6 types of resignation letter with templates

Resignation letters are an important part of an employee's exit from a company. They are an official record of an employee's time within a company and help maintain a professional work atmosphere. In this article, we describe what a resignation letter is, common types of notice letters as well as provide templates on how to write these resignation letters.

What is a resignation letter?

A resignation letter is a formal way of moving on from an organisation. This official document records the end of your employment and also gives your employer necessary information regarding when your employment will end, gratitude for your time with the company and any necessary details that will help your transition from the company.

Some companies require employees to provide a resignation letter as an official part of their exit, while others may see it simply as a professional courtesy. You can send a resignation letter via email or submit it as a physical letter.

Related: What is a Notice Period?

Why is a resignation letter necessary?

For some companies, it is an official requirement that all employees must submit a resignation letter within a certain time period before leaving a company. Even if your company does not require a resignation letter, it can be a good idea to write one.

A resignation letter shows respect for your employer and your time with the company. Showing gratitude can help you maintain professional connections with your employer, which can be helpful in the future when you need a reference or recommendation. It's also a good way to keep track of your employment history within the company. Having this letter on file with a company helps validate your employment.

Related: What is a retraction of resignation? (Plus how to write one)

Types of notice letters and templates

There are different notice letters depending on the reason for your resignation. Here are some popular resignation letters and tips on how to write them:

1. Resignation because of a career change

It is important to write a professional and accurate resignation letter when you leave a company to join another company or industry. Not only will your resignation letter remain on file in HR as an official document, but it can also help keep your relationship with your employer amicable and positive. This final positive interaction can be helpful if you want to return to this company or industry in the future.

[Your supervisor's name],

Please accept my formal resignation as [job title] from [company name]. My last day of employment will be [last day of work]. I have made the tough decision to pursue a career in healthcare administration.

I am happy to help with the transition process, and I'm able to adjust my last date of employment by a week if needed. I have some excellent training materials I know will be of use to my successor.

I know my time at [company name] will help me in my new career. Four years as [job title] has more than prepared me for a career in healthcare administration, and I am so grateful for all I have learned.

Best wishes,
[Your name]

Related: How to write a simple resignation letter (with samples)

2. Resignation because of relocation

A relocation resignation letter informs your employer that you are leaving the company because you are moving to a new city or country. This resignation letter should explain to the employer that you are leaving because of reasons unrelated to the company. In your letter, explain why you are moving and provide a detailed plan of how you are going to wrap up unfinished projects before your departure.

[Your supervisor's name],

The following is my formal resignation from [company name] as [job title]. My last day of employment will be [last date of work]. I will move with my family to Norwich in the next few months.

Let me know how I may be of service until then. I am happy to help with anything needed during the transition process.

Thank you for all the opportunities I received as a [job title]. I hope I find another company in my new city that has equally kind, competent and helpful colleagues.

Sincerely,
[Your name]

Related: How to write a resignation letter due to unfair treatment

3. Resignation because of a return to education

A resignation letter because of a return to school should contain information about why continuing education is an important step in your career. If you are returning to school to gain new skills in your current industry, your boss may be an important contact in the future. If you are working as an intern, your employer will know your employment is temporary. It is still appropriate to submit an official resignation letter document to show your professionalism.

[Your supervisor's name],

Please accept my resignation from [company name] as [job title], because I have decided to return to education. I will attend the University of Birmingham to further my studies in engineering.

Part of the reason that I want to return to university is because of all the amazing experiences I had at [company name]. The many projects I completed during my time as [job title] have convinced me to return to education to expand on what I've learned during my employment.

Let me know how I can be of service during the transition period. I one day hope to return to [company name] after I have completed my course.

Thank you,

[Your name]

Related: How to write a resignation acceptance letter (with examples)

4. Resignation because of personal reasons

When you write a resignation letter that discusses personal reasons for leaving, it is important to remain professional throughout the letter. As the reason for departure may be because of a family matter, it is acceptable to keep the resignation letter generic and not discuss specifics. However, if you decide to explain your reasons for leaving, try to limit your explanation to one or two sentences.

[Your supervisor's name],

Please accept my resignation from [company name] as [job title]. My mother has become ill and I am her primary carer. I have decided to leave the company to spend more time in my caretaker's role.

Thank you for all you have done for me. I have enjoyed my time with the company, and I'm grateful for all the help I've received from my co-workers in the past few years.

I will be available over the next two weeks to help with the transition.

Thank you again,

[Your name]

Related: Resignation letter templates with 1 month's notice

5. Resignation because of maternity/paternity leave

After you take maternity or paternity leave, you may decide not to return to work. According to the UK government, employees can take up to 52 weeks' maternity leave. After spending time with their child, many employees may reevaluate their career goals and that may include wanting to stay at home. Your letter should explain why you are resigning, thank your employer for the opportunity and offer to help with the transition process. Mention your intention to return to this industry in the future. HR will see this and may note this for possible future employment.

[Your supervisor's name],

During my maternity/paternity leave, I have decided not to return to [company name] as [job title]. I plan on staying home with my child for the foreseeable future.

This was a tough decision to make as I have enjoyed my time at [company name]. I hope you will remember me in the future as I plan to return to this industry in the next few years.

I am more than happy to help with the transition process. I am available over email and on my cellphone. I can also return to the office for a few days to help with the more technical aspects of the transition.

Sincerely,
[Your name]

Related: How to write a professional resignation letter (with steps)

6. Resignation because of changes at a company

If you are facing problems at your workplace, and can not resolve them for some reason, then it is time to write a resignation letter. In this letter, it is best to focus on the positive experience you may have had and show appreciation to your manager. Try to avoid mentioning why the working environment is no longer a positive place for you and instead explain how a change will benefit your career.

[Your supervisor's name],

This is my official resignation as [job title] at [company name]. I will leave on [date] at the end of my contract.

While I have enjoyed my time at [company name] recent changes in my position as [job title] are no longer in line with my ultimate career goals. I believe it is best to seek a career that has all the elements I require.

As my contract ends in two months, I have plenty of time to be of help during the transition period. Please let me know of any way I can be of help.

Best wishes,
[Your name]

Disclaimer: The model shown is for illustration purposes only, and may require additional formatting to meet accepted standards.

Related:

• How to write a part-time job resignation letter