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Free letter template · Word

Resignation Letter Format

A resignation letter is the formal written notice an employee gives the employer to end employment. It states the intention to resign, the notice period being served and the proposed last working day, and it starts the company's exit and handover process.

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Preview of the letter

[Highlighted] = fill in
[Company Logo][Company Name]

RESIGNATION LETTER

Date:
[Date]
Employee ID:
[Employee ID]

To,
[Reporting Manager]
[Designation of Manager]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Cc: [HR Name], Human Resources

Subject: Resignation from the post of [Designation]

Dear [Reporting Manager],

Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from the position of [Designation] in the [Department] department of [Company Name]. I joined the organisation on [Date of Joining], and after careful thought I have decided to move on to pursue [a new professional opportunity / higher studies / personal reasons].

As per the terms of my appointment, I will serve a notice period of [Notice Period], and my last working day will be [Last Working Day]. If the company agrees to an earlier release, I am open to discussing it, subject to completing my handover.

During the notice period I will:

  1. Complete or hand over all pending tasks and open assignments
  2. Prepare a handover note and transfer knowledge to [Successor Name / the person nominated]
  3. Return all company assets, ID card, documents and access credentials
  4. Complete the exit clearance process with all departments

I request you to kindly arrange my relieving letter, experience letter and full and final settlement after my last working day. My personal email for future communication is [Personal Email] and my mobile number is [Mobile Number].

I am grateful for the opportunities, guidance and support I have received during my time at [Company Name]. I have learnt a great deal and I wish the team continued success.

Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,

[Employee Name]
[Designation]
[Department]
Employee ID: [Employee ID]
Received by
[HR Name]
Date: [Date]

What this template includes

  • Date of letter – the notice period is counted from this date
  • Addressed to the reporting manager with a copy to HR so both are formally informed
  • Clear statement of resignation from the named designation
  • Notice period as per appointment letter and the proposed last working day
  • Offer to complete handover and knowledge transfer, which smooths relieving
  • Request for relieving letter, experience letter and full and final settlement
  • Brief, positive thanks – keeps the relationship and references intact

When to use it

  • You have accepted a new job offer and need to give formal notice to your current employer
  • You are leaving for higher studies, relocation, family reasons or a career break
  • Your company asks for a signed resignation letter in addition to an email or HRMS entry
  • You want a written record of the date notice was given, to calculate your last working day

How to customise this template

  1. 1Check your appointment letter or HR policy for the exact notice period before filling the dates
  2. 2Replace the bracketed placeholders with your name, employee ID, designation and department
  3. 3Keep the reason optional and short; you do not have to explain why you are leaving
  4. 4If you want early relieving, add one line requesting a notice waiver or buyout
  5. 5Sign the printed copy and also email a scanned PDF to your manager and HR

HR tips

  • Resign in person or on a call first, then send the letter the same day
  • Do not criticise the company, manager or colleagues in writing
  • Keep a copy of the acknowledged letter or the HR acknowledgement email
  • Make sure the last working day matches the notice period, otherwise HR may calculate a notice shortfall recovery

For HR & hiring managers

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Frequently asked questions

Is it compulsory to mention the reason in a resignation letter?+

No. A resignation letter only needs to communicate your decision, the notice period and the last working day. You can mention a reason such as a career opportunity or personal circumstances, but it is optional.

From which date does the notice period start?+

Usually from the date your resignation is submitted and received by the employer. Check your appointment letter or HR policy, as some companies count from the date of acceptance.

Can I send my resignation by email?+

Yes, most Indian companies accept email resignations. Many still ask for a signed hard copy or an entry in the HRMS, so follow the process your company uses.

Should I ask for a relieving letter in the resignation letter?+

It is a good idea to request it. Mentioning the relieving letter, experience letter and full and final settlement reminds HR of the documents you need at exit.