How To Write An Appropriate Resignation Email To Your Manager (Example)

How To Write An Appropriate Resignation Email To Your Manager (Example)

There will come a time when you’re going to move on from your current job and you’ll need to write a resignation letter or email to your manager. Of course, I’m hoping it’s when you guys get so successful blogging or working for yourself in general that it will be the last resignation letter you’ll ever have to write!

You are what you do, not what you say you'll doAs you guys know, I quit my full-time office day job in 2015 after working for the company for about 15 years. We all have in the back of our heads what we want to do on that last day we leave our jobs. I mean, just a couple of weeks ago, we were all playing the $1 billion Powerball while coming up with a list of things we would do with the money if we won.

I’m sure that included telling your boss to screw themselves. Come on, don’t lie. That was probably on a majority of peoples list. But whether you loved the job but a better opportunity presented itself or you simply hated the job, you don’t want to burn any bridges… even if you won the lottery.

Before we get into the example on how to write an appropriate resignation email to your manager, there are a few quick points to keep in mind:

Do NOT Burn Bridges – It’s always better to have a positive professional attitude. With that said, you don’t want to burn any bridges. Not only do you want to be able to put your current job on your resume and get a good reference, but you may encounter a former co-worker or a boss at another position.

It’s a small world and you don’t want to have a bad reputation that follows you.

Give At Least Two Weeks Notice – It’s common courtesy to give ample notice when leaving a job. You’ll want to give enough notice to close the loop on any projects and potentially train someone on your job responsibilities.

Also, try not to leave when your boss has a scheduled vacation which would make things even more difficult on them.

Don’t Use All Your Paid Time Off During Those Two Weeks – That pretty much defeats the purpose of giving your notice. Plus, it doesn’t make you look good when you should be helping your employer close loops and help with the transition.

If you have vacation days, check with your HR and see if you can cash them out.  If not, plan ahead of it.

Resign In Person First – Have a face-to-face meeting with your direct manager first before submitting your formal resignation letter. It’s more personal and professional.

If you don’t like your boss/job, keep it short and simple. They don’t need the full details, they mainly need to know you’re moving on, when your last day is and what you can do to help with the transition.

Now that we got those points out of the way, here’s how your resignation email to your manager should look like (keep in mind, this sample is intended for guidance):

Email Subject Line: Resignation – Your Name

Email Body Text:

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name Of Your Direct Manager:

Give your resignation, the job position and company’s name you’re leaving as well as your last official working day.

Example: Please accept this message as notification that I am leaving my position as ABCD Support with ABCD effective September 15.

Sum up the opportunities and job duties and how they have helped you develop and support your career.

Example: I appreciate the opportunities I have been given at ABCD as the webmaster managing ABCD’s website. Your professional guidance and support has helped me strengthen my skills with design, which I am certain will carry over in future endeavors.

Give notice that you will close loops, help with the transition.

Example: During my final two weeks, I will do everything possible to wrap up duties and train other team members. Please let me know what I can do to help during this transition.

Give your best.

Example: I wish you and ABCD continued success in the future.

Your Name

Let me know what you wrote on your resignation email to your manager!

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