Five resignation emails for the situations people actually face, from the clean standard case to the awkward ones. Tell your manager first where you can; these are the written record that follows. Copy the one that fits, swap in your details, and send.
Subject: Resignation, [Your name]
Hi [Manager's name], Following our conversation today, I am writing to confirm my resignation from my role as [job title]. My last working day will be [date], in line with my [notice period] notice. Thank you for the opportunity and support during my time here. I am committed to a smooth handover and will do everything I can to wrap up and document my work before I leave. Please let me know how I can help make the transition straightforward. Best regards, [Your name]
Subject: Resignation, [Your name]
Hi [Manager's name], I am writing to resign from my position as [job title]. I understand my contractual notice is [notice period], and due to [brief, neutral reason, e.g. personal circumstances] I am asking whether we can agree a last day of [earlier date]. I want to make this as smooth as possible and am happy to prioritise the most important handovers in the time we have. Thank you for your understanding, and for the opportunity to work here. Best regards, [Your name]
Subject: Resignation, [Your name]
Hi [Manager's name], Thank you for taking the time to speak with me on the call earlier. As discussed, this email confirms my resignation from my role as [job title], with a final working day of [date] in line with my notice period. I will document my projects, hand over access and accounts cleanly, and put together notes for whoever picks up my work. Happy to set up handover calls in the next few weeks at times that suit the team. Best regards, [Your name]
Subject: Notice of Resignation, [Your name]
Dear [Manager's name], Please accept this email as formal notice of my resignation from the position of [job title], effective [date], in accordance with my notice period. I will ensure my responsibilities are documented and handed over properly before my last day. Please let me know the preferred process for returning equipment and finalising any outstanding matters. Thank you, [Your name]
Keep it strictly factual and on the record. Save any feedback for an exit interview, if at all.
Subject: Resignation, effective immediately, [Your name]
Dear [Manager's name], I am writing to resign from my position as [job title], effective immediately, due to [brief reason, e.g. urgent personal or health circumstances]. I understand the implications for my notice period and am willing to discuss how to handle outstanding matters and the return of company property. I am sorry for the short notice and appreciate your understanding. Sincerely, [Your name]
Resigning without notice can have contractual consequences. Check your contract and, where the stakes are high, take advice before sending.
For why notice matters, how to handle the conversation and counteroffers, and how to leave without burning bridges, see how to resign professionally. For a printable letter version, use the resignation letter template.
Keep it short and clear: a subject line that names it as a resignation, a statement that you are resigning, your last working day based on your notice period, a brief thank-you, and an offer to help with the handover. Send it to your manager, ideally after telling them in person or by call first, so the email is the written record rather than the announcement.
A simple, clear subject works best, such as Resignation, Notice of Resignation, or Resignation, your name. It should be unambiguous so the email is easy to find later in records. Avoid anything vague or emotional in the subject line.
Where possible, speak to your manager first, in person or by call, and send the email the same day as the formal record. A live conversation is more respectful and keeps you in control of the message. In fully remote roles, a short video call followed by the email is a professional equivalent.
You do not need to. A brief, neutral line is enough, and a resignation email is not the place for grievances or detailed feedback. If you want to give feedback, an exit interview is the better forum, and even there keep it measured and constructive.