A short resignation letter can be a few clear sentences: identify the role, state that you are resigning, give the notice and intended final date, and ask for acknowledgement. Length is less important than accuracy.
This guide helps you keep the wording concise. Use the general resignation templates for longer options or the UK process guide if you have not checked your notice arrangements.
Short resignation letter template
[Date]
Dear [manager's name],
I am resigning from my position as [job title] at [organisation]. I am giving [notice period] notice, with [date] as my intended final day of employment.
Please confirm receipt and the final employment date.
Kind regards,
[Your name]
The bracketed details must be replaced before sending. Check your employment terms rather than assuming the same notice period applies to everyone. A short message does not remove the need to follow the relevant process.
Is your resume actually getting responses?
Your resume might be missing something important
Upload your resume → see its weakest areas → fix them, one by one.
Free. Takes less than 2 minutes.
A brief version with thanks
Dear [manager's name],
Please accept this letter as notice of my resignation from the role of [job title]. With [notice period] notice, my intended final day of employment is [date].
Thank you for [specific experience or support]. I will agree handover priorities with you during my remaining time.
Please confirm receipt and the final employment date.
Kind regards,
[Your name]
Only include thanks that reflect your experience. You can remain courteous without adding praise you do not mean or a personal explanation you do not want to share.
Edit an overlong opening
| Overlong or unclear wording | Clearer alternative |
|---|---|
| After a great deal of reflection and many conversations, I have come to a difficult decision about my future | I am writing to resign from my position as [role] |
| I think my last day will probably be sometime at the end of next month | My intended final day of employment is [full date] |
| I will be available at any time for anything the company needs | I will agree handover priorities during my remaining time |
| I hope it is acceptable for me to leave sooner | I would like to discuss whether an earlier final date of [date] could be agreed |
The last example is a request. It should not be written as though a shorter notice period has already been accepted.
What to keep even when shortening
Keep the role, organisation, notice wording, full date and your name. Keep any detail your employer's process requires. Remove repeated expressions of regret, a history of your employment and handover details better held in a separate document.
Read the letter from the recipient's perspective. Could they identify the decision and dates without guessing? If the answer is no, clarity matters more than saving another sentence.
When a generic short letter is not enough
If you are resigning in connection with a serious contractual dispute or considering leaving immediately, get advice before selecting wording. The reasons and circumstances can matter. Acas resignation guidance explains these situations and where to seek help.
For an ordinary departure, a concise record can be sufficient for the communication task, but it does not determine your rights or obligations. Check the required notice and delivery process separately.
Sending and keeping a record
For email, use a clear subject such as “Resignation notice — [name]” and verify the recipient. Our resignation email guide includes an attachment and acknowledgement checklist.
Ask the relevant contact to confirm the final employment date. Keep an appropriate record of the notice and response. Prepare your task handover separately using the handover planning guide, and avoid including confidential work details in personal copies.