Subject Lines for Resignation Email Messages

Resignation Subject Lines
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Melissa Ling / The Balance 

Do you need to send an email resigning from your job? What's most important when you quit by sending an email is to do your best to be sure your message is opened and read.

When you resign from your job via email, it's important to use a subject line that is very clear. That will help guarantee that your manager or supervisor opens your note. You don't want to send an email announcing your resignation that ends up in a spam folder or not getting read.

In an ideal world, you would send a resignation email two weeks before your planned last day with the company. But if that's not the case, and you are giving no notice or short notice, it's especially important that your manager opens and reads your resignation email message immediately.

Note

The right subject line ensures that your manager recognizes the importance of your email and reads it right away. 

Review information on when it's appropriate to resign over email, when it's not, what to include in your note, and suggested subject lines for a resignation email. 

When You Need to Resign by Email

In a perfect world, and if at all possible, you should resign from your job in person, which could be on the phone or in a video chat if you're working remotely. Try to make an appointment with your manager for a quiet, non-stressful time, and prepare what you want to say in advance.

Giving two weeks’ notice before your departure is considered standard (and may well have been required by the terms of the employment contract you signed when you were initially hired).

Note

A timely, proactive face-to-face conversation with your boss helps leave him or her with a positive impression of you as an employee.

There are, however, many reasons you may prefer to resign via email. Even if you work remotely, it’s a good idea to try to speak on the phone with your manager about your resignation, but in some cases that’s just not possible.

There may be an uncomfortable situation at work, your supervisor may be reachable only by email, or you may need to give immediate notice. In that case, make sure your resignation email is as professional as possible.

Review these email subject line examples, as well as the advice that follows on how to resign via email.

Resignation Email Subject Line Examples

Subject Line Options:

  • Resignation - Your Name
  • Notice of Resignation - Your Name
  • Resignation Effective Immediately - Your Name
  • Resignation Date - Your Name
  • Resigning as of Date - Your Name
  • Pending Resignation - Your Name
  • Resignation Announcement - Your Name
  • Retirement Announcement - Your Name
  • Your Name Resignation
  • Your Name - Resignation - Effective Date

Subject Line Examples:

  • Resignation - Silena Jiminez
  • Notice of Resignation - Michael Janson
  • Resignation Effective Immediately - Ghalen Ghu
  • Resignation 2/28/22 - Caitlin McGregor
  • Resigning as of March 1 - Henry Collingsworth
  • Pending Resignation - Jalen Kanobi
  • Resignation Announcement - Penelope Jones
  • Retirement Announcement - Aidan Barkley
  • Karen Fremont Resignation
  • Keyshawn Harris - Resignation - 4/1/2022

Note that each of these examples (with the exception of the retirement email) uses the word "resignation" and your name. That's intentional. With both these elements in the subject line, there's no question that your manager will not miss the news—even if they receive hundreds of emails each day. 

What to Include in Your Message

What you write in the body of your resignation email is important, too. Begin with a formal salutation, such as "Dear Mr. Smith."  

Maintain a professional tone throughout, and resist the temptation to make negative comments, even if the reasons for your departure aren’t entirely positive. Remember, if you have previously maintained a good rapport with your manager and your work performance has been strong, he or she may be willing to serve as a reference for you in the future if you leave on a good note.

Note

Be sure to include your last date of work and briefly mention why you are resigning. If you have a negative reason for leaving, use a euphemism such as "pursuing new opportunities."

If you aren’t leaving immediately, it’s always good to offer to help with the transition, and/or to help train your replacement. To heighten the positive tone of your resignation announcement, express appreciation for the opportunity and the experience you gained while at the company, providing a few examples if possible.

Use a professional closing, such as “Sincerely,” followed by your name and contact information.

Remember that your email resignation will become part of your permanent record at the company. Make sure that it is polite, well-written, and free of grammatical and typographical errors. You should do what you can to make sure that all the paperwork in your Human Resources file is professional and positive, from your initial application, cover letter, and resume, to your resignation letter.

It is always in your best interest to leave a job on the best possible terms. You have no way of knowing when you might encounter former colleagues, or in what capacity. The last thing that you want to do is to give them a reason to speak ill of you to potential or future employers.

Review these resignation dos and don'ts for tips on resigning properly.

Sample Resignation Email Message

Subject: John Smith - Resignation

Dear Mr. Samuels:

I regret to inform you that I will be resigning effective March 15, 2022. I’ve been offered a position at White and Crown and have decided to accept. I’ve enjoyed my time here, and I appreciate all that you have done for me. Without this job, I wouldn’t have learned so much about management and dealing with employees.

Of course, I’ll be happy to help with any transition should you have a replacement hired before I leave.

If you have any questions, please let me know. Thank you again for the time here. I’m sure we’ll see each other at various professional events in the future.

Sincerely,

John Smith
555-555-5555
johnsmith@youremail.com

More Email Resignation Message Examples

When you're not sure what to write in a resignation email message, review sample email messages then tailor them to fit your personal circumstances. Or, use a farewell letter template to help you write your own letter.

Either way, conducting yourself politely and professionally will help ensure that you are remembered as an asset to the company.

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Sources
The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. SHRM.org. "Can Employers Require Workers to Give Notice Before They Quit?" Accessed Feb. 17, 2022.

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