How to Write a Resignation Letter + Samples & Templates
Leave on good terms and advance your career. Create a professional resignation letter that expresses gratitude and ensures a smooth transition today.
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From HR policies to industry expectations, professional standards govern how to resign from a job. Your resignation letter notice should follow these best practices while reflecting your own voice and situation.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to write a respectful, clear, and polished resignation letter that leaves a positive final impression. You’ll also find examples of resignation letters for every occasion and a template to fill out.
What is a resignation letter?
A resignation letter is a short, formal message you write to let your employer know you’re leaving your job. It usually includes your last working day, a brief thank-you to the company, and sometimes a quick explanation for your departure.
A good letter of resignation:
- Gives clear notice: It tells your manager the exact date you plan to leave, which helps them plan for your replacement. Always check your contract to ensure you give the correct notice period.
- Keeps things professional: It helps you leave on good terms.
- Fulfils company policy: Most UK companies require written notice for HR and legal purposes.
Use our expertly designed cover letter templates to prepare a letter of resignation that allows you to leave your current job professionally and respectfully.
Free resignation letter template
(UK format)
Thinking about moving on? You’re not alone. 33% of UK workers plan to change their jobs in the next 12 months. Use this standard template to give clear and professional notice to your employer.
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[City, Postcode]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, Postcode]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to formally resign from my position as [Your Job Title] at [Company Name], effective [Last Working Day, typically two weeks from today].
This decision was not made lightly, but after careful consideration, I believe it is the right step for my career/personal growth. [Optional: You may briefly include your reason for leaving, e.g. “I have accepted a new position that aligns with my long-term career goals.”]
I want to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunities and support I’ve received during my time here. I’ve enjoyed being part of [Team Name or Department] and am proud of what we’ve achieved together.
I am happy to assist with the transition period, including training a replacement or wrapping up my responsibilities, to ensure a smooth handover.
Thank you once again. I wish you and the company continued success, and I hope to stay in touch.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
13 Resignation & Notice Letter Samples for the UK
Below, you’ll find a selection of resignation letter samples to fit your own personal goals:
- Standard resignation letter
- Simple resignation letter example
- Resignation letter for a new opportunity
- Resignation letter template giving advance notice
- Resignation letter template for a role that’s not a good fit
- Formal resignation letter example
- Short resignation letter example
- Professional resignation sample
- Two weeks’ notice resignation letter
- 24-hour notice letter of resignation
- Immediate effect resignation letter
- One-month resignation letter
- Resignation letter during a probation period
Standard resignation letter
Use this standard resignation letter notice when you want a simple, professional way to leave your job on good terms. Customise this generic resignation letter sample to fit your details:
Owen Glen
35 Clipton Close
Birmingham B2 9TG
07912 345 678
owen.glen@example.co.uk
6 July 2025
Martin Jones
Evee Solutions
Birmingham B2 C6VB
RESIGNATION LETTER
Dear Mr Jones,
I’m writing to formally resign from my position as Software Developer at Evee Solutions, effective 31 January 2025.
My time at Evee has been rewarding and has given me invaluable growth opportunities. I’m sincerely grateful for the guidance and support I’ve received from you and the team during the last two years.
I’m more than happy to assist you in handing over my responsibilities. Please let me know if there’s any additional way in which I could support the team during this transition.
Thank you again for the opportunity to be part of Evee Solutions. I hope to stay in touch and wish the company and the software development team continued success.
Sincerely,
Owen Glen
Simple resignation letter example
This notice of resignation letter clearly communicates your decision to leave while keeping things concise. Use this example as inspiration:
Owen Glen
35 Clipton Close
Birmingham B2 9TG
07912 345 678
owen.glen@example.co.uk
2 December 2024
Martin Jones
Evee Solutions
Birmingham B2 C6VB
RESIGNATION LETTER
Dear Mr Jones,
I’m writing to inform you of my decision to resign from my position at Eevee Solutions, effective on 31 January 2025.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with the entire sales team and for the amazing growth opportunities I’ve had at Eevee. It’s been a true privilege to have you as my manager. Please let me know how I can assist you during the transition period to ensure a smooth handover of my responsibilities and customer information.
Thank you for your guidance and support. I hope to stay in touch and wish you and Eevee continued success.
Sincerely,
Owen Glen
Resignation letter for a new opportunity
You might be leaving to pursue a new job—whether in the same field or something entirely new. Stay professional and keep your letter brief with this adaptable resignation letter notice sample:
Owen Glen
35 Clipton Close
Birmingham B2 9TG
07912 345 678
owen.glen@example.co.uk
2 December 2024
Martin Jones
Evee Solutions
Birmingham B2 C6VB
RESIGNATION LETTER
Dear Mr Jones,
I’m writing to formally announce my resignation from Evee Solutions, effective 15 January 2025.
My time at Evee has been incredibly rewarding, which makes this decision difficult. Still, after careful consideration, I’ve decided to pursue a new opportunity that better aligns with my long-term career goals.
I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had with the team, including gaining IT project management expertise and working on many impactful projects under your leadership. These invaluable experiences will remain with me for the rest of my professional life.
Please know that during this transition, I’m committed to ensuring a smooth handover of my responsibilities. I’ll do everything I can to support the team in any way possible.
I wish you and the company continued success and hope to stay in touch.
Sincerely,
Owen Glen
Resignation letter template giving advance notice
Giving advanced notice helps you leave on good terms and gives both you and your employer time to prepare. Use this resignation letter sample to ensure you part ways professionally and respectfully:
Owen Glen
35 Clipton Close
Birmingham B2 9TG
07912 345 678
owen.glen@example.co.uk
2 December 2024
Martin Jones
Evee Solutions
Birmingham B2 C6VB
RESIGNATION LETTER
Dear Mr Jones,
I’m writing to formally provide a six weeks notice of my resignation from Evee Solutions, effective 20 January 2025.
My time here has been a significant learning experience and a positive part of my career. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and the professional relationships I’ve built. The past two years have been among the most rewarding of my career, and I deeply appreciate the privilege of recognising the significance of this experience while still in the present.
By providing this advance notice, I aim to make the transition seamless for the team and the organisation. Over the next six weeks, I’ll be happy to assist in training a replacement, documenting my responsibilities, and supporting the team in any other way you find necessary.
Thank you for your understanding, support and mentorship. I hope to stay in touch and look forward to the possibility of our paths crossing again in the future.
Sincerely,
Owen Glen
Resignation letter template for a role that’s not a good fit
If your role no longer aligns with your goals, a letter of resignation lets you prioritise your well-being while staying professional. Read this sample for inspiration:
Owen Glen
35 Clipton Close
Birmingham B2 9TG
07912 345 678
owen.glen@example.co.uk
2 December 2024
Martin Jones
Evee Solutions
Birmingham B2 C6VB
RESIGNATION LETTER
Dear Mr Jones,
I’m writing to resign from my position as Software Developer at Evee Solutions with effect from 1 February 2025.
After much reflection, I’ve come to the conclusion that my current role and responsibilities are not a good fit for my skills and career aspirations. This hasn’t been an easy decision, as I value the opportunities and experiences I’ve had here. The culture, the welcoming environment you’ve created, and the chance to work with such talented colleagues are among the things I will forever be grateful for.
Please know that I’m fully committed to assisting with the transfer to ensure a smooth transition for the team and the organisation. Please let me know how I can best facilitate the handover of my duties.
Thank you for your understanding. I have great respect for the work being done here and wish the team continued success in the future.
Sincerely,
Owen Glen
Formal resignation letter example
For a formal resignation, minimise personal details and use a professional tone throughout. Here’s an example:
Owen Glen
35 Clipton Close
Birmingham B2 9TG
07912 345 678
owen.glen@example.co.uk
2 December 2024
Martin Jones
Evee Solutions
Birmingham B2 C6VB
RESIGNATION LETTER
Dear Mr Jones,
Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from Evee Solutions, effective 16 December 2024.
This decision has been made after careful consideration, and I believe it to be the most appropriate step for my professional development. I am grateful for the experience I have gained at Evee. Furthermore, I would like to express my gratitude for the guidance and assistance I have received during my tenure. It has been a privilege to collaborate with such a skilled team.
I am dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition and will work assiduously to fulfil my current obligations and facilitate the transfer of my responsibilities to a suitable successor.
Thank you for your understanding. Please let me know how I can support this process.
Sincerely,
Owen Glen
Short resignation letter example
If you prefer a short resignation letter, keep it to just a few sentences while still covering key details. This includes your final working day and, optionally, your contact details or offer to support the transition.
Owen Glen
35 Clipton Close
Birmingham B2 9TG
07912 345 678
owen.glen@example.co.uk
2 December 2024
Martin Jones
Evee Solutions
Birmingham B2 C6VB
RESIGNATION LETTER
Dear Mr Jones,
I’m writing to formally resign from my position at Evee Solutions with effect from 1 January 2025. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had during my time here and appreciate the support and guidance of the team.
I’ll do my best to ensure a smooth transition and am happy to assist in handing over my responsibilities. Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
Owen Glen
Professional resignation sample
A professional resignation letter allows you to leave on good terms while keeping your message clear and respectful. Use this example to convey appreciation and communicate your departure:
Owen Glen
35 Clipton Close
Birmingham B2 9TG
07912 345 678
owen.glen@example.co.uk
2 December 2024
Martin Jones
Evee Solutions
Birmingham B2 C6VB
RESIGNATION LETTER
Dear Mr Jones,
I’m writing to inform you of my intention to resign from my position at Evee Solutions with effect from 15 January 2025. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had during my time here, and I appreciate the team’s support and guidance.
I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects, collaborate with talented colleagues, and develop key skills. Your invaluable leadership has undoubtedly shaped my career in significant ways.
In the coming weeks, I’ll do my utmost to facilitate a seamless transition and am delighted to assist in any way I can. This includes helping transfer my responsibilities and providing support to train my replacement.
Please let me know how I can assist you during this time. I wish you and the team continued success and hope to remain in touch.
Sincerely,
Owen Glen
Two weeks’ notice resignation letter
If your contract permits a two-week notice period, it’s important to honour it by informing your employer in advance. You can use this example to write your two-week’s notice resignation letter:
Owen Glen
35 Clipton Close
Birmingham B2 9TG
07912 345 678
owen.glen@example.co.uk
2 December 2024
Martin Jones
Evee Solutions
Birmingham B2 C6VB
RESIGNATION LETTER
Dear Mr Jones,
I’m writing to formally give my two weeks’ notice of resignation from my position at Evee Solutions, with my last working day being 22 December 2024.
This decision was not made lightly, as my time at the organisation has been a rewarding and meaningful part of my career. I’m grateful for the opportunities to work with such an exceptional team, contribute to innovative projects, and develop my skills in software development.
I’m committed to ensuring a smooth transition during my remaining time here. Please let me know if there are any ways in which I can support this process.
It’s been a pleasure being part of your team, and I wish you continued success in the future.
Sincerely,
Owen Glen
24-hour notice letter of resignation
In urgent cases where immediate resignation is necessary, a well-written resignation letter still shows respect and professionalism. This sample will help you communicate your decision clearly while meeting standard expectations:
Owen Glen
35 Clipton Close
Birmingham B2 9TG
07912 345 678
owen.glen@example.co.uk
2 December 2024
Martin Jones
Evee Solutions
Birmingham B2 C6VB
RESIGNATION LETTER
Dear Mr Jones,
I’m writing to formally submit my resignation from my position at Evee Solutions, effective 24 hours from today. I understand that this is an abrupt decision and I sincerely apologise for the short notice. Unfortunately, due to urgent personal matters, I’m unable to continue in my current role.
I really appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the organisation and am grateful for the support and experience I’ve gained during my time here. Please let me know how I can assist in the transition process during this short time frame.
Thank you for your understanding, and I apologise again for any inconvenience this may cause.
Sincerely,
Owen Glen
Immediate effect resignation letter
It’s important to be clear and direct if you need to resign immediately. This sample letter will help you inform your employer of your decision without delay:
Owen Glen
35 Clipton Close
Birmingham B2 9TG
07912 345 678
owen.glen@example.co.uk
2 December 2024
Martin Jones
Evee Solutions
Birmingham B2 C6VB
RESIGNATION LETTER
Dear Mr Jones,
I’m writing to formally resign from my position at Evee Solutions immediately as of 2 December 2024. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I’m unable to continue my duties at this time.
I apologise for any inconvenience my immediate departure may cause, and thank you for your understanding. I’m grateful for the opportunities and experience I’ve gained during my time with the company.
Thank you for your support, and I wish the team continued success.
Sincerely,
Owen Glen
One-month resignation letter
A one-month resignation letter ensures a smooth transition and gives your employer ample time to prepare for your departure. This resignation letter template allows you to clearly communicate your intentions:
Owen Glen
35 Clipton Close
Birmingham B2 9TG
07912 345 678
owen.glen@example.co.uk
2 December 2024
Martin Jones
Evee Solutions
Birmingham B2 C6VB
RESIGNATION LETTER
Dear Mr Jones,
I’m writing to formally give one month’s notice of my resignation from my position at Evee Solutions. My last working day will be 31 January 2025.
This decision has been carefully considered and although it’s not easy to leave such a skilled team, I believe it’s the right step for my career. I’m truly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had at Evee Solutions to grow professionally, work with talented colleagues, and contribute to innovative company projects.
I’m committed to ensuring a smooth and effective transition during my remaining time here. I’ll do everything I can to complete my responsibilities and help in any way I can to make this process seamless. Please let me know how I can assist you during this time.
Thank you for your understanding and support. It’s been a pleasure to be part of the team, and I wish Evee Solutions continued success in the future.
Sincerely,
Owen Glen
Resignation letter during a probation period
Resigning during your probationary period can feel daunting, but clarity and professionalism are key. If the role isn’t the right fit, this example shows how to respectfully inform your employer and leave on good terms:
Owen Glen
35 Clipton Close
Birmingham B2 9TG
07912 345 678
owen.glen@example.co.uk
2 December 2024
Martin Jones
Evee Solutions
Birmingham B2 C6VB
RESIGNATION LETTER
Dear Mr Jones,
I’m writing to resign from my position at Evee Solutions. After careful consideration, I’ve decided this role is not the right fit for me. Although my time at Evee has been short, I appreciate the opportunity to have been part of the team during my probationary period.
I’d like to express my gratitude for learning more about the company and its operations. Although this role has not met my expectations, I respect the work being done at Evee Solutions and wish the team continued success.
I thank you for your understanding and apologise for any inconvenience my departure may cause.
Sincerely,
Owen Glen
How to write a resignation letter
Writing your notice letter does not have to be complicated. To ensure it meets standard HR expectations, make sure it includes these four core elements:
Clear statement
Start with a direct statement that you are leaving your job. There is no need to over-explain—just politely state your intention to resign.
Last day
Name your final working day based on the notice period outlined in your employment contract.
Thanks
Thank them for the chance to work there. Express gratitude for the opportunities and experiences you had. Even if your experience wasn’t perfect, leaving on a professional note helps maintain positive relationships for the future.
Help
Offer to help train or pass tasks to others before you go. Assisting with the handover process shows goodwill and responsibility.
What should you do after resigning from a job?
After handing in your notice, wrap things up smoothly and prepare for your next chapter.
1. Continue doing your job well
Maintain a positive attitude and support your team until your final day.
2. Create clear documentation
Offer to train your replacement or guide teammates so they can pick up where you left off.
3. Have an honest exit interview
Share your experience respectfully and offer helpful feedback.
4. Update your application materials
Refresh your professional profile to reflect the experience you just gained. Use a CV Builder to quickly add your latest achievements, or browse modern CV templates if your document needs a complete design refresh.
5. Prepare for your next move
If you are actively applying for new roles, ensure you know how to write a CV that bypasses automated tracking systems, and always pair it with a tailored application letter using a cover letter builder.
Dos and don’ts for writing a notice letter
Check your contract to ensure a smooth transition.
State your intention to resign clearly.
Thank your employer to build goodwill.
This can damage your professional reputation.
Avoid oversharing personal reasons for leaving.
Never criticise your employer or colleagues in a formal document.
Frequently asked questions about writing a letter of resignation
How much notice should I give when resigning?
The amount of notice you have to give depends on your employment contract. As of December 2024, the statutory minimum in the UK is one week if you’ve been employed for over a month. However, your contract may require a longer notice period – a month or more. To ensure you comply with your agreement with your employer, always check your contract first or ask the organisation’s HR department for advice.
Do I need to explain why I’m leaving in my resignation letter UK?
No, it’s not a requirement. While it’s perfectly fine to mention your reason briefly if you feel like it, explaining why you’re leaving is not mandatory. Moreover, no employer should require you to share that information.
To whom should I address my resignation letter?
Your resignation letter should be addressed to your manager or supervisor. In some cases, you may need to send a copy to the organisation’s HR department. This helps with record keeping and ensures your resignation is formally submitted.
Is it acceptable to resign via email or over the phone?
While a face-to-face meeting is generally considered the best option when you want to hand in your resignation letter, in some cases, you can choose to inform your manager about your decision via email. Leaving your job over the phone should be your last option, as it usually leaves no tangible proof of your resignation. If you choose to resign verbally, always follow up with a written confirmation.
What’s the best way to handle counteroffers or negotiations during resignation?
When you’ve been a valuable asset to the organisation, your employer may want to convince you to stay in your current job. If you receive a counteroffer from them, review it carefully. Compare it against your short- and long-term career goals and personal plans. Whatever you decide to do with the counteroffer, respond politely and professionally.
Can I change my mind and withdraw my resignation letter after submitting it?
In some cases, it’s possible to withdraw your resignation after you’ve submitted it, depending on your employer’s policy and the circumstances. If you decide to withdraw your resignation, act quickly and tell your manager as soon as possible. Explain why you’ve changed your mind and why you want to stay with the company. If your resignation hasn’t been processed yet, you have a better chance of having your withdrawal accepted.
Are farewell gifts a good idea when leaving a job?
Farewell gifts can be a thoughtful and appreciated gesture, as they express gratitude for your team and employer. However, it’s important to consider the workplace culture and preferences of your colleagues to ensure that the gift is appropriate and well received.
Mariusz Wawrzyniak
Senior Content Writer
Mariusz is a career expert at My Perfect CV who writes practical, research-based guides that help professionals from all industries craft impactful CVs, write compelling cover letters, and advance their careers.
