When to use this letter
- You've accepted a written offer and confirmed your start date.
- You want to leave on good terms and keep your current manager as a reference.
- You'd rather not say where you're going.
Before you send it: Wait until you have the new offer in writing, with your start date — and any background check or other conditions cleared — before you resign.
Leaving for a new role
Mentions a new opportunity without naming it.
Version 1 of 3
[Your Name]
[Email] · [Phone]
[Month Day, Year]
[Manager's Name][Manager's Title], [Company Name]
Dear [Manager's Name],
Please accept this letter as notice of my resignation from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I've accepted a new role, and my last day here will be [Month Day, Year].
This wasn't an easy decision. I'm grateful for the opportunities I've had here and for everything I've learned from you and the team.
Before I go, I'll [finish or hand off your main project] and document my open work so the transition is smooth.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Warm letter for a manager who helped you grow
When your manager played a part in getting you here.
Version 2 of 3
[Your Name]
[Email] · [Phone]
[Month Day, Year]
[Manager's Name][Manager's Title], [Company Name]
Dear [Manager's First Name],
I wanted to let you know in writing that I've accepted a new position and will be resigning from my role as [Job Title]. My last day will be [Month Day, Year].
You've had a real part in my growth here — especially [something specific they did]. I'm grateful, and I hope we stay in touch.
I'll do everything I can to set up whoever takes over my work, including [handover task].
With thanks,
[Your Name]
Resignation email for a new job
Short and email-ready.
Version 3 of 3
Subject: Resignation — [Your Name]
Dear [Manager's Name],
As we discussed, I've accepted a new role and am resigning from my position as [Job Title]. My last day will be [Month Day, Year].
Thank you for the opportunities I've had here. I'll make sure my projects are handed off before I go.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Tips
- Don't name the new employer unless you want to. "I've accepted a new role" is enough.
- Skip comparisons of title, pay or culture. Leave that out of the letter and the exit interview.
- Think about a counteroffer before you resign. If you've already decided to leave, a polite "thank you, but I've made my decision" is fine.
- Update your resume and LinkedIn after your last day, and keep in touch with the people you'd want as references.
Notice and the law
In most US jobs two weeks' notice is a custom rather than a legal requirement, but a contract, union agreement, company policy or state law can set different rules — for notice, for final pay and for unused vacation. The resignation letter guide explains US notice norms, with sources.
Not legal advice. This page is general information for US employees, not legal advice. Notice rules can come from your contract, a union agreement, company policy or state law — if you're unsure, check those or ask an employment attorney.