How to write a letter of resignation

Writing a letter of resignation can be difficult, depending on the circumstances. For one thing, it’s hard to strike just the right tone. Even if you’re leaving a position because you’re not happy or making enough money, you don’t want to risk alienating your superiors or co-workers. You never know when you might want to ask one of them for a reference or recommendation.

The best tactic is to keep your resignation letter simple:

use company letterhead

state only the barest facts

date your letter

state the date on which your resignation is official and the position you’re resigning

sign it and hand (or send) it to the appropriate person

For example, in British English:

3 June 2015

Miriam Jones

Human Resources Manager

A1 Plumbing & Heating

52 Annex Road South
Middleton
Christchurch 8024

Dear Ms Jones:

I am writing to let you know that I am resigning my position as Administrative Assistant to the Vice President for Marketing, effective 17 June 2015.

It’s been a pleasure working for A1.

Sincerely,

[signature]

Joseph Clayhurst

Administrative Assistant

Marketing

Or, in American English

June 3, 2015,

Miriam Jones
Human Resources Manager
A1 Plumbing & Heating
31 Gravel Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17101

Dear Ms. Jones:

I am writing to let you know that I am resigning my position as Administrative Assistant to the Vice President for Marketing, effective June 17, 2015. It's been a pleasure working for A1.

Sincerely,

[signature]

Joseph Clayhurst
Administrative Assistant
Marketing

It is also appropriate for the addressee to acknowledge receipt of the letter of resignation. For example, in British English:

5 June 2015

Joseph Clayhurst

Administrative Assistant, Marketing

A1 Plumbing & Heating

52 Annex Road South
Middleton
Christchurch 8024

Dear Mr Clayhurst:

It is with deep regret that I accept your resignation as Administrative Assistant to A1’s Vice President for Marketing, effective 17 June 2015.

We here at A1 are aware of the demands that this position has placed on you, and we appreciate the excellent work you have done as an administrative assistant.

I wish you success in your new position.

Best wishes,

[signature]

Miriam Jones

Human Resources Manager

Or, in American English:

June 5, 2015

Joseph Clayhurst

Administrative Assistant, Marketing,

A1 Plumbing & Heating

31 Gravel Drive

Harrisburg, PA 17101

Dear Mr. Clayhurst,

It is with deep regret that I accept your resignation as Administrative Assistant to A1's Vice President for Marketing, effective June 17, 2015.

We here at A1 are aware of the demands that this position has placed on you, and we appreciate the excellent work you have done as an administrative assistant.

I wish you success in your new position.

Best wishes,

[signature]

Miriam Jones

Human Resources Manager

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