Free Resignation Email Templates

The gold standard is a live conversation with your manager first, followed immediately by an email that puts your resignation and last working day in writing. If you're fully remote or the relationship is strained, a standalone email is acceptable and legally sufficient in most places.

No. "I've decided to move on to my next opportunity" is a complete explanation. Sharing more is optional — and anything negative is better said in an exit interview, if at all, than put in writing.

Grievances, criticism of colleagues, salary comparisons, or where you're going next (unless you want to share). Resignation emails get forwarded to HR and can resurface years later in reference checks. Keep it short, factual, and gracious.

Early in the week and early in the day, right after speaking with your manager. That gives them time to plan the transition and control the message before word spreads informally.

In many places, yes — some companies walk resigning employees out the same day, particularly in sales or sensitive roles. Have your personal files and goodbyes in order before you hit send, and treat the notice period as an offer, not a guarantee.