How to Write a Resignation Letter (+ Free Template!)

All good things must come to an end, and all bad things must come to an end soon.

If you're stuck in a job that doesn't value you for your skills and work ethic, or if you're ready to pursue another career, it's time to write a resignation letter, which is one of many types of business letters.

What is a resignation letter?

A resignation letter is a document that officially ends an employee's relationship with a company. It usually includes the last day of work, the reason for leaving, and an approximate transition plan.

But first, why is it important to write one? You are leaving, after all. Who needs it! ?

Just to be on the safe side, I recommend that you write a resignation letter, no matter how formal or informal the job was.

My first job was as a hostess in a Mexican restaurant. I was 16 and accepted the role for a little extra money over the summer. Once the school year started, I became too busy with after-school theater rehearsals and had to let go of my commitments to the restaurant and its customers.

My parents made me write and deliver a two-week notice letter. I had chosen to leave the company of my own free will and wanted to make sure we had a good relationship. As a teenager, I knew it was important to have viable references on my resume. Not only was a resignation letter good business practice, but it also meant that my hard-earned connections would be more likely to speak positively about my performance later on.

I continued working at Sonic Drive-Thru the following summer (no, I didn't rollerblade), and believe me, that reference really meant something to my new manager.

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The two-week notice rule is not always the best practice for abused employees. If you quit a company that didn't care about your well-being, chances are your resignation will be immediate.

This is something worth thinking about for a long time. Do you need this reference later? Or do you have a new job lined up and you're all ready to go? While quitting hating can be nice in the moment, only you can judge whether it would come back to haunt you or not.

In any case, a letter is a good idea. It serves as a written notice of your reason for leaving and can also protect you in the event of false accusations or in the future when recruiting teams may contact a previous company as a reference. I don't wish this situation for anyone (I've certainly had my own negative experiences in a toxic work environment), but I know it happens, and it's better to be prepared than penitent.

Once you're back in the workforce, consider using job search sites to find your next perfect step.

How to write a resignation letter

So if you're willing to leave that old nine to five (or any other combination of hours; I understand the hustle and bustle takes many forms) behind you, grab a cold brew or a glass of wine (depending the circumstances) and learn to resign with dignity.

1. Include an introduction

Any letter of resignation must begin with the date written and the address of the company in question. The date the letter is written is especially important, as you will include your end date in this letter later.

Having the date listed at the top of your resignation letter is a reliable reference for when you informed management of this change. In the event of any unfortunate discrepancies regarding your last day, you may refer to the letter as proof of your due diligence.

If you are writing a resignation email, the timestamp is already included. However, if you want the date to stand out as an important aspect of your resignation, feel free to include it in the body of the email.

It's also a good idea to include the company name and address in the header, whether it's an email or a hard copy.