Resignation Letter — Free Template & Generator
A good resignation letter is short, positive and clear about your last day, so you can leave on good terms and keep a clean record. Answer the questions below and your letter of resignation fills itself in as you type.
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October 15, 2026
[Who the letter is to (usually your manager)]
[Company or organization]
Re: Resignation of [Your full name]
Dear [Who the letter is to (usually your manager)],
Please accept this letter as formal notice that I am resigning from my position as [Your job title] at [Company or organization]. [How much notice you're giving], and my last day of work will be [Your last day of work].
[Why you're leaving]
I will do what I can to make this transition as smooth as possible, including wrapping up my open work and handing over my responsibilities.
Thank you for the opportunities and support I have received during my time at [Company or organization].
I wish you and everyone at [Company or organization] continued success.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
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Templates for your situation
Each version starts with the right wording for that situation already filled in.
- Short Resignation Letter
- Simple Resignation Letter
- Resignation Letter Effective Immediately
- Resignation Letter Email
- Professional Resignation Letter
- Teacher Resignation Letter
- Nurse Resignation Letter
- Letter of Resignation From a Board
- Resignation Letter Due to Health Reasons
- Resignation Letter for Personal Reasons
- Resignation Letter Due to Family Reasons
- Resignation Letter for a Part-Time Job
- Church Resignation Letter
- Police Resignation Letter
- Resignation Letter After Maternity Leave
- Resignation Letter Due to Relocation
- Resignation Letter for a New Job
- Friendly Resignation Letter
- 30 Day Notice Resignation Letter
- One Week Notice Resignation Letter
What to do, step by step
Tell your manager first
If you can, tell your manager in person or on a call before you send anything. The letter then confirms the conversation in writing instead of breaking the news.
Check your notice period
Look at your offer letter, contract or employee handbook. Two weeks is the usual courtesy in the US, but some roles ask for more, and leaving with the expected notice keeps you eligible for rehire.
Fill in your letter
Answer the questions above. Keep it short and positive: your title, your last day, a brief reason if you want to give one, and a thank-you.
Offer a smooth handover
List the one or two concrete things you'll do before you go, such as finishing a project, writing handover notes or training a replacement. It is the part managers remember.
Send it and keep a copy
Email it to your manager, copy HR if your company expects that, and save a copy for your records. Ask HR about your final paycheck, unused vacation and benefits.
What if your employer asks you to stay longer or leave sooner?
If your manager asks you to stay past your last day, you can say yes, say no, or offer a middle ground such as a few hours of remote help. Whatever you agree, confirm it in a short email so there's no confusion about your end date or pay.
Some employers accept a resignation and ask you to leave right away. In most US states employment is at will, so this is allowed, but many companies still pay out the notice period. Ask HR how your final pay, unused vacation and benefits will be handled.
If you receive a counteroffer, take a day to think it over. Remember the reasons you decided to leave, and if you turn it down, do it politely and in writing so the relationship stays positive.
Example resignation letter
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Jordan Ellis
October 5, 2026
Dana Whitfield
Brightline Logistics
Re: Resignation of Jordan Ellis
Dear Dana Whitfield,
Please accept this letter as formal notice that I am resigning from my position as Senior Marketing Coordinator at Brightline Logistics. I am giving two weeks' notice, and my last day of work will be October 19, 2026.
I have accepted a new opportunity that is the right next step for my career.
Before I leave, I will finish the Q4 campaign calendar, document my vendor contacts and processes, and help train whoever takes over my accounts.
Thank you for the support and mentorship you have given me over the past four years. I have learned a great deal from you and from this team.
After I leave, you can reach me at jordan.ellis@email.com.
I wish you and everyone at Brightline Logistics continued success.
Sincerely,
Jordan Ellis
Frequently asked questions
How long should a resignation letter be?
Short. Three or four brief paragraphs on a single page is plenty: that you're resigning, your last day, an offer to help with the transition and a thank-you. A resignation letter goes into your personnel file, so it isn't the place for complaints or a long explanation.
Do I have to give a reason for resigning?
No. You can simply say you are resigning and give your last day. Many people add a short, neutral reason such as a new opportunity, relocation or family reasons. If you'd rather keep it private, a line like saying it's the right time to move on is perfectly professional.
How much notice should I give?
Two weeks is the common courtesy in the US, though no federal rule requires it for most jobs. Senior roles, teachers, healthcare workers and people with contracts often give more. Check your contract or employee handbook, because leaving without the expected notice can affect rehire eligibility or payout of unused vacation.
Should I email my resignation letter or print it?
Email is normal at most workplaces today and gives you a time-stamped record. Attach the letter as a PDF or paste it into the body of the email. Some employers, schools and public agencies prefer a signed paper copy, so hand one over too if that's the norm.
Can my employer refuse to accept my resignation?
Generally, no. In at-will employment you can resign at any time, and your employer can't make you stay. If you have a contract with a notice clause, leaving early could have consequences under that contract, so read it first. Your employer can, however, choose to end your employment before your last day.
FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.