Example resignation letter.
A worked example with placeholders filled in — exactly what a polished resignation letter looks like in practice. Read it, then edit it to your situation.
Download the example resignation letter
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March 14, 2026 Dear Sarah, This letter is to inform you that I am resigning from my position as Senior Software Engineer at Lumen Software, effective March 28, 2026. This gives the team two weeks' notice in line with our standard practice. I'd be glad to spend the notice period writing up the ingest-pipeline runbook, briefing whoever picks up the on-call rotation, and clearing the open items in the migration project so the next engineer doesn't inherit unfinished work…
What's inside the document.
Filled in for a hypothetical engineer leaving a hypothetical SaaS company. Use as a calibration reference, not a copy-paste.
Shows the typical phrasing — clear, direct, no equivocation.
Two-week notice example, with the math explicitly stated.
A specific, realistic offer of handover support — not a vague 'happy to help'.
An example of a sincere, specific thank-you that avoids cliché.
Standard sign-off with title and date.
A complete document set.
- Word document (.docx) — fully editable
- PDF — print or attach to email
- Google Docs — one-click copy to your Drive
- 12 months of updates to this letter
- Personal-use licence (your own resignation)
Three formats, one document.
- Word document (.docx) — fully editable
- PDF — signature-ready
- Google Docs — one-click copy to your Drive
6 steps from download to use.
- 01Open the example and read it through once — note the tone and the structure.
- 02Replace every placeholder with your specifics. Do not keep the example's company names, dates, or job titles.
- 03Adjust the notice period if your contract specifies something other than two weeks.
- 04Cut anything that feels like the example's voice rather than yours. Keep what reads naturally.
- 05Print and sign, or save as PDF for email.
- 06Use the conversation-first pattern: have the in-person discussion, then deliver the letter as the written record.
The right document at the right moment.
Use the example as a calibration reference — it shows what a polished, professional letter actually reads like when filled in. Then write your own using the same structure and the simple or formal templates.
Treat the example as a worked sample. Copy-pasting it with placeholders swapped will read like a template; rewriting in your own voice using the same structure will read like a letter.
Honest answers before you download.
- Can I just use this letter verbatim?
- You can, but it will read like a template. The example exists to calibrate your sense of tone and structure. The best letter is one you wrote yourself using the structure shown.
- Why an 'example' rather than just a template?
- Templates show you the slots; examples show you what good copy looks like in the slots. When you're writing a personal letter under emotional load, the example is faster to model on.
- Do I have to write a resignation letter?
- In most jurisdictions, no — verbal resignation is legally sufficient. But a written letter creates a clean record of the date, the notice period, and the terms, which protects both sides. It also helps your manager process the departure smoothly.
- How much notice should I give?
- Check your employment contract first — most specify a minimum (commonly 2 weeks in the US, 4 weeks in AU professional roles). If your contract is silent, 2 weeks is the standard professional minimum; senior roles and tightly-coupled teams often warrant longer.
This example resignation letter template is a professionally drafted starting point and is not legal advice. The clauses follow current US and AU practice; adapt the document for your specific jurisdiction and have qualified counsel review any clauses you add before signing or distributing. Full disclaimer.