How to Write an Immediate Resignation Letter

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If you have to leave a job without giving advance notice, you’ll need to get the tone of your resignation letter right. Ideally, you will finish on a positive note, but it can be challenging to write your resignation letter if you are unable to give details of why you are leaving. This article shares some tips and examples on how to write an immediate resignation letter to include everything you need for a professional exit.

What is an immediate resignation letter?

While normally you would give at least two weeks’ notice to leave a position, an immediate resignation letter states that you are leaving a job right away. In these circumstances, a well-written resignation letter is the best way to communicate your intentions.

Can you give an immediate resignation letter to an employer?

Ideally, you should speak to your employer before resigning, and this is especially true if you aren’t able to give the usual notice period. If that is not possible, a letter that covers the most important elements of your resignation will suffice. Even if you speak to your manager first, you will need to follow up on your verbal resignation with written confirmation.

How to write an immediate resignation letter

A well-written resignation letter can make a difference in how your news is received. 

To try to leave a job immediately with a positive impression, follow these steps:

1. First, give the level of detail you are comfortable with

You can decide how much information you want to share in your letter. While you aren’t obliged to go into detail about why you’re leaving, some explanation is appropriate if you can, especially if you want to leave on good terms. If you cannot disclose why you are resigning without notice, then a vague term such as ‘personal reasons’ can cover a multitude of scenarios. If you have been able to discuss the situation with your manager, you can refer to the conversation, but if not, then you only have to give the level of detail you are comfortable with.

2. Then, keep your tone and language professional

You should keep the tone of your letter professional. Whatever your reasons for leaving, your resignation letter is an official document. Write it with the expectation that it will be kept in your personnel file and referred to if your employer is asked for a reference. If you are giving a reason for leaving, then keep it brief and factual. If you are not giving a reason, then keep the tone neutral and simply state your expected final date. 

You may wish to ask for details of your final paycheck or benefits, but this might be better discussed directly with the payroll team or HR separately. 

3. Next, offer to help with the transition of your workload, if possible

Consider whether you are able to help out once you have left. Leaving suddenly may mean that your team has to take on extra work until a replacement is found. Try to make that as easy as possible for them by handing over whatever you can and making yourself available to help train your replacement, if possible. If you can’t offer this, then be honest and manage their expectations. 

4. Finally, be positive about your experience

You can leave with a good impression by finding something positive to say about your experience. Although you are leaving quickly, you may want a reference in the future, so do your best to mitigate the circumstances of your departure by expressing your regret for needing to leave. Mention how much you have enjoyed working there and wish the team well for the future to ensure that you part on good terms.

Examples of immediate resignation letters

You can use these examples to help write your own immediate resignation letter:

Example 1: Resignation letter with no reason given

Jack Peterson
Marketing Director
Superlative Solutions
2894 Frontage Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70801

October 28, 2019

Dear Mr. Peterson,

I am sorry to have to inform you that, for personal reasons, I am resigning from my role as Marketing Manager effective immediately. My last day will be tomorrow, October 29, 2019. I am sorry to be unable to work my full notice period, but I will complete the work on the Anderton project before I go and ensure that all my files and notes are available to you and the team.

I will be available by phone and email to answer any questions from my successor and do whatever I can to help them with the transition. 

Thank you so much for being such a supportive manager. You have really helped me to develop my marketing skills and industry knowledge. I have enjoyed working at Superlative Solutions, and I will miss all my colleagues in the marketing department.

I apologize for any inconvenience that my resignation will cause and wish you every success in future projects.

Sincerely,
Daria Benson

Example 2: Immediate resignation letter with a reason

Lee Fawcett
Business Development Manager
Overmeyer Productions Ltd.
2332 North Pines Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90011

October 29, 2019

Dear Ms. Fawcett,

Please accept this letter as notice of my immediate resignation and my intention to terminate my employment as Senior Account Manager as of tomorrow. I am sorry to not give any advance notice, but, as we discussed, I have suffered a family bereavement and need to relocate immediately to take on caregiving responsibilities in Idaho. 

All of my files are currently up to date, and the contact logs on the database will give details of the status of my current accounts. I will make all of my training notes available to you to pass on to my replacement, and I will be available by phone and email to answer any questions as well.

I have really enjoyed working at Overmeyer and will miss the team and my job here. You have been an inspiring manager, and I appreciate your encouragement to seek promotion and develop my career within the business. 

Many thanks for your understanding at this difficult time.

Sincerely,
Belinda Wilson