How to write a short resignation letter: what it needs
- That you are resigning, and from which job.
- Your last day, so nobody has to work it out from a notice period.
- An offer to hand over your work.
Thanks, reasons and memories are optional. A simple, easy, short resignation letter is not rude. A letter with no last day creates follow-up questions, and that is the one thing it shouldn't do.
Simple resignation letter in Word format: template and sample
Every sample above is plain text, so it is a short template for copy paste: nothing to install. Copy it into Word, Google Docs or an email and replace what is in [brackets]. For a simple resignation letter PDF, free download with no login, write the letter in the form at the top of the page and download it. A simple employee resignation letter needs no special layout; if your company has a letterhead, put the letter on it. Keep the date, your last day and your name, because those are what HR files.
Looking for a simple, short resignation letter template to copy paste? Take any sample above, then add your date, your last day and your name.
Short resignation letter example: when two or three sentences are enough
A short letter works best when the conversation has already happened. You told your manager in person, you agreed the last day, and the letter puts it on record. It also fits a company system or HR portal that has its own boxes for the date and reason, where the letter is just the covering note.
What to leave out
- Where you are going next. Say it if you want to, but nothing needs it.
- Complaints about the job, the manager or the pay. The letter stays in your file.
- A long explanation. One neutral line, or none, is enough.
- Anything you wouldn't want read aloud in a reference check.
How much notice the letter gives
In the US most jobs are at-will, so no law sets your notice and two weeks is the custom; your offer letter or handbook may ask for more. In the UK your contract sets it, and with nothing agreed the legal minimum after a month in the job is one week. In the Philippines, where this short letter is searched about as much as in the US, the Labor Code asks for at least 30 days' written notice and the Philippines page also has a simple resignation letter in Tagalog. In India your appointment letter sets it; see the India resignation letter for the relieving letter and settlement. For the full picture in each country, see two weeks notice for the US, the longer US resignation letter examples and the UK.
Sending it as an email
Use a subject line like “Resignation: [your name]”, paste the letter into the body, send it to your manager and copy HR if your company expects it. Keep the sent copy somewhere outside your work account, in case your access ends on your last day.
After you send it
Ask HR to acknowledge the letter and confirm your last day by reply. What comes next depends on where you work. In the US your state sets when your final paycheck is due, and whether unused PTO is paid out depends on your state and your employer's policy. In the UK your P45 comes after you leave, and holiday you have built up but not taken is normally paid in your final pay. In the Philippines the Certificate of Employment is due within three days of your request and final pay within 30 days of your last day.
When to write a little more
- You want to leave before your notice ends: an immediate short resignation letter works if your employer agrees; start from the immediate resignation letter.
- You want to say why in one neutral line: use the resignation letter for personal reasons, simple and neutral.
- Your notice period is long and you want it spelled out: use the letter with a notice period.
Sources
Checked on 28 September 2026. Laws change, and your appointment letter or company policy can give you more than the minimum, so check it too. This page is general information, not legal advice.