How To Write A Resignation Email In 2022 | (Examples Inside)

You’re finally ready to say sayonara to your current job, and you’re dreaming of your last day. There’s only one problem: you need to send in your letter of resignation to end on good terms.

But in this high-tech era, do you really have to resort to a letter of resignation? Can an email suffice instead?

If you despise written letters — especially formal ones — you can send a resignation email instead. An email resignation is also the go-to if you’re a remote worker and can’t meet your human resources department or boss face to face.

Go ahead — exit out of that resignation letter template and keep reading to find out how to successfully and professionally send an email resignation instead.

What To Include In A Resignation Email

Although this may be the slightly informal way to give your two weeks’ notice, you still need to follow specific guidelines. Remember — giving your two weeks’ notice before starting a new job or going on unemployment is a professional way to go about your exit. Ensure you create a formal notice in email format by including the following:

— Effective Date

This is the most essential part of your resignation email. The HR department needs to know when your last day will be so that they can find a new employee to train for a smooth transition.

— Express Gratitude To Employer

Even if you’re not ending on the best terms, it’s always important to remain professional. Express gratitude to your current employer. After all, they steadily provided you with a place to work and a paycheck that paid for your expenses.

— Plans For Wrapping Up Current Work

The whole purpose of the two-week notice period is to offer a smooth transition for the employee and their current employer. That said, it is recommended to provide some “help” during the two weeks.

For example, you may offer to help train the new employee so they can be a rockstar at the position before your exit. You could also state that you’re finishing up any current projects before heading out, so the company isn’t scrambling to figure out how to finish them.

— Contact Details

Yes, an email resignation will contain your email address — but that’s about it. If the company needs to ask you any questions or comment about your resignation, they will need to know your contact information.

It’s best to write complete contact information — including the email address where they can reach you. Also, include your phone number and any other methods of contact.

You should also enter the company contact information to be on the safe side.

— Informative Email Subject Line

Before drafting your resignation email, it’s essential to start with the subject line. This is the first thing recipients will see, and they will know whether they need to open it immediately or save it for later. (In which case, a resignation email would need to be opened and read over ASAP).

When creating the subject line, make sure to clearly state what the email message is about. For example, [First and Last Name] Notice of Resignation on [Enter Date] is a great choice.

Tips For Writing Resignation Letters

Whether you’re sending your resignation as formal notice or email to the human resources department, here are a few tips to help you be successful:

• Stay positive. Your resignation letter is not designed to be a hate-filled space for you to vent about the company’s problems. Remain positive to ensure you leave on a positive note and hold a solid professional network.
• Consider networking with your current employer. Just because you’re leaving your current position doesn’t necessarily mean you want to leave the company for good. You can encourage networking beyond the resignation in your resignation email.
• Keep it simple. You don’t need to go into considerable detail about why you’re quitting or where you’re headed. Keeping it simple will allow you a better opportunity to remain professional and end on good terms with your current employer. 
• Don’t use your personal email address, if possible. When drafting an email resignation, it is a far better choice to use your business or professional email address.
• Ask questions, if necessary. You may have some questions about your final day, such as when you will receive your last paycheck or when your employee benefits will get cut off. You can inquire about these topics in your resignation email while remaining professional.
• Always proofread. Typos are a big no-no, especially when drafting an email resignation. Read over your email before sending it. It might help to have a family member or friend look over the email, too, as a second pair of eyes can catch mistakes you may pass over.

Another thing to consider is whether or not you’re in a current employment contract. Severing an employment contract can be more challenging than one might think. In this case, an email or letter of resignation will likely not end the contract. These situations must be handled in person.

Formal Resignation Letter VS. Email Resignation

A formal resignation notice letter and email resignation are, in essence, the same thing. The goal is to inform your current employer that you’re quitting formally and they need to find someone to replace you.

The most significant difference is the format. A formal resignation letter is handwritten and delivered, in person, to the person, people, or department who handles this issue.

On the other hand, an email is drafted and sent through email to the recipients. It is slightly less formal than a letter but is sometimes the only option in certain situations.

Regardless of the method used, it’s essential to remain positive, professional, and end on good terms.

Resignation Email Examples

Not sure how to compile an email resignation? No worries. We’re here to help.

Below you will find three excellent resignation email template examples of how to resign from your current job through email, whether you’re accepting a new job title at another company or need to leave for personal reasons.

#1 Email Sample: Resignation For Personal Reasons

Dear Mr/Mrs [Enter Manager’s Name],

Please accept this email as my formal resignation at [company name] effective [enter last working day date]. Specific personal reasons have made it necessary for me to vacate my current position and focus on my home situation.

Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this great team.

Let me know if there is anything I can do to assist you during this transition.

Kindly,

[Your Full Name]

#2 Email Sample: Resignation To Take On Another Job

Dear Human Resources Department,

I am writing this email to inform you that I have accepted a new position elsewhere. I feel the job role is better suited for my career goals. While I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here at [company name], my final day will be on [enter last day of work].

Although I am leaving on [enter final day], I will be tying up all loose ends and finishing my designated project before leaving. Please let me know if there’s any other way I can help.

Thank you,

[Your Full Name]

#3 Email Sample: Resignation For Relocation

 Dear Mr/Mrs [Enter Manager’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing you today to inform you of my formal resignation from [XYZ company] on [enter date of last day].

While I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow in the [enter department name] field, I am moving to [enter city] to be closer to my family.

I wish the company nothing but success in its future endeavors.

Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help during these final two weeks of employment.

PS: Will my final paycheck be coming through the mail? Should I send over my new address?

Kind regards,

[Your Full Name]

The Bottom Line

A formal letter of resignation is typically the best choice, but a resignation email can suffice, too. This is especially true if you’re working in a remote position but have found a new job after an extensive job search. Although writing in email format, it is vital to remain professional and end on a positive note. Consider the email as a simple resignation letter, and don’t forget important details like the final working day date and contact information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it OK to resign by email?

If you can, the best choice is to resign using a formal notice delivered in person rather than an email. However, certain situations call for email resignation, such as working remotely.

However, regardless of where you’re working, if you want to resign by email to your future former employer, that’s okay, too.

Just follow the guidelines to remain professional and end on good terms.

What should I do if I’m quitting my job in person?

If you are not going the email route whatsoever, the steps for quitting are slightly different.

• Request a meeting to discuss. Think of this almost like another job interview, as your current employer will likely want to work through any issues you may have about leaving. During this meeting, you will discuss why and when you plan to leave the company.
• Give your two weeks’ notice in writing. While you could send a registration email after an in-person meeting, writing a formal notice is better. A formal resignation letter is going to be a bit lengthier and more in-depth than an email, so you might consider looking up sample resignation letter examples to help you along.
• Prepare for an exit interview. Most employers will want to conduct an exit interview before letting one of their employees go back to being job seekers. Here, the manager will ask you many questions (don’t worry – they’re easier than interview questions) about the company. Now is the right time to give constructive criticism while remaining professional.

How long should a resignation email be?

Don’t overdo it with the resignation email. It doesn’t have to be shockingly long. In fact, the email message should never be more than three paragraphs long.

This gives you ample space to discuss why you’re leaving, when you’re leaving, and to display gratitude and leave on a positive note.