Resignation letter and scripts: how to leave well

Resignation letter and what to say, with copy-ready scripts

You have the offer, you have decided, and now you have to tell your current employer. It is usually less dramatic than it feels. Keep it short, clear and kind. This page gives you a letter, an email, and what to say out loud.

A note: notice rules differ by country, contract and employer. The guidance below comes from New Zealand's careers service (careers.govt.nz) and UK Acas, plus a US career-advice site. This is general information, not legal advice.

Before you resign

- Have the new job confirmed in writing. New Zealand's careers service says having another job to move on to is ideal.

- Read your employment agreement. careers.govt.nz says to check how much notice you need to give, usually 2 or 4 weeks, and that you can work longer if your employer agrees. LiveCareer notes two weeks is common but not always required, so check your agreement and company policy.

- Tell your manager first. careers.govt.nz says to talk to your manager before anything else, in person or on the phone if you can, and then follow up with the letter.

- Do not tell coworkers before your manager.

What the letter must include

careers.govt.nz lists three things: the date of your last day, a sentence saying you are resigning from your role, and your job title. Keep the rest short, positive and respectful. You do not need to explain why you are leaving, and you should not say anything negative about your workplace. If you enjoyed the job, a few sentences saying why are good.

It matters because future employers might contact your old company to check your work history.

Script 1: What to say in the conversation

Hi [manager], do you have a few minutes? I wanted you to hear this from me first. I've accepted a role elsewhere and I'm resigning from my position as [title]. My last day will be [date], and I want to make the handover as smooth as I can. Thank you for [one specific true thing]. I'd like to talk about how to wrap up my work.

If they ask why, you can keep it short and true: "It's a good next step for me." You do not have to say more. If they make a counteroffer, take time to think before you answer.

Script 2: Simple resignation letter

Adapted from Acas's template:

[Date] > > Dear [manager's name], > > Please accept this as notice of my resignation from the position of [job title] at [company]. Based on my notice period of [X weeks], my last day will be [date]. Please let me know if that is incorrect. > > Thank you for the support you have given me during my time at [company]. Please let me know if there is anything you need from me before I leave. > > Yours sincerely, > [Your name]

Acas also suggests, as an optional line, asking how much accrued holiday and pay you are owed.

Script 3: Short email version

Subject: Resignation - [Your name]

Hi [manager's name], > > As we discussed, I am resigning from my position as [job title]. My last day will be [date]. Thank you for [one specific thing]. I am happy to help with the handover. > > [Your name]

Script 4: A transition plan, if they ask

Before I go, I plan to [finish X], [document Y] and [hand off Z to name]. If helpful, I can train [name] or write a short guide. Tell me what matters most to you and I'll prioritize it.

What to leave out

- Complaints about people, pay or the company, per careers.govt.nz.

- Long explanations of why you are leaving.

- Anything you would not want read by a future reference check.

If you feel you have no choice but to resign

Acas says not to use its template if you believe you have no choice but to resign because of something your employer did, for example a serious breach of your contract. That can change how much notice you need to give, and it is a complex area of law. In that case, talk to a qualified adviser or your local employment authority first.

After you resign

- Keep doing good work. Your last two weeks are part of your reference.

- Get the details of final pay, accrued leave and benefits in writing.

- Say real thank-yous. Your colleagues are part of your network. Keep in touch.

- Return company property and take only your own files.

Never job hunt alone.