The short answer
Keep it to five lines: statement of resignation, your role, your last working day based on the contractual notice period, a thank-you, and an offer to help hand over. No reasons, no grievances, no negotiation.
A notice letter is a legal record, not a farewell speech. Short and neutral protects your reference.
Step by step
- Check your contract for the required notice period and how notice must be delivered.
- Count the notice from the day the employer receives it and set the final working date.
- Write: "I am resigning from my role as [title]. My last working day will be [date]."
- Add one sentence of thanks and one offering to support the handover.
- Send it to your manager and HR on the same day, keeping a copy.
- Follow up with a short handover document listing tasks, contacts and passwords owners.
Common questions
Do I have to say why I am leaving?
No. Save it for an exit interview if you want to say it at all.
Can I leave sooner?
Only by agreement. Ask; do not announce.
Email or paper?
Email is fine unless the contract demands written delivery. Keep the sent copy.