Resignation Letter: Free Samples, Formats & Templates

A resignation letter is the short, formal note that tells your employer you are leaving, gives your last working day and, if you want, says thanks. Most run 100 to 200 words and take about five minutes once you know the structure. This page gives you a resignation letter you can copy today, plus formats, templates and examples for the situations people actually face.

If you only need the quick version, jump to the short resignation letter or the simple resignation letter sample. If you want the full picture, keep reading.

What Is a Resignation Letter?

A resignation letter is a written statement that formally ends your employment. It is addressed to your manager or HR, dated, signed and kept brief. It names your role, states your last working day and can include a line of thanks.

Think of it as the paper trail for your exit. Many employers want it on file before they release your final pay, leave encashment, experience letter or relieving letter. A related guide, Resign Letter: Free Samples, Formats & Templates, covers the same basics with extra samples.

Why a Resignation Letter Matters

Telling your manager in person is polite, but it is not proof. A written letter does four jobs that a conversation can’t:

• It records your last day: Dates get misremembered. A dated letter settles the question.

• It starts your notice period: Most contracts count notice from the day you submit in writing.

• It protects your references: A calm, courteous letter is what HR files, and what a future employer may hear about.

• It speeds up settlement: Final dues and exit documents usually move faster when the letter is on record.

How to Write a Resignation Letter

Here is the process in six steps. For a longer walkthrough with extra wording options, read how to write a resignation letter.

1. Say you are resigning in the first sentence. Don’t make your manager hunt for it.

2. Name your position and company.

3. Give your last working day. Count it from your notice period.

4. Add one line of thanks if you mean it.

5. Offer to help with handover.

6. Sign off formally with your name, and your employee ID if your company uses one.

You don’t have to explain why you’re leaving. “For personal reasons” is enough, and our guide to the personal reason resignation letter format shows how to word it.

Resignation Letter Format

A clean resignation letter format makes HR’s job easy, and that works in your favour. Our detailed page on the resignation letter format goes deeper, but this table shows the layout.

Prefer to work in a document? The resignation letter format Word page has setup tips and an editable layout.

Resignation Letter Sample

Here is a resignation letter sample you can adapt in two minutes.

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to resign from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name]. My last working day will be [Date], in line with my [30-day] notice period.

Thank you for the opportunities and support I have had during my time here. I am happy to help with handover and to train a replacement before I leave.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Employee ID, if applicable]

Replace the brackets, check the date against your contract, and it’s ready to send. For more wording options, browse our examples category.

Resignation Letter Template

A resignation letter template is just a sample with blanks. Use this one when you want to fill in fields quickly.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]

[Manager’s Name]
[Designation]
[Company Name]

Subject: Resignation: [Your Name], [Job Title]

Dear [Manager’s Name],

Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from the position of [Job Title], effective [Last Working Day].

[Optional: one sentence of thanks.]

I will complete my pending work and support the handover during my notice period.

Yours sincerely,
[Signature]
[Full Name]

More ready-to-edit versions live in our free templates category.

Simple Resignation Letter

A simple resignation letter has three jobs: state that you’re resigning, give the last day, and sign. Nothing else is required.

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am resigning from my role as [Job Title], effective [Date].

Thank you for the opportunity.

Regards,
[Your Name]

This works well in relaxed workplaces and for junior roles. Our simple resignation letter sample page has more variations.

Professional Resignation Letter

A professional resignation letter adds a little more structure, such as handover details and a courteous close. It suits mid-level and senior roles, or any workplace where the relationship matters after you leave.

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I would like to resign from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name]. My final working day will be [Date].

I have valued working with the team and learned a great deal in this role. Over the coming weeks I will document my ongoing tasks and brief [colleague’s name] so nothing is dropped.

Please let me know if you need anything else from me before I go.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Formal Resignation Letter

A formal resignation letter is written for government posts, large corporations, schools and contract-heavy roles. It uses full addresses, the official designation and a reference to your notice clause.

To,
The [Designation],
[Organisation Name],
[Address]

Subject: Letter of Resignation from the Post of [Job Title]

Respected Sir/Madam,

I hereby tender my resignation from the post of [Job Title], with effect from [Date], as per the notice period in my appointment letter dated [Date].

I request you to kindly accept my resignation and arrange for my relieving and final settlement.

Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
[Employee ID]

Teachers have their own conventions, so see the resignation letter for teacher page.

Short Resignation Letter

A short resignation letter is two or three sentences. Use it when your workplace is informal or when you’ve already discussed the exit with your manager.

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am resigning from my position as [Job Title]. My last working day will be [Date]. Thank you for everything.

[Your Name]

Need more options? The short resignation letter guide has several tone variations.

Resignation Letter Examples

These resignation letter examples show how the same structure bends to fit different tones.

The Examples category has many more.

Resignation Letter for Job

A resignation letter for job exits works the same way whether you’re leaving for another employer, a career break or a move. Keep the letter focused on leaving. Don’t mention your next employer unless your contract requires it.

If you want a general-purpose version, see our job resignation letter and employment resignation letter pages.

Resignation Letter Email Format

Email is accepted in most modern workplaces, especially for remote and hybrid teams. The email resignation letter format is the same letter, just shorter at the top.

Subject line: Resignation: [Your Name], [Job Title]

Dear [Manager’s Name],

Please accept this email as my formal resignation from the position of [Job Title], effective [Last Working Day].

Thank you for the opportunity. I will make sure the handover is smooth before I leave.

Regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone number]

A clear subject line gets your email opened. Our guide to the resignation letter subject has more than 30 ready-to-use lines. Keep a sent copy or screenshot for your records.

Resignation Letter for Different Situations

Your situation changes the wording. This table is a quick guide.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Most bad resignation letters fail in the same few ways.

• Venting: Save complaints for the exit interview, or skip them.

• Leaving out the last working day: It is the most important detail.

• Over-explaining: One line of reason is plenty, and none is fine.

• Guessing the notice period: Read your offer letter first.

• Forgetting your own copy: Keep a signed copy or a sent email.

• Going too casual: Even relaxed workplaces expect a professional tone in writing.

• Burning bridges in writing: The letter stays in your file long after you leave.

Notice Period Guidelines by Situation

Your contract always wins, but these ranges are typical.

If you can’t serve the full notice, talk to HR about a buyout or early release before you submit the letter. Don’t try to negotiate inside it.

Why Use resignationletter.in

People usually need a resignation letter on short notice, and a lot of what’s online is generic or buried under ads. Here is what you get on resignationletter.in:

• Ready-to-use templates for common situations, from one-liners to detailed executive letters.

• Format guidance that reflects how Indian and international employers process resignations.

• Plain-language help on tone, so you know what suits your workplace.

• No sign-up. Copy, edit and send.

Browse the full Resignation Letters category or the blog for something specific. If you have a question we haven’t covered, contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions About Resignation Letters

2. How long should a resignation letter be?
Between 100 and 200 words is typical. A short resignation letter can be as brief as three sentences.

3. Do I have to give a reason for resigning?
No. “For personal reasons” or no reason at all is acceptable.

4. What should a resignation letter include?
Your intent to resign, your position, your last working day and your signature. Thanks and a handover offer are optional but recommended.

5. Can I resign by email?
Yes, in most workplaces. Include the same details as a printed letter and keep a copy of the sent message.

6. How much notice should I give?
Follow your contract. Many private employers expect 15 to 30 days, and senior roles often need 60 to 90.

7. Should I mention my new job?
It’s not necessary, and most people leave it out.

8. What is the difference between a resignation letter and a relieving letter?
You write the resignation letter to announce your exit. The company issues the relieving letter afterward to confirm you have been released from duty.

9. Can I withdraw a resignation letter?
Sometimes, but only if your employer agrees. Speak to your manager or HR directly and ask for the withdrawal in writing.

Conclusion

A good resignation letter is short, correct and polite. It names your role, gives the right last working day and leaves a clean record behind you. Whether you need a simple resignation letter, a formal one for a government post or an email version for a remote team, the structure barely changes.

Start with the sample or template above, check your notice period, and send it. If your situation is more specific, explore our guides on the resignation letter format, how to write a resignation letter and short resignation letter.