Letter of Resignation Definition (+5 Samples)
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This blog post will explain what a letter of resignation is. It also contains five samples of resignation letters for your reference.
Letter of Resignation Definition
A letter of resignation is a formal document intimating your employers that you intend to leave the organisation. It must be handed in with an appropriate notice period so that your company can adjust to this transition. Here are some points to keep in mind when writing it:
- Use the correct format and include all relevant addresses
- Date it and use the right salutations
- State your intent and give a brief explanation for leaving
- Mention all important dates
- Write the steps for how you plan on wrapping up your work
- Express genuine gratitude
- Offer help with the transition
- End on a positive note
Sample 1: Letter of Resignation
“Date
Name
Title
Organization
Address
City, State Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:
I would like to inform you that I am resigning from my position as [your position] for the [Company Name], effective August 1, 2020.
Thank you very much for the opportunities that you have provided me during my tenure with the company. I have enjoyed working for the company and appreciate your support, mentorship, and guidance over the years.
Please do let me know if there is anything that I can do to assist with the transition. You can contact me via [Enter your email address]. Wishing you all the best!
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your Name”
Sample 2: Letter of Resignation
“[Current date]
Dear [Supervisor’s name],
Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from my role as [Title]. My last day with [Company] will be [End date].
To ease the transition after my departure, I am happy to assist you with any training tasks during my final weeks on the job. I intend to leave thorough instructions and up-to-date records for my replacement.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the knowledge and experience I have gained by working here. I am very grateful for the time I have spent on our team and the professional relationships I’ve built. It’s been a pleasure working for you, and I hope our paths will cross again in the future.
Sincerely,
[Your signature and printed name] “
Sample 3: Letter of Resignation
“Dear Ms. Fran Braden,
I’m writing to give my formal notice that I’ll be leaving my role as Office Manager for Larry and Keets Financial Partners on July 31.
I’ve recently received an offer to serve as an executive assistant at a small startup, and after careful consideration, I’m excited to explore this new path in my career journey.
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve been provided working on the Operations team for the past four years. It’s been a wonderful experience to work for such a great company and help in solving Larry and Keets’ mission to provide better financial support for older employees.
Please let me know if I can be of any assistance during this transition. Thank you for all your guidance. I wish you all the best and look forward to keeping in touch.
Sincerely,
George Lin”
Sample 4: Letter of Resignation
“Dear [Name],
As we discussed earlier, I’m resigning my position as [title]. My last day will be [date], which is [X] weeks from now.
This was not an easy decision, but as you know I’ve long wanted to make my transition into [new field/industry] so I’m leaving for a role that will allow me to take my career in that direction.
I’ve really enjoyed my time working at [company] and on this team. I’ve learned a lot that I will take into my next position. Thank you for your support and for the opportunities you’ve given me over the last [X] years.
[You might add some specifics here about projects that you were excited to work on or other accomplishments you’re proud of. For example, “During my time here, I especially enjoyed collaborating with the analytics team, sales, and marketing to launch the latest iteration of our flagship product.” or “The past 6 years have been a phenomenal experience for me. It’s been a pleasure to manage the company’s most profitable portfolio, exceeding our targets every year.”]
I’m committed to making the transition as smooth as possible and would like to meet with you to discuss some initial ideas for how to hand off my projects and responsibilities.
I wish you and the team continued success and hope to keep in touch.
Thanks for everything,
[Your name]”
Sample 5: Letter of Resignation
“Date
Name
Title
Organization
Address
City, State Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:
It is with great regret that I inform you I will be leaving my role as [Your Position] at [Company Name] on July 17, 2020. Due to unforeseen personal problems, I will no longer be able to fulfill the responsibilities of my role, and for this reason, I feel it is in the best interests of the company that I resign from the position.
I apologize for any difficulties and inconvenience my departure may cause. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you think there is any way I can assist to ensure a smooth transition after I move on.
I would also like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude for all of the opportunities you have given me and for all of the knowledge I have gained at your company over the years.
Thank you so much for understanding. I hope we will be able to stay in touch, and I look forward to seeing the company grow in the future. Wishing you all the very best!
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your Name”
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Frequently Asked Questions (Letter of Resignation Definition)
Is a letter of resignation the same as quitting?
There is no essential difference between the two except that quitting is just the action of leaving a workplace. A letter of resignation is a formal way to communicate this action.
Is a resignation letter a legal document?
No, a letter of resignation is not a legal document as it is not legally binding and does not comply with the official legal requirements of formal contract termination.
How many types of resignations are there?
The etiquettes related to resigning are unique to each organisation. Nevertheless, typically, a written notice is required. This letter is to be submitted at least two weeks before the date of leaving.
