A good resignation letter example saves you from staring at a blank page. A resignation letter is a short, formal note that tells your employer you are leaving, states your last working day and, if you like, says thank you. Most run 100 to 200 words. Below you will find ready-to-copy examples for simple, formal, short, email, personal-reason and teacher resignations, plus a notice period guide and the mistakes to avoid.
If you are in a hurry, grab the simple resignation letter sample or the short resignation letter. If you want to understand the structure first, keep reading.
What Should a Resignation Letter Example Include?
Every good example has the same five parts:
- A clear statement that you are resigning
- Your job title and company name
- Your last working day
- A short thank-you (optional, but a nice touch)
- An offer to help with handover
That is the whole recipe. Everything else is tone. Our guide on how to write a resignation letter walks through each part with extra wording options.
You do not need to explain why you are leaving. Writing “for personal reasons” is perfectly acceptable, and the personal reason resignation letter format shows exactly how to word it.
Resignation Letter Format at a Glance
HR teams read dozens of these. A clean layout makes yours easy to process. Here is the standard structure. For the full breakdown, see our resignation letter format page.
| Section | What to write | Length |
| Date and address | Today’s date, manager’s name, company | 2-3 lines |
| Subject line | “Resignation: [Your Name], [Job Title]” | 1 line |
| Salutation | “Dear [Manager’s Name],” | 1 line |
| Opening | A direct statement that you are resigning | 1-2 sentences |
| Last working day | Exact date based on your notice period | 1 sentence |
| Thanks | A brief, honest thank-you | 1-2 sentences |
| Handover | Offer to help with the transition | 1 sentence |
| Closing | “Sincerely,” then your name and signature | 2-3 lines |
If you would rather work in a document, the resignation letter format Word page has an editable layout.
Simple Resignation Letter Example
Use this when your workplace is relaxed or your role is junior. It works for most private-sector jobs.
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 during my time here. I am happy to help with the handover before I leave.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
You will find more variations on the simple resignation letter sample page.
Formal Resignation Letter Example
Choose this one for government posts, large corporations, schools and any role with a contract-heavy 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]
Short Resignation Letter Example
Sometimes three sentences are all you need, especially if you have already talked to 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]
For more tone options, read our short resignation letter guide.
Resignation Letter Example by Email
Email is accepted at most modern workplaces, particularly for remote and hybrid teams. It is the same letter with a subject line on top.
Subject: 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, so browse the resignation letter subject page for ready-made options. Keep a sent copy or a screenshot for your records.
Resignation Letter Example for Teachers
Teachers usually need to mention the academic year and the handover of classes. A calm, considerate tone matters, since references travel fast in schools.
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I am writing to resign from my position as [Subject] teacher at [School Name], effective [Date]. I have valued my time with the students and staff.
I will complete my lesson plans and hand over my classes, records and pending assessments to whoever you nominate.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
The resignation letter for teacher page covers this in more detail.
Resignation Letter Examples at a Glance
The same structure fits many tones. This table shows how the opening line changes.
| Example type | Opening line | Best for |
| Neutral | “I am writing to resign from my position as [Job Title].” | Most private-sector jobs |
| Warm | “After a lot of thought, I have decided to move on from [Company].” | Good manager relationships |
| Notice-focused | “Please treat this letter as my [30-day] notice of resignation.” | Contract or compliance-heavy roles |
| Brief | “I am resigning, effective [Date].” | Informal workplaces |
| Personal reasons | “I am resigning for personal reasons, effective [Date].” | When you prefer not to explain |
Many more live in our Examples category.
Resignation Letter Examples for Different Situations
Your situation changes the wording. Use this quick guide to find the right page.
| Situation | What to adjust | Where to read more |
| Standard job exit | Neutral tone, normal notice | Job resignation letter |
| Full-time employment | Reference your contract clause | Employment resignation letter |
| Two weeks’ notice | Put the 14-day timeline in line one | Resign letter in English |
| Hindi-speaking workplace | Write in the preferred language | Resignation letter in Hindi |
| Marathi-speaking workplace | Write in the preferred language | Resignation letter in Marathi |
| Kannada-speaking workplace | Write in the preferred language | Kannada resignation letter |
| Working in South Korea | Follow local convention | Korean letter of resignation |
If you want a broader walkthrough with extra samples, our resign letter guide covers the same ground.
How Much Notice Should You Give?
Your contract always wins, but these ranges are typical.
| Situation | Typical notice | Notes |
| Entry-level | 15-30 days | Often negotiable |
| Mid-level | 30 days | Common in private companies |
| Senior or managerial | 30-60 days | Longer handover expected |
| Executive | 60-90 days | Clients or board may need time |
| Government or public sector | 30-90 days | Depends on service rules |
| Probation | 1-15 days | Check your offer letter |
| Two weeks’ notice | 14 days | Common in the US |
If you cannot serve the full period, talk to HR about a buyout or early release before you send the letter. Do not try to negotiate inside it.
Mistakes That Ruin a Resignation Letter
Most weak letters fail in the same handful of ways:
- Venting: Save complaints for the exit interview, or skip them.
- Missing last day: It is the single most important detail.
- Over-explaining: One line of reason is plenty. None is fine.
- Guessing the notice period: Read your offer letter first.
- No copy for yourself: Keep a signed copy or a sent email.
- Too casual: Even relaxed workplaces expect a professional tone in writing.
After You Resign
Once your letter is in, your employer may reply with a formal confirmation. If you are on the other side of the desk, see our resignation acceptance letter guide. And if you are curious how a high-profile resignation looks in real life, read the Dominic Raab resignation letter breakdown.
For anything else, browse the Resignation Letters category, the free templates or our blog. If something is missing, contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good resignation letter example?
A good example states that you are resigning, names your role, gives your last working day and closes politely. Keep it between 100 and 200 words.
How do I start a resignation letter?
Open with your decision in the first sentence, for example: “I am writing to resign from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name].”
Do I have to give a reason for resigning?
No. “For personal reasons” or no reason at all is acceptable.
Can I send a resignation letter by email?
Yes, in most workplaces. Include the same details as a printed letter and keep a copy of the sent message.
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.
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.
Should I mention my new job?
It is not necessary, and most people leave it out.
Can I withdraw a resignation letter?
Sometimes, but only if your employer agrees. Speak to your manager or HR and ask for the withdrawal in writing.
Conclusion
A strong resignation letter example is short, clear and polite. It names your role, gives the right last working day and leaves a clean record behind you. Whether you need a simple note, a formal letter for a government post or an email for a remote team, the structure barely changes.
Pick the example that fits your situation, swap in your details, check your notice period and send it. For more help, explore the resignation letter format, how to write a resignation letter and short resignation letter guides.
