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Free Resignation Email Templates to Use in 2023

October 12, 2024

Ready to leave a job? Make your exit with any of these free resignation email templates below. 

Change is a constant. We grow, we get wiser, we graduate school, we transition from students to employees and then former employees. 

You’ve worked and have given your all in a company and now it’s time to move onto the next. One thing that can really make the transition between jobs much easier is making a proper resignation. A lot of employees think of the resignation process as an herculean task. Why? Because they feel telling your boss “I don’t want to work for you anymore” can breed some tension and awkwardness. They even worry some employers may feel betrayed especially because they were instrumental to the employee’s growth. 

So how do you ease the process and make the transition as smooth and hitch free as possible? Read on to find out. 

How to tender in a resignation through email

  1. Set things into motion

First things first. Don’t just spring up a resignation email in their inbox, that borders on a lack of etiquette. Discuss with your employer ahead of time to set things into motion, so the email serves as an official stamp for your resignation. Also, follow the rules, some companies require you give two weeks to a month’s notice. 

Note: If you work remotely, resign first through a video call. 

  1. No need for ice breakers

There are chances your employer is a very busy person, don’t waste his/her time by beating around the bush so just say it as it is. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t weigh your words, please keep a polite tone. 

  1. Exclude all negativity 

You may have had a hard time working there but it’s best to never leave on a bad note. Leaving on a bad note can even stall future job opportunities. You never know who your soon to be former boss has in his/her social circle. A bad review can pose as a roadblock to life transforming opportunities,  so don’t be rude. Plus, just like wild fire, word gets around quite fast and before you realize, you get tagged as that person that badmouths former employers. If this happens, there is usually no way to eat your words,  all the evidence is in the email. It’s you against your word. 

  1. Express gratitude

Your workplace has contributed something to your growth and bank account. You also probably enjoyed employee benefits packages. Thank them for that and many more. Even if you feel your workplace is one of the branches of hell and is very toxic, still thank them because they did give you the opportunity to develop one of life’s major skills – the ability to handle difficult situations and walk away from things that don’t serve you. Don’t be upfront about this though (again, part on a good note). You can disguise this by being vague and thank them for helping you cultivate major life skills. 

  1. Offer to make the transition process smoother for the company

The company is losing an employee. This means they need to start a hiring process, and in the meantime, a lot of work may be left undone. Colleagues may pitch in but it’s not really the same as having a designated individual to get the job done. So offer to do what is necessary to wrap up your duties and tie any loose ends. You can even go as far as training co workers and delegating duties if a long term project is in motion. 

  1. Wish them well 

Finally, say your bidding and wish your employer and company all the best in their endeavors. Please don’t feel bad, feel guilty or even go as far as stating reasons and giving excuses for your resignation. It’s really not needed, no job or situation is permanent. Our world changes and evolves, and so do you. 

Resignation email templates you can use in 2023

1.

Dear Mr/Mrs/Miss (*last name*);

This email is a formal notification of my wish to be relieved from my duties as (*job role*) in (*company name*).  My last day here will be (*date*). 

Thank you so much for the opportunity to work with this organization and to make immense contributions towards the growth of the company. I relish the chances working as a (*job role*) afforded me, the chance to (*state job duties*).

I have also had the pleasure of enjoying growth opportunities made accessible to me and I’m very grateful for that because those opportunities made me a better employee and an all round better person. 

I will do everything I can to wrap up ongoing projects, train my colleagues and assign tasks over the next one month. 

I wish the company all the best

Sincerely, 

(*Name*)

 

2.

Dear Mr/Miss/Mrs , (*Last name*);

Please accept this email as an official notice of my resignation as (*job role*) in (*company name*).

In the past (*number*) years that I’ve worked here, I’ve enjoyed opportunities to upskill and build lifelong friendships with high value people. 

I genuinely appreciate all the guidance and training that has been extended in my time here and I’m willing to assist in the recruitment process by recommending a new hire. 

I wish the company more success going forward. 

Regards, 

(*Name*)

Dear Mr/Miss/Mrs;

I would like to inform you of my intention to resign from my duties as (*job title*), please accept this email as my official resignation. 

My time here has been amazing and I’ve enjoyed many benefits in my stay here. Working with (*company name*) has afforded me the opportunity to (* state benefits enjoyed from working with the company*) and to be a big part of the company’s growth process. 

Within the next two weeks, I will tie all loose ends with regards to my job roles and also train my team members so they can buffer the effect of my resignation on the organization pending the time a new hire is made. 

Finally, I do hope for the best with regards to the company’s future plans and aspirations. 

Sincerely, 

(*Name*)

 

Dear Mr/Mrs/Miss (*last name*); 

I officially want to tender in my resignation from my position as (*job title*) and I am hoping it takes effect from tomorrow. 

I am grateful for the chance given to me to be a part of the company’s success story and to add value to the company in my (*number*) years here. 

I am immensely thankful for the lessons and guidance I’ve gotten here, they have helped in shaping my career moving forward. 

It is my desire that the company continues to attain new heights. 

Best regards, 

(*Name*)

 

There you go. Four email resignation templates to help you get relieved of your duties. 

Bear in mind, a lot of employees look forward so much to their resignation that they forget there is a post resignation period that should be prepared for. Even though you may get excited and set your prospects high on what the future holds (you’re moving ahead after all), it’s not uncommon for employees to find themselves teary eyed post resignation as reality starts to hit. To make this period easier;

  • Pack up all your stuff. Although this depends on the company, you may be required to leave the premises immediately. So pack up even before you resign. 

  • Say your goodbyes. Over the time you have worked at that company, relationships may have been built, bonds have been formed. So take time out to bid farewell to your work family. 

  • Update your resumé. If you don’t have a new job offer waiting for you, this is the time to update your resumé and brush up. 

  • Take a self acclaimed vacation. It doesn’t have to be long, three days will suffice. Use that time to relax, do fun stuff your former job prevented you from doing and do a lot of reflecting and put things into perspective. Ask yourself “What could I have done better at my last job?” “How can I be a better employee?”. Revisit your vision board and make sure you haven’t charted off course. Ask yourself how you can stick to your vision and value going forward. 

Final thoughts;

Resignation email templates should remain what they are- templates, a guide to tender in your resignation. They are not hard and fast rules dictating the words a resignation email should contain so feel free to tweak and edit or even inspire you to write your own resignation email from scratch.

Now that you have left your job, it’s time to hunt for a new one. If the reason you resigned is a new job offer, congratulations. If not, use this period to brush up your resumé, strengthen your interview crushing skills and search  for better, more rewarding jobs.

Did you find the Resignation Email Templates Useful? You should  check this: 7  Email Templates to ask for a raise.