Resignation Letters

Choose from 63 sample resignation letters, or customize your own with phrases and sentences for each guided step

Say it right with professional-quality resignation letters. Write with confidence using: Expert help every step of the way Appropriate phrases and sentences Challenging letters made easy

You'll get sample resignation letters for each of these topics:

• Resign from a job in which you are not valued or appreciated
• Resign from a job because of a personality clash or conflict of values
• Resign from a job when forced out under pressure
• Resign for family or personal reasons
• Resign for health reasons
• Resign to take an early retirement
• Resign to take another job

Related Resignation Letters

• Accept a resignation
• Announce an employee's retirement
• Announce your own retirement

How to write a resignation letter:

1. Your resignation letter may be read by future employers. Since it will be the final document in your personnel file, it will be the first document seen when a future employer calls for a reference or if you reapply at your company.

2. Highlight your accomplishments. Colleagues may read your resignation letter. Your chances of networking with them will improve if they remember a kind letter of resignation that reminds them of your outstanding accomplishments.

3. Maintain your dignity. Memories are stronger when attached to emotions, and watching co-workers resign is highly emotional. Choose words that demonstrate your qualities of worthiness and honor.

4. Highlight your skills. Just like writing cover letters, use plenty of action verbs.

5. Emphasize what you have contributed. Keep a positive tone as you list both personal and team contributions.

6. Keep doors open and do not burn bridges. Most people reapply at their company, network with former co-workers, or request recommendation letters from former bosses.

7. Show enthusiasm and appreciation for the work you have done. Managers and co-workers respond warmly to words of appreciation.

8. Maintain a good relationship with your employer and associates: For the time you spent together, some were just like family.

9. Before starting, read a variety of sample resignation letters before writing your own.

Resignation Letter Tips

• Get up-to-date on your doctor appointments while you have good insurance.

• Gather your co-workers' contact information. You will probably network with co-workers for future jobs.

• Save personal files from your work computer.

• Drain your flexible spending account. You earned it. Use it.

• Secure a new job before quitting. Employers find it difficult to hire people who are unemployed.

• Do NOT let your health insurance lapse. A gap in your insurance could disqualify your coverage for preexisting conditions.

• Request your free annual credit report. Review and fix and repair any problems. This may take weeks. Do it while you are sure you have an income. We recommend you order it by phone at 1-877-FactAct (easiest) or visit AnnualCreditReport.com

More Resignation Letter Tips

If your resignation letter is used to assign blame or vent your frustrations, it may hurt your future prospects. Write your letter and set it aside for a day or so. Once you are calm, rewrite it in a way that will help you get future jobs because:

• Now is the time for grace and class.

• Future employers may talk to your old boss.

• Your letter of resignation is the last reflection of your character.

• You may want to reapply for another job with your current employer. Many people do.

• Your colleagues are watching you as you transition away from your present job. You'll probably want to network with them for your next job.

Resignation Letter Articles

• Resigning your way to success...your ticket to good references for future jobs
• Writing Your Way to Success: Resignation Letters
• How to Write the Perfect Resignation Letter