So you’ve got a new job and you’re excited to start a new adventure, and to continue developing your career. However, one hurdle remains. You still need to resign. Formulating a letter of resignation can be stressful, especially if you’re in a tough spot with your current job or feel like you’ll be letting down your team. However, it’s important to remember that movement within jobs is natural! So, here’s our top tips for resigning with grace, and keeping that bridge intact.

Write a formal letter of resignation

In the digital era it can be difficult to know how best to resign, however writing a formal letter of resignation is still the best bet. Include the current date, address it to your current manager, or to the HR Department, and avoid using ‘to whom it may concern’ as it comes across cold and indifferent.

Deliver it in person

After so much time working remotely, delivering news remotely or via email became something of a norm. However, wherever possible, it remains best practice to deliver your resignation in person to your manager. Arrange a face-to-face meeting on a day where you know you’re both in office (especially with remote work culture in place). Don’t tell others, unless you trust them to keep the secret, prior to speaking to your manager – there is nothing worse than your manager hearing about your plan to resign through the grapevine before you have a chance to chat to them.

Focus on keeping things positive

Regardless of the circumstances around your leaving, it’s important to remain positive in your resignation letter. Keep the tone bright and approachable and keep things factual. Include a statement that thanks your employer for the opportunities, and that you wish them all the best with the future. It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions about resigning –whether it be guilt for leaving your work friends behind, or anticipation of new opportunities – so be patient with yourself as you navigate this journey.  

Work out your notice period

It can be tempting to skip straight to your new job and break your contract in favour of a new role. This is a mistake, however. It’s important to work out the terms of your contract – be it 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks or longer. In circumstances where you are going to a competitor or similar, an employer may put you onto ‘gardening leave’, and this should be noted in your contract if it is a possibility.  

BONUS TIPS

• If you’re feeling nervous about resigning, then practice in the car or at home in the mirror. Get comfortable with saying it out loud so that you can be confident when speaking to your manager. Also remember that 90% of the time if you have a good manager or leader, they will share your excitement and be happy to support you. Although they’ll naturally be sad to see you leave, a good leader celebrates your success and your career growth.
• Decide how much information you want to disclose. Humans are curious and so it’s only natural that people will ask you where you’re going and what you’ll be doing. Knowing your stance on this ahead of time enables you to navigate how to respond to questions.
• Know your stance for if a counteroffer appears. Resigning can prompt your employer to produce a counteroffer to keep you and your industry knowledge (not to mention business knowledge) at the company. Make sure you know how to respond, and don’t blindly accept. Recall what made you choose to leave in the first place and what appeals about the new role to you. Ask yourself if accepting the counteroffer will fix the issues you were experiencing. The majority of people that accept counteroffers end up leaving within 6 months anyway, so make sure you’re confident in your decision.
• Keep calm. Writing a letter of resignation and submitting it shouldn’t fill you with dread. Keep your eyes fixed on the excitement of the new opportunity and remain positive as you broach the topic with your current employer.
• Plus, don’t forget to sign off with your name and signature – make it formal, and keep a copy of proof of resignation, just in case.

Need a hand getting started? Use our templates below to help you write your resignation to your employer.

RESIGNATION LETTER TEMPLATES

Here is a sample resignation letter template you can use:

Dear [Manager’s first name] or [Member of HR],

[Date]

I write today, [Date], to resign from my role as [job title] at [business name]. My final day of work will be [day corresponding to notice period]. Please take this as my formal resignation.

I wish to thank you for the support, opportunities, and experiences that I have been provided with during my time at [business name]. [You can add a personal sentiment here, i.e. On a personal note, I wish to thank you for your mentorship and guidance in developing my career.]

I am grateful for the opportunity I have had in working here, and am fortunate to have made friends amongst the people I have worked with.

During this period, I am more than happy to assist in any way possible with the handover process, and can offer support during this transition period. 

Yours sincerely,

Signature

[Name]

Or, resignation letter example 2

Here is another sample of a more simplified resignation template you can use:

Dear [Manager’s first name] or [person in HR],

[Date]

I write today, [date], to formally tender my resignation from the position of [position name] at [business]. My last day of employment will be [date].  

I am grateful for the opportunities I have had over the past [time] working at [business] and I wish you and the team all the best for the future.

During my notice period, please advise if there are any essential handover criterions I must meet or fulfil.

Kind regards,

[Signature]

[Your name]

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