writing to inform you that I am resigning from my position at Employer Corp effective January 15, 2021 (two weeks from today).

My time working at Employer Corp has been wonderful and highly rewarding. I have been offered a position with another company that is a perfect fit for my skills and schedule, and I have chosen to accept the job.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist with this transition over the next two weeks. Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions.

Best regards,

Jennifer Jobcase
[email protected]
(123) 456-7890

Resignation letters to say goodbye to other teammates

January 1, 2021

Jennifer Jobcase
123 Anywhere Place
Anytown, NY

Employer Corp (Attn: Current Boss)
321 Anytime Street
Somewhere, NY

Dear {Current Boss}:

I am writing to inform you that I am resigning from my position at Employer Corp effective January 15, 2021 (two weeks from today).

My time working at Employer Corp has been really fulfilling, and I’ve enjoyed working with all of you. Thank you for making this job a wonderful experience.

I’ve left my contact information below, should any of you wish to contact me or follow up.

Best regards,

Jennifer Jobcase
[email protected]
(123) 456-7890

Resignation letter template with a 24-hour notice

January 1, 2021

Jennifer Jobcase
123 Anywhere Place
Anytown, NY

Employer Corp (Attn: Current Boss)
321 Anytime Street
Somewhere, NY

Dear {Current Boss}:

I am writing to inform you that I am leaving my position at Employer Corp, effective tomorrow.

I apologize for resigning on short notice and would like to express my gratitude for the time I’ve spent working here. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist with this transition.

Best regards,

Jennifer Jobcase
[email protected]
(123) 456-7890

There you have it. Everything you need to know to write a professional and friendly resignation letter.

When composing your letter, remember the purpose is to notify your current employer that you are ending your employment. Be clear, effective, and professional.Follow the templates highlighted above, and you’ll be able to leave a job seamlessly as you move on toward future employment.

For more job search tips, visit the Jobcase Getting Hired Resource Center.