Are you itching to move to your next career opportunity? Whatever the reason for your departure, a professional, amicable end is a must. Our experts run through the process with you, from beginning to end, plus resignation FAQs to help you handle it with confidence.
Get into contract specifics
Before you set anything in motion, it’s a good idea to reread your contract. It’ll allow you to familiarise yourself with important details you’ll need to know before you hand your letter in, like your notice period or terms and conditions related to resignations.
Many companies utilise accrued, unused holiday days as part of garden leave if their employee is moving to a competitor. Some companies insist that their employee finish early and take their unused holidays. Others prefer leavers to work their full notice and then get paid for outstanding holidays. It’s always best to check before you hand in your notice!
Explore all the options
Is resignation truly the best career move for you? Could your grievances be solved through a shift in role remit or with a few new perks? Are there other roles at the company you’d prefer to sidestep into? You may have more options than you realise!
Use your resignation letter to negotiate a counteroffer
Is remuneration the core of the issue? You might be able to use your resignation letter to renegotiate your offer. According to survey results for our 2024 Salary Guide, lack of competitive pay is a major talent retention concern for employers, which strongly suggests you’ll have good bargaining power. However, it’s a risky gambit and doesn’t guarantee long-term workplace satisfaction.
Read more: Successfully navigating your employer’s counter-offer
If you plan to use your resignation as a tactic to negotiate higher pay, we recommend checking the Robert Half Salary Guide to get a clear regional salary benchmark for your role. It also includes an insight into the benefits and perks other employers in the UK are offering.
Although this article includes a comprehensive sample resignation letter for the UK, it’s always better to tailor your letter to suit your personal circumstances. Here are some key guidelines to follow…
Address it to your line managerBegin with a statement of intent, for example: “It is with regret that I officially tender my resignation for the position of [your job title] at [company name].”Include the date the letter was written (preferably in the top right-hand corner of the page).State your contractual notice period and the date of your last day. If you don’t have a notice period in your contract, give one week as a courtesy.Stipulate your notice period in your letter of resignation.Tactfully explain your departure: new job, personal reasons, relocating, etc.Include a graceful thank you to the company for the opportunity they gave you.Include your signature at the bottom.Always proofread before sending!
(Insert Current date)
(Insert Manager’s name)
(Insert Company Name)
(Insert Company Address)
Dear (Insert Manager’s name),
Please accept this letter as formal notification of my resignation from (the position) at (company name). My last day with the company will be (date).
I will ensure all my projects are completed as far as possible before the end of my (length of notice period) notice period. I’m more than happy to assist in any way to ensure a smooth handover.
I want to thank you for the opportunity to work at (company) for the last (years of service). I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere within the team, and I’ll miss our interactions.
While I’m excited by the opportunities my new role will bring, I’ll always remember my time at (company name) fondly. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need further information after I leave; I’d be delighted to stay in touch.
Kind regards,
(Your signature)
(Your printed name)
Avoid using your resignation letter to air grievances with the company.Direct criticism of your managers or colleagues.Too much detail about why you’re leaving.Excessive positivity or compliments, which may seem insincere.Going into detail about the new opportunity you have lined up.
Now that you’ve written your letter, it’s time to book a one-on-one meeting with your manager. It’s a good idea to do this on a Friday so you can use the weekend to get some distance from the situation.
It's best to have an in-person meeting in which you can deliver your letter. If you work remotely, request a private meeting with your manager and send your letter by email after the meeting.
We recommend holding off on telling work friends or colleagues about your resignation until after your meeting with management. This is a sign of respect (your manager should ideally be the first to know) and can help avoid any uncomfortable situations should a friend accidentally let the cat out of the bag ahead of time.
Read more: How to resign from your job
How can I frame my letter when the departure isn’t amicable?
It’s never a good idea to go into specifics when stating your reasons for resigning (even though you may feel tempted!). If the departure isn’t amicable, you can state ‘personal reasons’ or keep your reasons impartial and top-level, avoiding straying into negative territory. It’s still a good idea to finish the letter with a note of gratitude to avoid burning bridges or making your notice period uncomfortable.
I can’t work my full notice period. How can I address this professionally?
Citizens Advice recommends negotiating a shorter notice period with your employers and agreeing to finish all urgent work before you leave. They also recommend reminding your employer that they won’t need to pay your full notice period, which is a perk for them.
Read more: What is a notice period – things you should know before you quit
Is a letter or an email best?
The traditional way to resign is to meet face-to-face with your manager and present them with a formal, printed letter stating your intent. You can email your letter if this isn’t possible due to remote work environments — just ensure you have a video meeting with your manager as part of the process.
How can I get through a long notice period?
Remember, your last impression is just as important as your first. Make a comprehensive list of all the tasks you’ll need to complete before you leave and work through it to help keep motivation high. It might be tempting to look ahead to what awaits you in your next role, but your final weeks will be far smoother if you continue to commit yourself to the role, even as you prepare to leave it.
