Charlotte Grainger 
Say farewell to your employer the right way!
When you've made the decision to leave your job – for whatever reason – there's one important step you need to take: letting your boss know that you're out the door. It might seem intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. With a short and simple resignation letter, you can let them know that you're moving on without having to over-explain. Read our guide to get started.
When should you send a resignation letter?
When you've thought about quitting your job, understanding when to send a simple resignation letter can be hard. It goes without saying that you should be 100% certain about your decision before you start penning this letter. However, you also need to make sure that the timing is right. Let's take a look at some of the factors that will play into when you send your letter of resignation:
Your notice period
Since you're the one resigning, you have control over when this will happen. Make sure that you fully understand the terms of your contract and the length of your notice period. Consider when you want your last day to be and work your way backwards from that point.
Upcoming jobs
If you've been applying for new jobs and you've accepted an offer, you'll need to do some heavy scheduling here. Think about when you'll need to end your current employment and the dates you are hoping to start your new role. Some people find that it's helpful to have a brief break between their old job and new one. If you can factor this in, it may be the rest you need.
Day of the week
While you can, of course, resign on any day of the week, it may be smart to do it before a weekend. This move means that your employer will have the chance to take in the information over the weekend and decide on the next steps. It also means that you can send your simple resignation letter and then have a break from work for a couple of days.
What to include in a simple resignation letter
Before we get to the simple resignation letter examples, let's cover what you should include in yours. Here's a quick breakdown of the main elements to structure your short resignation letter:
Contact details
Start by including your name, your address, today's date, and your employer's contact details. Of course, if you're sending a simple resignation letter via email, you don't need to include all of the above. You can simply use a standardised subject line, such as “Notice of resignation.”
Greeting
Next, you need to greet your boss – or the HR representative – politely and formally. Use their title and last name, such as “Mr Smith.” Sure, you might call your boss by their first name at work, but keep in mind that this is an official form of correspondence.
Clear statement
Don't beat around the bush. The first line of a simple resignation letter needs to get straight to the point. Let your manager know that you are resigning. You don't have to give a reason at this point. Instead, keep this sentence clear, concise, and unemotional.
Crucial details
By this point, you should have checked your contract and know what your notice period is. Use that information to provide your employer with crucial details, such as your last day of employment. For example, you can write “As per my notice period, my last day of official employment will be [date].” Also, include any additional details you feel necessary.
Expression of gratitude
Whether you're leaving because you can't stand your job or you're taking your career to new heights, show a little gratitude. You should take this opportunity to thank your employer for the opportunities that you've had. Remember, you always want to leave things on good terms.
Closing statement
End with a final statement that's professional and polite. Let the employer know that you're happy to discuss your resignation with them further – as you naturally will. Once again, you don't need to over-explain yourself. Keep to the facts and make your letter short.
Sign-off
Finally, you need to sign off formally. Use a common sign-off, such as “Kind regards,” “Regards,” or even “Best regards” when ending this simple resignation letter. Add your full name below that.
Simple letter resignation examples
Ready to start working on your resignation letter? To help you along the way, we've drafted a couple of simple resignation letter samples you can use as templates and inspiration:
Example 1
Dear Mr. Smith,
I am writing to formally let you know that I am resigning from my role at Cutters' Corner. As per my contract, I am happy to serve two weeks' notice and my last working day will be 21st May.
I want to thank you for the opportunity to work here and appreciate all of the support and guidance you've given to me over the years.
Please let me know how I can support the business during this transition period.
Kind regards,
Becky Jones
Example 2
Dear Mrs. Keller,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to inform you of my official resignation from Marketing Marvels. My final day of employment will be 12th September, based on my one-month notice period.
Thank you so much for the chance to work at this business and the development opportunities you've given me. I am grateful for all I have learned.
I'm happy to discuss this resignation further and do anything I can to assist you in training my replacement.
Best regards,
Danielle Turner
Leave on a professional note
Now it's your turn to write that all-important goodbye letter. Remember, writing a simple resignation letter should be quick and easy. You don't have to include too much information in this document; instead, keep things short and to the point. Use our letter examples for inspiration if you're not certain where to start.
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