How to use the Resignation Letter Generator
- Choose Letter for a printed or attached letter, or Email for a message with a subject line, then pick a tone.
- Enter your name, position, manager and company, plus the date of the letter and your last working day.
- Optionally add a reason, what you are grateful for and an offer to help with the handover.
- Review and edit the letter, then copy it, download it as a .txt file or print it to PDF.
Features
- Letter and email formats, with a ready subject line
- Formal, warm and brief tones
- Works out your notice period from the two dates
- Optional reason, thanks and handover offer
- Editable output with copy, .txt download and print to PDF
- Runs in your browser; nothing is uploaded
What a resignation letter is for
A resignation letter is a short, formal record that you are leaving and when. It is not the place to explain everything or air grievances. It confirms three facts for your employer’s files: that you are resigning, your position, and your last working day. A courteous tone helps you leave on good terms, which matters for references and for the small world most industries turn out to be.
What to include
- A clear statement that you are resigning, and from which position.
- Your last working day, written as a full date so there is no doubt.
- A brief thank-you. One or two specific sentences are better than a paragraph of praise.
- A handover offer, such as finishing current work, documenting processes or training your replacement.
- Optionally, a reason, kept short and neutral. You do not have to give one.
Leave out complaints, comparisons with your new employer and salary details. If you have feedback, an exit interview is the better place for it.
How much notice should you give?
Start with your employment contract or handbook, because the notice period it sets is what counts. Beyond that, practice varies by country:
| Where | What usually applies |
|---|---|
| United States | Most jobs are at-will and there is generally no legal minimum, but two weeks is the professional norm. Senior roles often give more. |
| United Kingdom | After one month in a job, the statutory minimum an employee must give is one week, unless the contract sets a longer period, which is common. |
| Elsewhere | Many countries set notice in law or collective agreements, often by length of service. Check local rules and your contract. |
The generator counts the days between the date of your letter and your last working day and shows the result under the dates. For contracts that count in working days or months, the Notice Period Calculator works out the exact last day.
Letter or email?
Tell your manager in person or on a call first; the written resignation should never be how they find out. Then send the letter. Many workplaces accept an email, and the Email format adds a clear subject line such as “Resignation – Jordan Lee”. If your company expects a signed letter, use Print / PDF, sign it and hand it over or attach the PDF.
Choosing a tone
Formal suits most situations and any workplace where the letter goes to HR. Warm fits a close working relationship where you want to say a proper thank-you. Brief gives the essentials in a few lines, which is right when the relationship is strained or the company simply needs a record. Whatever you choose, keep it positive or neutral; the letter will sit in your personnel file.
After you resign
Agree on a handover plan, confirm your final paycheck, unused vacation and benefits with HR, return company equipment, and save personal contacts before your access ends. If you are moving to a new role, it is also a good moment to refresh your resume and LinkedIn profile while your achievements are fresh; the LinkedIn Headline Generator can help with the latter.
This tool gives general guidance only and is not legal advice; check your contract and local employment law for your notice obligations.
Frequently asked questions
How much notice should I give when I resign?
Follow your contract first. In the United States two weeks is the usual courtesy for most jobs, and in many other countries the law or your contract sets a minimum. The tool shows how much notice your two dates give.
Do I have to give a reason for resigning?
No. A resignation letter does not need a reason, and “Do not mention a reason” is the default. If you do give one, keep it short and neutral.
Can I resign by email?
In many workplaces, yes. Speak to your manager first, then send the Email version so there is a dated written record. Some employers ask for a signed letter, so check your handbook.
Should I mention my new job in the letter?
It is optional. You can say you have accepted a new position without naming the company or the salary, which keeps the letter neutral.
Is my information saved or sent anywhere?
No. The letter is created by a script in your browser and nothing is uploaded or stored on a server.