It goes without saying that you can’t just write, “I resign. Bye.” There’s a formal outline to follow for a letter of resignation, but it’s not as imposing as you may think.
You don’t need to write a lot or give excessive detail—you just need to tell your boss that you intend to resign, add a few key points, and then respectfully wrap it up. Keep your resignation letter to one page and make sure it includes the following:
a statement of intent that you will be leaving your job
the name of your official staff position
the date of your last day on the job
gratitude to your employer for hiring you
a highlight of your time there (optional)
an offer to train your replacement
well wishes for the future of the company
your contact info
Resignation Letter Example
If you’re still a little shaky on what to say and how to write a resignation letter, use this resignation letter template to see how the above points are incorporated.
Notice how the intent to resign is stated in the very first sentence—no flowery introduction or greeting is necessary—and the tone is friendly but formal.
Roberta Jones
18 Hillside Road | Sometown, MA 55555 | Phone: 555-555-5555 | jones@somedomain.com
[Date]
Ms. Joyce Michaels
CEO
ABC Company
15 Main St.
Sometown, MA 55555
Dear Joyce,
Please accept this letter as notice of my resignation from my position as staff accountant. My last day of employment will be [date].
I received an offer to serve as senior accountant of a Fortune 500 company, and after careful consideration, I realize that this opportunity is too exciting for me to decline.
It has been a pleasure working with you and your team over the last three years. One of the highlights of my career was collaborating with you to automate ABC Company’s accounting, financial and balance systems and setting up your accounting infrastructure. Your company is poised for continued growth and I wish you much success with your upcoming acquisition of XYZ Company.
I would like to help with the transition of my accounting duties so that systems continue to function smoothly after my departure. I am available to help recruit and train my replacement, and I will make certain that all reporting and records are updated before my last day of work.
Joyce, thank you again for the opportunity to work for ABC Company. I wish you and your staff all the best and I look forward to staying in touch with you. You can email me anytime at jones@somedomain.com or call me at 555-555-5555.
Sincerely,
