When you decide to leave your job, you must write a resignation letter to your employer. Even if you must leave on short notice, writing a formal short notice period resignation letter to notify your manager and other leaders of your departure is a good practice. This article will explain what a short notice resignation letter is, how to write one, and provide resignation letter templates and examples to assist you in writing your own.
Giving your manager sufficient notice will allow them to plan for your departure, begin the hiring process, and ensure that your responsibilities are covered. It will also allow you to complete current projects or arrange for your responsibilities to be transferred to a colleague or replacement.
Here’s what to do if you need to resign with short (or no) notice, what to tell your employer, and examples of short notice period resignation letters.
What is a short notice period resignation letter?
A short notice period resignation letter is a document provided to an individual’s employer that states the individual’s intention to resign from their current position with less than two weeks’ notice. Most employers require at least two weeks’ notice so that they can prepare for your departure and begin the hiring process. However, circumstances do not always allow for adequate notice, and you may be required to give a resignation letter with short notice.
When You Need to Resign With Short Notice?
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to provide the standard two weeks’ notice. Perhaps you have a personal emergency, or the working conditions are intolerable, and you need to leave right away. You might have also received a job offer, and the new employer wants you to start right away.
Your employer will appreciate as much advance notice as you can provide, so notify them as soon as you know you will be leaving.
Review the sample short notice period resignation letters below if you need to resign on short notice. The first is in the form of a business letter. The other is delivered in the form of an email.
Resignation Letter Writing Tips
You can notify your manager in person, over the phone, or via email that you are leaving. It’s best if you can tell your boss in person first. However, whichever route you take, it’s a good idea to write a formal letter of resignation that the company can keep on file.
Here are some tips to keep in mind as you write your resignation letter:
Write It in a Business Letter Format
Because this is an official letter that will be filed in your employee file, you should adhere to business letter formatting guidelines. Include your contact information, the date, and the contact information for your employer in the top left corner of the letter. Finish the letter with your handwritten signature and your typed name below it.
State the Date of Resignation
Indicate the date you will be leaving your job in the first paragraph. Because this is the most important information in your letter, you should include it as early as possible in the letter.
Keep It Short
You don’t have to go into great detail. The most important thing to remember is to mention your last day of work.
Explain Why You Are Resigning
Should you explain to your boss why you’re leaving so soon? It depends on your motivation—if you’re giving short notice because you’re unhappy at work or dislike your manager or coworkers, don’t share those details. However, if there are extenuating circumstances, such as a medical crisis, sharing your reasons may make your employer more sympathetic.
Say Thank You
Express your gratitude for the opportunities you’ve had in the position, in the same spirit of ending your relationship with your employer on good terms. A brief “thank you” is often appreciated, even if you have not had the best experience at the company.
Offer to Help During the Transition
It is not necessary to offer assistance during the transition, but it is a common courtesy to do so. You do not need to include this if your personal circumstances prevent you from assisting in any way.
Proofread and Edit
Before sending your letter, make sure to thoroughly read it. Check for any spelling or grammar mistakes. Request that a friend or family member proofread the letter as well. Remember that you want to leave a good impression on the company, and a well-written and well-edited resignation notice period letter will assist you in doing so.
Can Employees Take a Vacation During Their Notice Period?
How to write a short notice period resignation letter?
If you want to keep a good relationship with your employer, you should follow these steps when writing a short notice period resignation letter:
1. Tell your manager first
It is preferable if you can speak with your manager in person or over the phone before submitting your letter of resignation. This is a considerate and personal gesture to make for your manager, and it can help reduce feelings of hostility between you and your employer. It also allows you to discuss your final pay, benefits, and any other concerns you may have about leaving the company.
2. Use the business letter format
The short notice period resignation letter is still regarded as a professional document that should be formatted in the business letter format. This makes the content easier to read and demonstrates the professional effort you put into resigning. Using the business letter format entails using a header that includes the recipient’s first and last name, position, address, and the date the letter is being submitted.
3. State the position you are resigning from and the effective date
It is important to include a resignation statement early in your short notice period resignation letter. Writing your letter in this manner allows you to stay on topic and informs the recipient of the letter’s purpose. Before moving on to the next section of your letter, double-check your effective resignation date.
4. Explain why you are resigning on short notice
If you have a reason for resigning on short notice, you should explain it next. It is best practice to provide a brief explanation for your decision to leave a company. A family emergency, moving, a new job that requires you to start immediately, and so on are all reasons for resigning on short notice.
5. Express gratitude
Before you sign off on your letter, consider thanking your employer for the opportunity and the skills you learned while working for them. You can express your gratitude for specific projects you were a part of or for the overall experience. Even if you were dissatisfied with aspects of your job position, a thank you is greatly appreciated.
6. Close with your signature
Finally, you must sign your name on the document to complete the short-term resignation letter. When writing an email, it is critical to include your name at the end of the message.
Read Also: Guide To Retirement Notice Period
Formal Short Notice Period Resignation Letter Sample
January 20, 2021
Ms. Kate Conner
Factory Manager
ABC Inc.
20345 New York
Dear Ms. Conner,
Please accept this letter as my formal resignation, which will take effect on Monday, February 3rd. If I could, I would have given you at least two weeks’ notice; however, I accepted a job offer for a position that starts immediately. Please accept my apologies for the short notice.
Thank you for giving me this opportunity and assisting me in developing new leadership strategies.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help with this transition. I’ve started taking notes on important projects that I won’t be able to finish before my departure.
Sincerely,
Alex Tart
