Resignation Letter Example for a New Job Opportunity

This illustration lists tips for writing a resignation letter for a new job including "Speak to your boss first," "Then write a resignation letter," "State when you will leave," "Keep your reasons brief," "Stay positive and offer your help," and "Provide contact information."
Photo:

 Theresa Chiechi © The Balance

You’ve been offered a new job, and maybe even a new job with a promotion, and now it’s time to let your current employer know that you’re leaving. When you need to resign from your job, it’s important to do so in a professional way. You’ll need to write and send or email a resignation letter when you leave for a new job opportunity.

Note

Keep your resignation letter positive, complimentary, and appreciative of your tenure with the company.

You don’t need to elaborate on the reasons you are leaving, particularly if they aren’t positive ones. It’s not a good idea to burn bridges behind you. The contacts you have now may become important again in the future.

Read on for advice on writing a resignation letter when you are leaving for a new job. Also, see further below for a sample resignation letter and a sample resignation email.

Tips for Writing a Resignation Letter or Email for a New Job

  • Speak to your boss first. If it’s at all possible, tell your boss about your plan to resign in person first. Then, you can follow up with an official business letter.
  • Write a letter when possible. If time permits, send an official business letter after you speak with your boss. Send a printed copy to both your boss and the human resources office, so that the letter goes into your file (keep a copy for yourself as well).
  • However, if time is of the essence, you can send an email instead. Send the resignation email to your boss, and carbon copy (cc) the email to human resources.
  • State the date. In your letter, state the specific date you plan to leave work and try to give at least two weeks notice if it’s possible. Two weeks is considered the standard amount of time for giving notice.
  • Keep your reasons brief. You do not have to go into detail as to your reason for leaving, especially if they are negative. This isn’t the time to unload your feelings on your soon-to-be former boss or air all your grievances.
  • You can simply say, “I was recently offered a new position.” You may also choose to provide a bit more information (for example, the name of the company or the position, or the reason you are taking this new job). However, keep the letter brief.
  • Stay positive. You might need to ask your employer for a recommendation in the future. Therefore, stay positive when you talk about your current company. Don’t go into detail about how this new job is so much better than your current job or say anything to make your current company, coworkers or management look bad. Express gratitude for the time you spent with the company.
  • Offer your help. If possible, offer your help during the transition period. You might volunteer to train the new employee or help in some other way. This way you’ll leave a positive impression when you exit.
  • Provide contact information. Include an email address and phone number where you can be reached once you officially leave the job. You might include this information in the body of your letter, or in the return address. If you’re sending an email, you might include this information at the bottom of your signature.
  • Follow the business letter format. If you write a letter, be sure to follow proper business letter format. Include a header with the employer’s name and address, the date, and your name and address.
  • Edit, edit, edit. Whether sending a letter or an email, thoroughly proofread your note before sending it. Again, you may need to ask for a recommendation from your employer at some point in the future, so you want all your writing to be polished.

Resignation Letter Sample for a New Job Opportunity

Here’s a resignation letter sample to tell your employer that you're leaving your job because you were offered a new opportunity. Use this sample as a guide when writing your own letter. However, be sure to change the details of the letter to fit your own circumstances, for example, if like your current job but you’ve just been offered your dream job.

Download the new job opportunity resignation letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Screenshot of a resignation letter sample for a new job opportunity
©TheBalance 2018

Resignation Letter Sample for a New Job Opportunity (Text Version)

Tina Rodriguez 
123 Main Street 
Anytown, CA 12345 
555-555-5555 
tina.rodriguez@email.com

May 1, 2018

Derrick Lee 
Manager 
PQR 
123 Business Rd. 
Business City, NY 54321

Dear Mr. Lee:

I am writing to formally notify you of my resignation from my position at PQR. I was recently offered a new opportunity with a company headquartered very close to my home and have decided to take their offer.

Currently, I spend several hours a day commuting and this new opportunity will allow me more time with my family outside of work. My last day of employment with PQR will be May 31st. 

My years at PQR have been some of the best of my life. I will miss my job and the incredible people I have had the pleasure of working with throughout the years.

I cannot thank you enough for all of the opportunities and experiences you have provided me during my time with the company.

I appreciate your support and understanding, and I wish you all the very best. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance during the last few weeks of my time here.

Sincerely,

Tina Rodriguez (signature hard copy letter)

Tina Rodriguez

Resignation Email – New Job Opportunity

Mailing a business letter is best but if your circumstances call for an email resignation, use this sample email resignation letter to help you formulate your own. Be sure to change the details of the email to fit your own circumstances.

Subject: Resignation – Firstname Lastname

Dear Mr. Michaels,

Please accept this as my notice of resignation from ABC Company, effective March 23, 20XX. I have been offered a new job opportunity with XYZ Company which will allow me to gain further management experience.

Thank you for all the experience I have gained working for you at ABC. I learned a lot about the business in the four years I’ve been here, and I appreciate the advice and support you have given me.

Please let me know what I can do to make this a smooth transition for the entire department.

Sincerely,

Firstname Lastname
firstnamelastname234@email.com
555-555-5555

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