Resignation Letter Generator
Professional resignation letters that protect references and relationships
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Frequently asked questions
How much notice should I give when resigning?
Two weeks is the US/UK standard for most roles, four weeks is common for senior roles or specialized positions where replacement takes longer. Going under two weeks burns the reference (managers remember rushed exits for years). Going significantly over four weeks rarely helps — most companies start looking for replacements immediately after notice anyway, and an extended timeline can lead to awkward 'lame duck' working periods. The right answer is what's reasonable given your role and what you'd want from someone leaving your team.
Should I include the reason for resigning in my letter?
Generally no. The strongest resignation letters say nothing about the reason — 'I'll be resigning from my position effective [date]' is sufficient. Reasons (even positive ones like 'pursuing a new opportunity') invite questions: Where are you going? Why? Was it the comp? Was it the team? None of these conversations help you. Keep the letter neutral and discuss reasons verbally with your manager only if it serves the relationship. Your letter is a permanent HR record; everything you write can resurface later.
Should the resignation letter be sent or handed in person?
Tell your manager in person (or via video for remote teams) FIRST, then follow up with the written letter. Sending the letter cold without a heads-up conversation feels passive-aggressive even if not intended that way. The standard sequence: schedule a 1:1, share the news verbally, hand them the printed letter or send it via email after the conversation. The letter exists to make it official for HR records, not to deliver the news. The sequence matters for the reference more than the letter content does.