Sample Resignation Letters

You may download and modify a free, sample resignation letter linked below for personal use or just keep it handy as an example to write one of your own from scratch. Each is preformatted in a full-block style, business-letter format with a letterhead that you may personalize. The files are in rich-text format (.rtf), which is compatible with popular word processors (e.g., Microsoft® Word).

A sample resignation letter is more formally referred to as a sample letter of resignation. We use both of those terms plus other variations throughout this section, to mean the same thing. We do so not to confuse you, but to make it easier for our visitors to find these samples when searching the Web or TechnicalJobSearch.com.

About Using a Sample Letter of Resignation

Your employer will likely file your letter of resignation as potential evidence, should you take legal action against the employer after resigning.

Subsequently, if you think that you might file a lawsuit or government complaint against your former employer after you quit your job, it's a good idea to keep your resignation letter simple and straight to the point. Sample resignation letters 2 and 6 linked below help you to do just that.

Remember, the purpose of a letter of resignation is to officially document that an employee resigned and when, and nothing more. Never document what your former employer can use as evidence against you in your own legal action.

For example, resist venting when editing a sample letter of resignation below or turning it into a soapbox on which to stand for criticizing the company; if you're quitting because you've been unhappy with your employer, then don't indicate that you've been happy, but don't indicate that you've been unhappy either. Instead, just quit your job using as few written words as it takes for the purpose.

Read Writing a Letter of Resignation for more information. For more information about resigning a job, such as whether or not you must give written resignation notice, when your final paycheck is due, and whether or not you're entitled to collect state unemployment benefits, see Employment Termination and Discharge at EmployeeIssues.com.

Sample Resignation Letters

Resignation Letter Sample #1 is simple, friendly and courteous.		Letter of Resignation Sample #5 generally explains, to avoid a misunderstanding.
Resignation Letter Sample #2 is formal, simple and straight to the point.		Sample Letter of Resignation #6 is not quite as formal as #2, but is as simple and straight to the point as it gets.
Sample Resignation Letter #3 is formal, but grateful.		Sample Resignation Letter #7 is the same as #6, but with a little gratitude added.
Sample Resignation Letter #4 attempts to head off an anticipated counteroffer.		Resignation Letter Template Suggests how to write a resignation letter and provides the format.