Resigning from a job is a significant step, and crafting a well-written resignation letter is crucial for maintaining professional relationships and ensuring a smooth transition. A simple, short resignation letter is often the most effective approach, particularly when you aim to convey your departure clearly and concisely. This article will provide you with over 20 sample letters you can adapt, along with practical advice on what to include (and what to avoid) when writing your own.
The key to a successful short resignation letter is professionalism and brevity. Avoid negativity or lengthy explanations. Focus on expressing your gratitude for the opportunity, stating your last day of employment, and offering assistance during the transition period. The following examples will give you a solid foundation for composing your own resignation letter, tailored to your specific circumstances and company culture. Remember to always review your letter carefully before submitting it to your supervisor.
20+ Simple Short Resignation Letter Samples
Sample Letter 1: Standard Resignation
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Manager’s Name]
[Manager’s Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
Please accept this letter as notification that I am resigning from my position as [Your Position] with [Company Name]. My last day of employment will be [Your Last Day].
Thank you for the opportunity to work here. I wish you and the company all the best in the future.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 2: Expressing Gratitude
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]
[Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
This letter is to inform you of my resignation from my role as [Your Position], effective [Your Last Day]. I appreciate the opportunities I’ve had at [Company Name].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 3: Offering Assistance
[Your Name]
[Date]
[Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to inform you that I am resigning from my position as [Your Position], with my last day being [Your Last Day]. I am happy to assist in the transition process.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 4: Simple and Direct
[Your Name]
[Date]
[Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
Please accept this as formal notification that I am resigning from my position, effective [Your Last Day].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 5: Short Notice
[Your Name]
[Date]
[Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to inform you of my resignation, effective [Your Last Day]. I apologize for the short notice.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 6: Focus on Future
[Your Name]
[Date]
[Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
This letter is to confirm my resignation as [Your Position], with my final day being [Your Last Day]. I am looking forward to new opportunities.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 7: Positive Tone
[Your Name]
[Date]
[Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to resign from my position, effective [Your Last Day]. I have enjoyed my time at [Company Name].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 8: Expressing Thanks for Learning
[Your Name]
[Date]
[Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
Please accept this as notification that I am resigning from my role as [Your Position], with my last day of employment being [Your Last Day]. Thank you for the opportunities to learn and grow.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 9: Simple and Formal
[Your Name]
[Date]
[Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I hereby tender my resignation from the position of [Your Position], effective [Your Last Day].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 10: Focusing on the Future
[Your Name]
[Date]
[Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
This letter serves as formal notification that I am resigning from my position as [Your Position], with my last day of employment being [Your Last Day]. I’m excited about pursuing other professional avenues.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 11: Acknowledging Teamwork
[Your Name]
[Date]
[Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to inform you of my resignation from my position as [Your Position], effective [Your Last Day]. I appreciate the teamwork I’ve experienced here.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 12: Simple and Grateful
[Your Name]
[Date]
[Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
Please accept this as notification that I am resigning, effective [Your Last Day]. Thank you for everything.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 13: Acknowledging Growth and Opportunity
[Your Name]
[Date]
[Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to inform you that I am resigning from my position as [Your Position], with my last day being [Your Last Day]. I have valued the growth opportunities provided during my time here.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 14: Focus on Professionalism
[Your Name]
[Date]
[Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
This letter serves as formal notification that I am resigning from the position of [Your Position], effective [Your Last Day]. I wish you all continued success.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 15: Offering to Train Replacement (If Applicable)
[Your Name]
[Date]
[Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to inform you of my resignation, effective [Your Last Day]. If helpful, I would be happy to assist in training my replacement.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 16: Acknowledging Positive Work Environment
[Your Name]
[Date]
[Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
Please accept this as notification that I am resigning from my role as [Your Position], with my last day being [Your Last Day]. I appreciate the positive work environment.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 17: Thanking for Specific Opportunities
[Your Name]
[Date]
[Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to inform you of my resignation from my position as [Your Position], effective [Your Last Day]. Thank you for the opportunity to work on the [Project Name] project. I gained valuable experience.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 18: Short, Sweet, and to the Point
[Your Name]
[Date]
[Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I’m resigning, effective [Your Last Day]. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 19: Offering Help During Transition (With Specific Skills Mentioned)
[Your Name]
[Date]
[Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to inform you of my resignation from my position as [Your Position], with my last day being [Your Last Day]. I am happy to assist in the transition, particularly with [Specific Skill, e.g., data analysis, client onboarding].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 20: Simple Resignation for Part-Time Role
[Your Name]
[Date]
[Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
Please accept this letter as notification that I am resigning from my part-time position as [Your Position], effective [Your Last Day].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 21: Simple Resignation with Appreciation for Opportunities
[Your Name]
[Date]
[Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to inform you of my decision to resign from my position as [Your Position], with my last day of work being [Your Last Day]. I appreciate the opportunities I’ve had during my time here.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Conclusion: Crafting Your Perfect Simple Short Resignation Letter
As you can see from the examples above, a simple, short resignation letter doesn’t need to be complicated. The key elements are clarity, professionalism, and a positive tone. While the samples provide a great starting point, remember to personalize your letter to reflect your specific situation and relationship with your employer. Here’s a recap of key considerations:
- Be Clear and Concise: State your intention to resign and your last day of employment directly. Avoid ambiguity.
- Maintain a Professional Tone: Regardless of your reasons for leaving, keep the tone respectful and courteous. Avoid negativity or criticism.
- Express Gratitude: A simple “thank you” goes a long way in maintaining positive relationships. Acknowledge any opportunities you were given or skills you developed during your employment.
- Offer Assistance (Optional): If you’re willing and able, offering to help with the transition process can leave a positive impression. Be realistic about what you can commit to.
- Follow Company Policy: Ensure your notice period aligns with company policy and your employment contract.
- Proofread Carefully: Typos and grammatical errors can detract from your professionalism. Review your letter thoroughly before submitting it.
- Consider Your Audience: Tailor the tone and content to your relationship with your manager and the company culture. A more formal letter might be appropriate for a traditional organization, while a more casual approach might be acceptable in a startup environment.
- Think About Your Career Goals: Your goal is not to burn bridges. You may need a reference from this company in the future. A simple, professional resignation is always the best approach.
Beyond these basic guidelines, here are some additional points to consider to maximize the effectiveness of your resignation letter:
What to Include in Your Simple Short Resignation Letter
- Your Full Name and Contact Information: Make it easy for your employer to contact you if necessary.
- The Date: This provides a clear record of when the letter was submitted.
- Your Manager’s Name and Title: Address the letter to the appropriate person.
- The Company Name: Ensure there is no confusion about which company you are resigning from.
- Your Position Title: Clearly state the role you are resigning from.
- Your Last Day of Employment: This is the most crucial piece of information. Calculate this carefully, taking into account your notice period.
- A Brief Statement of Gratitude: Express your appreciation for the opportunity to work at the company.
- An Offer of Assistance (Optional): This demonstrates your willingness to help with the transition.
- A Professional Closing: Use a standard closing such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards.”
- Your Signature: If submitting a hard copy, sign the letter. If submitting electronically, a typed name is sufficient.
What to Avoid in Your Simple Short Resignation Letter
- Negative Comments: Refrain from criticizing the company, your manager, or your colleagues. Even if you have legitimate grievances, this is not the place to air them.
- Lengthy Explanations: Keep your letter concise and to the point. You don’t need to provide a detailed explanation of your reasons for leaving. If your manager asks for more information in person, you can provide a brief and professional explanation.
- Demands or Ultimatums: This is not the time to negotiate for better terms or conditions.
- Personal Information: Avoid sharing overly personal details about your reasons for leaving.
- Unprofessional Language: Use formal and respectful language at all times.
- Gossip or Rumors: Do not include any unsubstantiated information or gossip.
- Burning Bridges: Remember that you may need a reference from this employer in the future. Always strive to leave on good terms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Simple Short Resignation Letters
- Q: Is it okay to resign via email?
- A: In most cases, yes, resigning via email is acceptable, especially in today’s digital age. However, consider your company’s culture and your relationship with your manager. A face-to-face conversation followed by a written resignation (either physical or email) is often the most professional approach. If you choose to resign via email, ensure your subject line is clear and professional (e.g., “Resignation – [Your Name]”).
- Q: What if I’m leaving for a competitor?
- A: You are not obligated to disclose your new employer in your resignation letter. Keep the focus on your resignation and thank you for the opportunity. You may be asked about your future plans in person; be prepared to answer professionally, but you don’t need to offer more information than you’re comfortable with. Check your employment agreement for any non-compete clauses.
- Q: Should I include my new job title and company in my resignation letter?
- A: It’s generally not necessary to include your new job title or company in your resignation letter, unless your manager specifically asks. You can mention you are moving to another opportunity but keep it general.
- Q: What if I want to leave immediately without giving notice?
- A: Leaving without notice can have negative consequences, such as forfeiting accrued vacation time and damaging your reputation. Review your employment contract and company policy to understand the implications. If you absolutely must leave immediately, explain your reasons to your manager in person and offer a sincere apology. Document the conversation, and be prepared for potential repercussions.
- Q: Can I use one of these templates exactly as is?
- A: You can use these templates as a starting point, but it’s essential to customize them to fit your specific situation. Remember to fill in the bracketed information with your own details and adjust the wording to reflect your relationship with your employer.
- Q: Should I send a physical letter, an email, or both?
- A: Consider your company’s culture. Some companies may prefer a physical letter as a formal record, while others are fine with an email. A good approach is to discuss your resignation with your manager in person first, then follow up with a formal written resignation (either physical or email) to confirm your departure and last day.
By following these guidelines and adapting the provided samples, you can create a simple, short resignation letter that conveys your departure professionally and respectfully, leaving a positive lasting impression. Remember to always prioritize maintaining positive relationships, as you never know when you might cross paths with your former colleagues in the future. Good luck with your next chapter!