How Do I Write a Resignation Letter to HR?

Have you just been offered a new job and are now dreading the fact that you’ll have to resign from your current one? Though it might seem like a straightforward task, many employees get anxious about resigning and often overthink the process of writing a resignation letter. In this blog post, we outline what you should know about resignation letters and guide you through writing one. Though leaving your job can often feel stressful and leave you with mixed emotions, your resignation letter doesn’t need to be an added stressor.

Have questions about resignation and non-compete clauses or simply want to better understand your employment contracts stipulations before resigning? Get in touch with the expert employment lawyers at Soni Law Firm. We look forward to helping you resign with confidence.

What Is a Resignation Letter?

A resignation letter is simply formal documentation that you are resigning from your current place of employment. If you’re wondering, do you need a resignation letter? The answer is most often, yes. Employers often require resignation letters to verify your resignation and to avoid the chance of discrepancies surrounding the effective date of resignation.

Do I Submit a Resignation Letter or Resign Verbally?

You may be wondering whether you need to resign with a resignation letter or if you can resign verbally. Though it is common for employees to resign verbally first and then follow up with a resignation letter you can choose to send your resignation to HR and your employer rather than having a conversation first. If you choose to resign verbally it may be a good idea to have a resignation letter prepared ahead of time to simplify the resignation process.

What Do You Need to Include in a Resignation Letter?

Though some employees choose to use their resignation letter as an opportunity to express gratitude to their employer this is not a necessary component of a resignation letter. If you want to know how to write a polite letter of resignation, keep it simple. Ensure that your name and position/title, the name of your manager or HR coordinator, today’s date, your last day of employment, as well as your signature at the bottom of the letter are included. Don’t overthink what to write in a resignation letter. Stick to the facts and ensure your letter is formatted in a way that is easy to read and not confusing to the recipient.

Who Do I Write My Resignation Letter To?

Sometimes it can be hard to know the answer to the question, who do I write my resignation letter to? If you know who your HR coordinator is, you can address the letter to them and send it to your HR department directly. If you aren’t sure who to address it to, your supervisor can often be a safe choice. If your employer requires the letter to be written to a specific person you can always make an adjustment once you have this information.

Do I Have to Type and Print Out My Resignation Letter?

Can a resignation letter be handwritten? Though you likely can choose to handwrite your resignation letter it is more professional to type and print your resignation letter. Handwriting can be difficult to read, so if you have access to a computer and printer, you’ll want to ensure your resignation letter is typed. You may also be able to submit your resignation letter through email. If you’re wondering how to write a resignation email, follow the same tips as above to write the letter and submit it as an attachment rather than writing the letter in the email itself.

What Should I Say If I Want to Resign Effective Immediately?

If you want to know how to write a resignation letter with immediate effect, you’re going to want to check your employment contract first. In most cases, two weeks’ notice is required when resigning and, in some cases, more notice may be required. If you are looking to resign to avoid being terminated, you should know that this may not be an ideal solution for your concerns. Speak with a termination lawyer before resigning or soon after you are terminated instead.

Have concerns about resigning or are worried you are about to be terminated? Get in touch with one of the expert dismissal lawyers at Soni Law Firm. We will help you understand your rights as an employee and make sense of your employment contract. Let us help you leave your current employment with confidence and any compensation that you may be entitled to.