Resignation Email: How to Quit Your Job Via Email? (+5 Resignation Email Examples)

Are you planning on quitting your current job? Do you have to write a resignation email?

Even if you’re excited about what’s next, it’s still important to leave on good terms and keep things professional. Burning bridges rarely helps — especially when you might run into the same people again later in your career.

Before you officially move on, there are a few formal steps you’ll need to take — including handing in your resignation letter or sending it by email.

In this article, you'll learn step by step how to write a resignation email. You'll learn what to include in a resignation email, how to phrase it, what to put in the subject line, and what to avoid.

We'll also show you 5 resignation email examples for every occasion that are sure to leave a positive impression. 

Can I resign via email?

Short answer: yes.

But it's not as simple as just emailing your boss and saying, “I quit.” 

Resigning from your job often requires several formal steps you need to take.

So, how to quit a job over email in a legally-sound and professional way? 

1. First, have a conversation (or online call) with your employer and inform them about your plans to quit. It's common courtesy to give your manager a heads-up, even if you're leaving under less-than-ideal circumstances.
2. Second, hand in (or send) your official resignation letter. It should include key components such as your last day of employment and the notice period. You can either hand in your resignation in person or send it by email. 
3. Finally, include a notice of your resignation in the resignation letter. In some countries, a legally binding notice period is specified in contracts. In the U.S., though, no legally binding notice period is required. Still, a common courtesy is to give a two weeks' notice. This is usually included in the resignation letter.

So yes — resigning via email is perfectly acceptable. Just make sure you’ve given your manager a heads-up beforehand.

What is a resignation email? 

In essence, a resignation email is simply a shorter version of a resignation letter sent by email. 

Are you unsure of the differences between a resignation letter, a resignation email, and two weeks notice letter? Let us explain.

• Resignation letter: It's an official formal document that informs your employer you're leaving your job. It should contain certain key elements, including: your and the recipient’s contact information, the date of writing, your resignation statement, your final day of employment, reasoning/gratitude/offering of help, and a signature. 
• Resignation email: While in-person and on paper is the best way to submit a resignation letter, it's not always possible (e.g., remote workers). In such cases, you can send a resignation email which is a slightly shorter version of your resignation letter. If your employer requires a formal letter, attach it as a PDF file.
• Two weeks notice letter: It's sometimes referred to as the resignation notice (letter). Hence, it's essentially the same as a resignation letter. 

As you can probably tell, all three terms basically mean the same thing. 

Therefore, the resignation email should contain most of the elements of a traditional letter of resignation.

Additionally, there are some extra considerations to bear in mind when sending your resignation letter by email.

What to include in a resignation email

As mentioned, a resignation email should contain most of the key components of a standard letter of resignation. 

The key components of a resignation email include:

1. Resignation statement. In one or two sentences, state that you'll be resigning from your current position at the given company. 
2. The last day of employment.This is usually two weeks from the date of writing, unless your contract says otherwise or you’re resigning effective immediately. It serves as the notice period. 
3. Reasoning, gratitude, or offering of help. Add a few sentences where you thank your manager, offer to help with the transition, or even provide some explanation. 
4. Information about any attachment. For example, “I have attached a full resignation letter in PDF format for your records.”
5. Sign off. End the document by writing "Sincerely," or "Best regards," and sign your name. 

Some employers also require the full resignation letter attached as a PDF file. That’s because a resignation letter is a formal document that often needs to be stored in the company’s records — and printing out an email can be tricky.

The full resignation letter has to contain some extra components in addition to those mentioned in the email. These include: 

• Headline. What to title a resignation email? There's really no need to be too creative here. Simply title it “Resignation letter [Your name]”.
• Contact details. At the top of the letter, include your name, mobile number, and email. An address is optional.
• Date of writing. Place it below your contact info. It's essential to establish when you officially gave notice of resignation and when your notice period starts.
• The recipient's contact details. Include the recipient's name, company name, and address. A recipient is usually a person from HR, not your boss directly. Ask to be sure.
• Signature. Ideally, sign the document by hand or add a digital signature to make it an official document.

If you want to see examples of standard resignation letters, have a look at our comprehensive guide for how to write one.

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When to write a resignation email

When writing a resignation email, it’s a good idea to think about your notice period. 

Take a moment to check your employment contract so you know how much notice you’re expected to give and whether there are any specific steps you need to follow before leaving. 

In the U.S., giving two weeks’ notice is the norm and seen as a professional courtesy, even though it’s not required by law. In many other countries, though, notice periods are legally binding and part of your contract.

However, if your contract doesn’t mention anything specific, sticking with the standard two weeks is a safe choice.

Subject line for resignation email

When writing your email resignation, you shouldn't forget about a professional resignation email subject line.

While it can be tempting to write something like "see ya" or "I'm out" as the subject, try to resist the temptation and remain professional.

A clear, professional subject line sets the right tone and makes sure your email gets opened and filed correctly, instead of lost in a busy inbox. 

What makes a good resignation email subject line

A strong subject line usually does four things:

• States the purpose. Include the word "Resignation" so there's no guessing what the email is about.
• Includes your name. This helps HR find and file it later, especially at a bigger company.
• Stays short. A few words is plenty. There's no need for a full sentence.
• Skips the emotion. Leave out jokes, frustration, and anything vague.

Resignation email subject line examples

For most situations, one of these will do the job:

Subject lines for specific situations

If your situation calls for it, you can be a little more specific:

How to write a resignation email

Now that you know what components an official resignation email should have, let's look at a step-by-step guide on how to write one. 

1. Find out who should be the recipient(s). If you're unsure who to address it to, it's best to ask someone from HR. Generally, the letter should be directed to the person who's in charge of resignations, your reporting manager, or the head of HR. In smaller companies, you may simply address the letter to your boss. 

2. Write a professional subject line. To remain professional, simply write Resignation or Resignation - [Your name].

3. Add all key components of a resignation email. The main elements are the salutation, resignation statement, and final working day, while including a reason, gratitude, or offer of help is optional. You don’t need to explain your decision, but if you thank your manager, keep it short and sweet.

4. Include a sentence to inform the recipient about the attachment. Attaching your full resignation letter is recommended, so let the recipient know it’s there. It allows the HR manager to easily download, print, and store it for their records.

5. Attach the full resignation letter in a PDF format. It allows the HR manager to easily download, print, and store it for their records.

6. Send a follow-up email. If you don't get a response within a few days, something likely went wrong. It could be that the email was sent to a spam folder or that there was a typo in the address line. To ensure that your email was received, it's a good idea to send a follow-up message.

In the next chapter, we tie everything together and show you examples of professional resignation email letters you can use as your drafts. 

5 resignation email examples

This section provides templates and examples of resignation emails for any occasion that you can use as your first draft.

Simply copy and paste the one that fits your situation, then fill in your information and details.

Standard resignation email (two weeks' notice)

This is the most standard format for most resignations, It's professional, complete and works for any industry.

Just fill in your job title and your last working day (two weeks from the day you send it), and you’re good to go.

Resignation email for a new job opportunity

Use this template when you’re leaving for another role. You don’t have to say where you’re going; a simple “I’ve accepted a position with another company” is enough.

Add one specific thing you’ve learned or enjoyed in your current job, and you’ll leave on good terms.

Immediate resignation email (no notice)

Use this only when you can't work through a notice period. Where notice is required by your contract, leaving without it may affect your final pay or references, so check first.

Resignation email for personal or health reasons

Life doesn’t always go to plan. If you’re stepping away because of family, health or anything else you’d rather not discuss at work, this template is for you. You don’t need to explain; “for personal reasons” tells your employer everything they need to know.

Formal resignation email to HR (letter attached)

Some companies want more than an email. If your contract or employee handbook asks for a signed resignation letter, or if HR handles resignations instead of your manager, use this template.

It works as a short, formal cover email for your letter. Mention that you told your manager, so HR knows they’re already in the loop.

Common resignation email mistakes to avoid

Writing a resignation email may seem straightforward, but small mistakes can make the process more complicated than it needs to be.

Since this email is both a professional message and, in many cases, part of your official HR documentation, it should be clear, respectful, and easy to process.

A rushed, overly emotional, or incomplete email can create confusion, lead to unnecessary follow-up, or leave the wrong final impression.

 Here are some common mistakes people make — and how to avoid them:

• Oversharing details. You don’t need to explain why you’re leaving or vent about your experience. Keep it professional and concise.

• Using an emotional or sarcastic tone. Resignation emails should stay neutral — even if you’re leaving under stressful circumstances.

• Forgetting to clearly state your last working day. This can create unnecessary back-and-forth with HR and delay the process.

• Sending the email without telling your manager first. Whenever possible, give your manager a heads-up before hitting send.

• Ignoring your company’s process. If HR requires a signed letter, attach it.

Avoiding these mistakes can help your resignation go more smoothly. Even if you’re ready to move on, it’s worth taking a few extra minutes to make sure your email is complete.

What happens after you send a resignation email?

Once your resignation email is sent, the process usually continues like this:

• Your manager or HR acknowledges receipt of your resignation.

• Your notice period officially begins.

• You may be asked to hand over projects, document your work, or train a replacement.

• HR may schedule an exit interview or request paperwork.

Knowing what comes next can make the transition feel less stressful and help you stay professional until your final day.

Resignation email: key takeaways

If you're wondering how to quit your job, you'll likely start wondering how to write a resignation email soon enough. 

So, here's a quick rundown:

1. Find out who should be the recipient. Your boss? HR? Supervisor?
2. Write a professional subject line. “Resignation - [Your name]” — is enough.
3. Add all key components of a resignation email. Mainly the resignation statement and the last day of your employment. 
4. Include a sentence to inform the recipient about the attachment. “PS: Find the full resignation letter also attached as a PDF file below.”
5. Attach the full resignation letter in a PDF format. It's kind of hard to print out an email and most HR teams will want to store your resignation for records.

Oh, and if you've just quit your job, remember to update your LinkedIn profile — you can now turn it into a polished resume with just one click!

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Update log

• 21.10.2026 Replaced the templates and images with 5 new situation-based resignation emails you can copy and paste, and clarified when to attach a resignation letter.