How to write an immediate resignation letter

It’s important to provide a formal resignation letter so that you, your employer and the human resources department can have a written record of what you said during your meeting. The following are the things to keep in mind when writing an immediate resignation letter:

1. Write the date first.
2. Explain only the necessities.
3. Remain professional.
4. Include questions.
5. Be grateful.
6. Add contact information.
7. Proofread your letter.
8. Make copies and hand-deliver the letters.

1. Write the date first

In your letter, you should write the exact date of when you plan on leaving the organization. Since you are leaving immediately, the date of your departure should be stated at the beginning of your letter.

2. Explain only the necessities

While you should give your employer a clear reason as to why you are leaving, you don’t need to explain everything. For example, if your reason for leaving is a health issue, you can write “due to illness” in your letter. You can tell your employer more about the health issue during your meeting, but there’s usually no need to add these details in your letter. Keeping it brief is also a way of showing your employer that you respect their time.

3. Remain professional

Regardless of your reason for leaving or your experience working for your current employer, you should remain professional in your letter of resignation. Try to maintain a positive and professional tone throughout the note.

4. Include questions

If you have any questions regarding your last paycheck, your leaving or any other concerns, you can write them in your resignation letter. You can then address these questions during your exit interview if you have one or you can send a reminder email if your employer does not deliver an answer.

5. Be grateful

It’s always a good idea to express gratitude in your resignation letter. Thank your employer for your time working for them and apologize for having to leave so abruptly. If your time at the organization wasn’t particularly positive, focus on one or two things you did enjoy about your job when thanking your employer.

6. Add contact information

Make sure you include a related email address and phone numbers so that your employer can address your questions and send you your last paycheck.

7. Proofread your letter

Your resignation letter is your last chance to leave a good impression, so it’s important to make sure it’s professional and well-written. Check to see if you have made any grammatical or spelling errors. You can use some built-in browser tools to help you easily spot any mistakes. It can help to also ask a trusted friend to go over it and check to make sure you haven’t missed anything.

8. Make copies and hand-deliver the letters

Once you’ve finished writing your letter, print copies and sign each one. You should hand-deliver your resignation letter so that your employer and HR representative can ask questions if they need to. Remember to print and sign a copy for yourself and file it for future reference.

Immediate resignation letter template

When writing your immediate resignation letter, it’s usually best to follow a standard business letter format. The following is a template that you can use when writing your immediate resignation letter:

[Your name]
[Your address]
[Your personal phone number]
[Your personal email address]

[The date]

[Name of employer]
[Company address]

Dear [Mr./Ms./Mrs. Surname],

I am writing to give my formal notice for immediate resignation from [company name] as of the [date of departure]. I sincerely apologize for not being able to provide notice, but due to [reason for leaving], I must resign immediately.

Please advise the best way to process my last paycheck and remaining balance. I can collect the paycheck from human resources, or you can mail it to me. Please let me know whatever works best for you.

Thank you for the opportunities and support you’ve given me during my time here. I am grateful for the guidance you provided me as I grew in my career.

Kind regards,

[Handwritten signature]
[Typed name]

Examples of resignation letters without notice period

The following are different letters of resignation for different circumstances:

Example 1: Leaving for personal reasons

Sam Black
489 Seaview Street
Los Angeles, CA 99934
555-555-5555
samblack@email.com

February 10, 2031

Laura Smith
RS Insurance Ltd.
St. Andrew’s Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 99811

Dear Ms. Smith,

It is with deep regret that I am writing to inform you of my resignation from my position here at RS Insurance, Ltd. due to personal reasons. My last day will be this Thursday. I realize this resignation is in breach of the terms of my employment contract, but please understand that I cannot do otherwise due to unforeseen circumstances.

I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support. Working at this company has been a privilege, and I will always remember my experiences here and the people I worked with.

Please let me know how I can help to make this situation easier for you. If you wish to contact me, you can do so via my personal email, samblack@email.com.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

Sam Black

Example 2: Leaving due to illness

James White
24 Washington Street
Brooklyn, NY 55478
555-555-5555
Jameswhite@email.com

March 10, 2031

Alvin Boroughs
Black Bank
75 Beegle Street
New York, NY 44211

Dear Mr. Boroughs,

Please accept my immediate resignation as of 11 March from my role as bank manager due to severe mental stress. As you are well aware, I have been receiving medical treatment for the last few weeks and have now been advised by my doctor to rest for an indefinite period of time.

I understand that my employment contract states that I should provide a notice of two weeks before leaving my role. However, my current circumstances dictate that I must ask for immediate release from my employment contract. I understand that I am putting you in a difficult situation, so I am enclosing my email and personal number for you to contact me with any questions regarding my pending work.

Thank you for these years of work, patience and mentorship. I will be forever grateful for your guidance and for all the wonderful memories I have made here with my colleagues.

Best regards,

James White

Example 3: Leaving due to new job

Alice Connor
35 Browning Street
Bronx, NY 75441
555-555-5555
Aliceconnor@email.com

August 13, 2031

Anton Clark
Clark Associates
Denvers Street
New York, NY 75129

Dear Mr. Clark,

I am writing to inform you of my immediate resignation as of this Friday from Clark Associates, as I have accepted a new role that I will need to start as soon as possible. This new opportunity will allow me to set my own work hours so I can take better care of my young children.

I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to grow and learn in my position here. You have been an incredible mentor, and I am certain that I will never forget you or my wonderful colleagues. I understand that me leaving so abruptly may cause some difficulties, so please let me know how I can be of assistance to make this transition easier. You can contact me at my personal email if you have any questions.

Please let me know the easiest way for me to collect my final paycheck. I can visit the HR department, or you can send it via post. You can let me know which option works best for you.

Thank you again.

Best,

Alice Connor