Work & Career

Simple Resignation Letter Template & Example

Use a free simple resignation letter template and example to give notice, name your final work day, and create a short email, printable letter, or signed copy.

Short answer

What to do first

Start with the free editable template, then keep the letter to three short parts: your resignation, final work day, and a polite close. You can copy it into an email, print it, or save a signed copy for your records.

Start with the Simple Resignation Letter
Review notes

How this guide was prepared

This guide is written to help readers handle a work & career message with enough context to choose, customize, and send the right template.

  • Prepared for the Work & Career category, with links back to 6 related templates so readers can choose a matching format.
  • Checked for practical include-and-avoid guidance, including 5 include points and 4 avoid points when available.
  • Reviewed for cautious wording around records, policies, timing, and follow-up steps before a reader sends the message.

When to use this letter or template

  • Use this guide when a manager, HR contact, recruiter, or interviewer needs a professional written message about simple resignation letter template & example.
  • Use it before you send something that may become part of a workplace, hiring, or offboarding record.
  • Use it when you need the tone to stay clear and respectful without oversharing private details.

Email, portal, or online message

Use email for most workplace, hiring, PTO, follow-up, and resignation messages because it creates a dated record.

Printed letter or signed note

Use a printed letter when your employer expects a signed document, formal resignation, or personnel-file copy.

Before you send

If a handbook, contract, recruiter, or HR process names a specific channel, use that channel.

What to include and what to avoid

Include

  • Your resignation statement.
  • Final day.
  • Company or manager name.
  • Neutral thanks.
  • Signature.

Avoid

  • Long explanations.
  • Criticism.
  • Unclear dates.
  • Sharing private reasons you do not want in the employment record.

Tone examples

Neutral

Start with the free editable template, then keep the letter to three short parts: your resignation, final work day, and a polite close. You can copy it into an email, print it, or save a signed copy for your records.

Polite

Please accept this letter as notice of my resignation from Northstar Studio. My final day will be May 22. Thank you for the opportunity to work with the team.

Follow-up

Follow your employer's offboarding process after the resignation is acknowledged.

Situation-specific advice

Manager message

Lead with the request or update, then include dates, role details, or availability.

HR or formal record

Keep the wording neutral and confirm the process, policy, or final date in writing.

Hiring follow-up

Reference the role and conversation briefly, then ask for the next update without pressuring the recipient.

Mistakes to avoid and next step

Mistakes to avoid

  • Long explanations.
  • Criticism.
  • Unclear dates.
  • Sharing private reasons you do not want in the employment record.

Follow-up step

Follow your employer's offboarding process after the resignation is acknowledged.

Record-keeping tips

  • Save the resignation letter.
  • Save acknowledgement.
  • Keep final-day and payroll notes.
  • Keep return-of-property instructions.

FAQ

Can I copy the example exactly?

Yes, but replace names, dates, account details, and any wording that does not match your situation.

Should I print it or email it?

Use the channel the school, employer, landlord, office, or company accepts, and keep a dated copy.

Is this advice?

No. These guides provide general writing help only; rules, forms, deadlines, policies, and requirements can vary.