Resignation letter
Discussion
What needs to be in a resignation letter ? I want something short and to the point.
This is what i've got :
Address of company
March 13, 2009
Dear Mr X,
As required by my contract of employment, I hereby give you XXX weeks notice of my intention to leave my position as XXX, with my last day being XXX.
I wish both you and "Company name" every good fortune and I would like to thank you for having me as part of your team.
Yours sincerely
Me
Is there anything else it should contain ?
This is what i've got :
Address of company
March 13, 2009
Dear Mr X,
As required by my contract of employment, I hereby give you XXX weeks notice of my intention to leave my position as XXX, with my last day being XXX.
I wish both you and "Company name" every good fortune and I would like to thank you for having me as part of your team.
Yours sincerely
Me
Is there anything else it should contain ?
A4_Family_Man said:
It's a little too curt IMO. Do you need to include a reason why you're leaving.
On you leaving on good terms??
Something like: Thank you for giving me the opportunities over these past few years for career development, but I feel that the time has come to learn new skills etc etc maybe.On you leaving on good terms??
Edited by A4_Family_Man on Friday 13th March 08:55
Not: "I hate you, you

Mattt said:
A4_Family_Man said:
It's a little too curt IMO. Do you need to include a reason why you're leaving.
On you leaving on good terms??
Something like: Thank you for giving me the opportunities over these past few years for career development, but I feel that the time has come to learn new skills etc etc maybe.On you leaving on good terms??
Edited by A4_Family_Man on Friday 13th March 08:55
Not: "I hate you, you

A bit softer:
Dear XXXX
After much thought I have decided to tender my resignation from the post of xxxxx. Under the terms of my contract of employment, this will make my last day with you XXXX, which I should be grateful if you could confirm.
I have enjoyed my time with XXXX and felt I have learnt a great deal from the company. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to have been a member of your team.
kind regards
dave_s13 said:
Mattt said:
A4_Family_Man said:
It's a little too curt IMO. Do you need to include a reason why you're leaving.
On you leaving on good terms??
Something like: Thank you for giving me the opportunities over these past few years for career development, but I feel that the time has come to learn new skills etc etc maybe.On you leaving on good terms??
Edited by A4_Family_Man on Friday 13th March 08:55
Not: "I hate you, you


Here are a few i sent to my sons girlfriend when she left ASDA.... shamelessly stole from here i think!
Name
Address
Monday 6th October 2008
Dear ......,
Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from the position of ???? at ASDA, with effect from Monday 6th October 2008.
In accordance with my contract of employment, I am happy to continue to work until ??? 2008.
I would sincerely like to thank all at ASDA for their support and friendship during my time here and also for the experience I have gained. It is genuinely appreciated.
I look forward to working with you during my notice period to effect a smooth handover of my responsibilities.
Yours sincerely,
Signature
Kerry
Or…..
Dear ……..,
After an appropriate period of deliberation, I have come to the decision to tender my resignation from position of Buyer at ASDA from the 6th October 2008
Please know that I still maintain a high level of respect for you as a manager and colleague, and I thank you sincerely for the support and assistance you have offered me in each of my roles. I have been proud to work for you over the past few years; it has been a journey that has provided me an unparalleled foundation to move forward to new and exciting opportunities.
As such, I have decided to become a professional pirate. It has always been a dream of mine to live the life of a swashbuckling corsair, beholden to none and master of all I survey. Once my crew of unabashed rogues is assembled, we shall take to the capacious expanse of the high seas to pursue fortune, fame, and hair-raising adventure.
Our path may not be filled with the porcine comforts and technological marvels that ASDA provides, but we shall nonetheless move forward to carve a name for ourselves in the annals of bold insurgency and death-defying derring-do. Once I have a keen blade at my hip and the Jolly Roger is flapping high above me, I believe I will find my true calling.
Please note that I am currently accepting applications for First Officer, if you are at all interested in applying. I will provide a full medical and dental plan, which will offer immediate coverage of all maladies other than scurvy and the occasional bout of rickets.
Yours Sincerely
Kerry
Or….
Dear ????
I must leave you. Why, I cannot say. Where, you cannot know. How I will get there, I haven't decided yet. But one thing I can tell you, any time I hear the wind blow it will whisper the name ASDA. And so, let us part with a love that will echo through the ages.
Kerry
Name
Address
Monday 6th October 2008
Dear ......,
Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from the position of ???? at ASDA, with effect from Monday 6th October 2008.
In accordance with my contract of employment, I am happy to continue to work until ??? 2008.
I would sincerely like to thank all at ASDA for their support and friendship during my time here and also for the experience I have gained. It is genuinely appreciated.
I look forward to working with you during my notice period to effect a smooth handover of my responsibilities.
Yours sincerely,
Signature
Kerry
Or…..
Dear ……..,
After an appropriate period of deliberation, I have come to the decision to tender my resignation from position of Buyer at ASDA from the 6th October 2008
Please know that I still maintain a high level of respect for you as a manager and colleague, and I thank you sincerely for the support and assistance you have offered me in each of my roles. I have been proud to work for you over the past few years; it has been a journey that has provided me an unparalleled foundation to move forward to new and exciting opportunities.
As such, I have decided to become a professional pirate. It has always been a dream of mine to live the life of a swashbuckling corsair, beholden to none and master of all I survey. Once my crew of unabashed rogues is assembled, we shall take to the capacious expanse of the high seas to pursue fortune, fame, and hair-raising adventure.
Our path may not be filled with the porcine comforts and technological marvels that ASDA provides, but we shall nonetheless move forward to carve a name for ourselves in the annals of bold insurgency and death-defying derring-do. Once I have a keen blade at my hip and the Jolly Roger is flapping high above me, I believe I will find my true calling.
Please note that I am currently accepting applications for First Officer, if you are at all interested in applying. I will provide a full medical and dental plan, which will offer immediate coverage of all maladies other than scurvy and the occasional bout of rickets.
Yours Sincerely
Kerry
Or….
Dear ????
I must leave you. Why, I cannot say. Where, you cannot know. How I will get there, I haven't decided yet. But one thing I can tell you, any time I hear the wind blow it will whisper the name ASDA. And so, let us part with a love that will echo through the ages.
Kerry
Just fished out the one I used a couple years ago...done the job. Just modify it to suit your requirements,
Dear xxxx xxxxx,
As required by my contract of employment, I here by give you 3 weeks' notice of my intention to leave my position as a "xxxx" at "company name".
I have decided that it is time to move on. An opportunity has arisen to pursue a life long interest. This was not an easy decision and took a lot of consideration. However, I am confident that my new role will help me move towards some of the goals I have for my career.
I understand that my notice period is 3 weeks but I would like if possible to extend that for a longer duration until 27th February to complete all work that is outstanding and fully show my commitment to "company name", deliver what is expected to the highest standard and assist in developing the business.
Please be assured that I will do all I can to cooperate the smooth transfer of my responsibilities before leaving.
I believe in "company name" and If there is anyway I can contribute to the company I would be keen to discuss as it is a relationship I would like to hold for the long-term.
I will continue to put forward contacts and clients to "company name" and assist you in anyway possible with developing and building the brand.
Many thanks
Yours Sincerely,
Dear xxxx xxxxx,
As required by my contract of employment, I here by give you 3 weeks' notice of my intention to leave my position as a "xxxx" at "company name".
I have decided that it is time to move on. An opportunity has arisen to pursue a life long interest. This was not an easy decision and took a lot of consideration. However, I am confident that my new role will help me move towards some of the goals I have for my career.
I understand that my notice period is 3 weeks but I would like if possible to extend that for a longer duration until 27th February to complete all work that is outstanding and fully show my commitment to "company name", deliver what is expected to the highest standard and assist in developing the business.
Please be assured that I will do all I can to cooperate the smooth transfer of my responsibilities before leaving.
I believe in "company name" and If there is anyway I can contribute to the company I would be keen to discuss as it is a relationship I would like to hold for the long-term.
I will continue to put forward contacts and clients to "company name" and assist you in anyway possible with developing and building the brand.
Many thanks
Yours Sincerely,
The letter in the OP is fine as it is. When I handed my notice in (I've only ever done it once) I had a look what the internet had to offer. I liked this little gem:
"Dear Sir
After much thought and no small amount of soul-searching, I have come to the conclusion that I must resign forthwith. It's not that I'm unhappy with my role as Chief De-beaker at _ but I feel that recently my role has outgrown my capacity to ignore the plight of these poor penguins.
I remember as a child watching, captivated for hours, the penguins at Bob Snarts Family Circus, Maidstone. Spellbound by their unfettered enthusiasm and dogged determination as the big cannon fired them into the safety net time after time, it struck me that I would one day work with these beautiful yet durable creatures.
Of course, when I heard of a vacancy at I jumped at the opportunity to fulfil my dream. I suppose I should have expected something by the fact that you are a food company, but it never occurred to me that penguins would suffer by my own hand.
It's bad enough that the public has been hoodwinked to the extent that they actually believe that McRon's Chicken Fryer is made from real chickens. Bad enough again that 90% of the British public have unwittingly eaten penguin at one time or another. But for me to assist in the cover up of such lies is no longer tolerable. No longer can I look myself in the mirror content in the knowledge that I hold the coveted "De-beaker of the Year" trophy, with over 9,000 'guins snagged in my two-month reign.
So here it ends. My story goes public and you go bankrupt. I can only hope that my example will be a "beakon" to fellow workers in this filthy industry to expose and denounce these murderous practices.
Having said that, I would stay for another £20 a week."
"Dear Sir
After much thought and no small amount of soul-searching, I have come to the conclusion that I must resign forthwith. It's not that I'm unhappy with my role as Chief De-beaker at _ but I feel that recently my role has outgrown my capacity to ignore the plight of these poor penguins.
I remember as a child watching, captivated for hours, the penguins at Bob Snarts Family Circus, Maidstone. Spellbound by their unfettered enthusiasm and dogged determination as the big cannon fired them into the safety net time after time, it struck me that I would one day work with these beautiful yet durable creatures.
Of course, when I heard of a vacancy at I jumped at the opportunity to fulfil my dream. I suppose I should have expected something by the fact that you are a food company, but it never occurred to me that penguins would suffer by my own hand.
It's bad enough that the public has been hoodwinked to the extent that they actually believe that McRon's Chicken Fryer is made from real chickens. Bad enough again that 90% of the British public have unwittingly eaten penguin at one time or another. But for me to assist in the cover up of such lies is no longer tolerable. No longer can I look myself in the mirror content in the knowledge that I hold the coveted "De-beaker of the Year" trophy, with over 9,000 'guins snagged in my two-month reign.
So here it ends. My story goes public and you go bankrupt. I can only hope that my example will be a "beakon" to fellow workers in this filthy industry to expose and denounce these murderous practices.
Having said that, I would stay for another £20 a week."
Edited by Ganglandboss on Friday 13th March 09:24
V8NRG said:
What needs to be in a resignation letter ? I want something short and to the point.
This is what i've got :
Address of company
March 13, 2009
Dear Mr X,
As required by my contract of employment, I hereby give you XXX weeks notice of my intention to leave my position as XXX, with my last day being XXX.
I wish both you and "Company name" every good fortune and I would like to thank you for having me as part of your team.
Yours sincerely
Me
That is spot on and meets the contractual requirements. It's a termination of contract. This is what i've got :
Address of company
March 13, 2009
Dear Mr X,
As required by my contract of employment, I hereby give you XXX weeks notice of my intention to leave my position as XXX, with my last day being XXX.
I wish both you and "Company name" every good fortune and I would like to thank you for having me as part of your team.
Yours sincerely
Me
If they are a good employer they will sit you down and have a frank chat with you or even a formal exit interview. That is the opportunity to go into detail about your reasons for leaving etc.
pp
buzzer said:
Here are a few i sent to my sons girlfriend when she left ASDA.... shamelessly stole from here i think!
Dear ……..,
After an appropriate period of deliberation, I have come to the decision to tender my resignation from position of Buyer at ASDA from the 6th October 2008
Please know that I still maintain a high level of respect for you as a manager and colleague, and I thank you sincerely for the support and assistance you have offered me in each of my roles. I have been proud to work for you over the past few years; it has been a journey that has provided me an unparalleled foundation to move forward to new and exciting opportunities.
As such, I have decided to become a professional pirate. It has always been a dream of mine to live the life of a swashbuckling corsair, beholden to none and master of all I survey. Once my crew of unabashed rogues is assembled, we shall take to the capacious expanse of the high seas to pursue fortune, fame, and hair-raising adventure.
Our path may not be filled with the porcine comforts and technological marvels that ASDA provides, but we shall nonetheless move forward to carve a name for ourselves in the annals of bold insurgency and death-defying derring-do. Once I have a keen blade at my hip and the Jolly Roger is flapping high above me, I believe I will find my true calling.
Please note that I am currently accepting applications for First Officer, if you are at all interested in applying. I will provide a full medical and dental plan, which will offer immediate coverage of all maladies other than scurvy and the occasional bout of rickets.
Yours Sincerely
Kerry
Brilliant!! in the true spirit of PH piracy Dear ……..,
After an appropriate period of deliberation, I have come to the decision to tender my resignation from position of Buyer at ASDA from the 6th October 2008
Please know that I still maintain a high level of respect for you as a manager and colleague, and I thank you sincerely for the support and assistance you have offered me in each of my roles. I have been proud to work for you over the past few years; it has been a journey that has provided me an unparalleled foundation to move forward to new and exciting opportunities.
As such, I have decided to become a professional pirate. It has always been a dream of mine to live the life of a swashbuckling corsair, beholden to none and master of all I survey. Once my crew of unabashed rogues is assembled, we shall take to the capacious expanse of the high seas to pursue fortune, fame, and hair-raising adventure.
Our path may not be filled with the porcine comforts and technological marvels that ASDA provides, but we shall nonetheless move forward to carve a name for ourselves in the annals of bold insurgency and death-defying derring-do. Once I have a keen blade at my hip and the Jolly Roger is flapping high above me, I believe I will find my true calling.
Please note that I am currently accepting applications for First Officer, if you are at all interested in applying. I will provide a full medical and dental plan, which will offer immediate coverage of all maladies other than scurvy and the occasional bout of rickets.
Yours Sincerely
Kerry

Seriously though, the first letter Buzzer suggested is pretty much exactly what I normally use (have used in the past and have no intention of ever using again if my boss is reading this)
If anything, it's too waffle-y IMO
I always find that resignation letters should be formal and polite but directly to the point:
Dear Mr/Mrs X
Please accept this letter as immediate notice of my resignation.
Under the terms of my contract, I am required to give X weeks notice, therefore my last working day will be XX/XX/XXXX
Yours sincerely
You
You should have an exit interview and can say all that other crap face-to-face then.
I've had people writing the resignation equivalent of War and Peace on their resignations. Honestly, anyone would think they were writing a letter to their Mum with all the sickly, trite bull they come out with.
I always find that resignation letters should be formal and polite but directly to the point:
Dear Mr/Mrs X
Please accept this letter as immediate notice of my resignation.
Under the terms of my contract, I am required to give X weeks notice, therefore my last working day will be XX/XX/XXXX
Yours sincerely
You
You should have an exit interview and can say all that other crap face-to-face then.
I've had people writing the resignation equivalent of War and Peace on their resignations. Honestly, anyone would think they were writing a letter to their Mum with all the sickly, trite bull they come out with.
I wouldn't put as per my contract of employment at the start.
I'd put "please take this letter as my formal resignation, and I am giving X days/weeks notice as required. I can confirm that my final day will be X.."
May I take this opportunity to thank X Company for all the support/training/help it has given me over the years(days/weeks) and I wish you all the best for the future.
I'd put "please take this letter as my formal resignation, and I am giving X days/weeks notice as required. I can confirm that my final day will be X.."
May I take this opportunity to thank X Company for all the support/training/help it has given me over the years(days/weeks) and I wish you all the best for the future.
V8NRG said:
What needs to be in a resignation letter ? I want something short and to the point.
This is what i've got :
Address of company
March 13, 2009
Dear Mr X,
As required by my contract of employment, I hereby give you XXX weeks notice of my intention to leave my position as XXX, with my last day being XXX.
I wish both you and "Company name" every good fortune and I would like to thank you for having me as part of your team.
Yours sincerely
Me
Is there anything else it should contain ?
are you vin diesel? This is what i've got :
Address of company
March 13, 2009
Dear Mr X,
As required by my contract of employment, I hereby give you XXX weeks notice of my intention to leave my position as XXX, with my last day being XXX.
I wish both you and "Company name" every good fortune and I would like to thank you for having me as part of your team.
Yours sincerely
Me
Is there anything else it should contain ?

keep it short and relatively sweet - these things are never as bad as you think they're going to be
This is what I have used (or very similar):
Muzzer said:
Dear Mr/Mrs X
Please accept this letter as immediate notice of my resignation.
Under the terms of my contract, I am required to give X weeks notice, therefore my last working day will be XX/XX/XXXX
Yours sincerely
There is no need to offer regrets, or a narrative; just state the facts.Please accept this letter as immediate notice of my resignation.
Under the terms of my contract, I am required to give X weeks notice, therefore my last working day will be XX/XX/XXXX
Yours sincerely
buzzer said:
I must leave you. Why, I cannot say. Where, you cannot know. How I will get there, I haven't decided yet. But one thing I can tell you, any time I hear the wind blow it will whisper the name ASDA. And so, let us part with a love that will echo through the ages.

Some excellent resignation templates there.
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