How to write a Resignation Letter (Free Template & Tips)

Here's a simple resignation letter you can copy and use right now:

Dear [Manager's Name],

I'm writing to formally resign from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name]. My last day of work will be [Date], which provides [X weeks'] notice as required under my contract.

Thank you for the opportunities I've had during my time here. I'm happy to assist with the handover during my notice period.

Kind regards,
[Your Name]

That's it. That's all a resignation letter needs to be. Resigning is stressful, and most people overthink the letter. The reality is it doesn't need to be long, it doesn't need to explain your life story, and it doesn't need to be perfect. Short, professional, and clear is all you're going for. If you want more options, we've included five templates below for different situations, plus a breakdown of your notice period obligations under Australian law.

What should a resignation letter include?

A resignation letter in Australia only needs four things: a clear statement that you're resigning, your job title, your last working day, and your signature. Everything else is optional.

The essentials:

Your intention to resign. State it in the first sentence. Don't bury it behind pleasantries.

Your position/job title. This removes any ambiguity, especially if you've held multiple roles.

Your last working day. Calculate this based on your notice period (check your contract or award — more on this below).

Your name and the date. Straightforward, but people forget.

Optional but recommended: a brief thank you and an offer to help with the handover. You don't need to explain why you're leaving, and you definitely shouldn't use the letter to air grievances. Keep it short, professional, and positive. This letter lives in your HR file and may be referenced in future employment checks.

How much notice do I need to give in Australia?

In most cases, your notice period is set by your employment contract, award, or enterprise agreement. Most modern awards mirror the minimum notice periods from the National Employment Standards (NES), which are based on how long you've been with the employer:

Important: your employment contract may specify a longer notice period than the award minimum. If your contract says 4 weeks but your award says 2, the contract applies. Always check your contract first. If you're unsure, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94.

Casual employees are generally not required to give notice under the Fair Work Act, though your award or contract may say otherwise. Fixed-term contract employees don't typically need to give resignation notice because the contract has a set end date, but leaving early may put you in breach of contract.

If you don't give enough notice, your employer may be able to deduct up to one week's wages from your final pay under most awards. They can't withhold your accrued annual leave or other entitlements.

5 resignation letter templates for different situations

Copy whichever template fits your situation. Replace the bracketed sections with your details.

Template 1: Simple and standard

Use this when you're leaving on good terms and want to keep it brief.

Dear [Manager's Name],

I'm writing to formally resign from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name], effective [Last Working Day].

Thank you for the opportunity to be part of the team. I've valued my time here and I'm happy to help with the transition during my notice period.

Kind regards,
[Your Name]
[Date]

Template 2: Formal / corporate

Use this for large organisations, government roles, or when you want to be extra professional.

Dear [Manager's Name],

Please accept this letter as formal notification of my resignation from the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. In accordance with my contract, I am providing [X weeks'] notice, with my last day of employment being [Last Working Day].

I am grateful for the professional development and opportunities I have received during my [X years/months] with the organisation. I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition and am available to assist with handover responsibilities during my notice period.

I wish the team continued success.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Date]

Template 3: Immediate resignation

Use this only when circumstances require you to leave without working a notice period. Be aware that your employer may deduct up to one week's pay under most awards.

Dear [Manager's Name],

I am writing to resign from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name], effective immediately.

I understand this is shorter notice than is typically required and I apologise for any inconvenience. I am happy to discuss how I can assist with the transition remotely if needed.

Thank you for the opportunity.

Kind regards,
[Your Name]
[Date]

Template 4: Resignation email

Email is perfectly acceptable in Australia and provides a clear timestamp. Use this if your workplace communicates primarily by email or if you work remotely.

Subject: Resignation — [Your Name]

Hi [Manager's Name],

I wanted to let you know that I've decided to resign from my role as [Job Title]. As per my contract, I'm giving [X weeks'] notice, which makes my last working day [Date].

I've really appreciated my time at [Company Name] and I'm happy to do whatever I can to make the handover as smooth as possible.

Happy to chat about next steps whenever suits.

Thanks,
[Your Name]

Template 5: Career change / moving to a new opportunity

Use this if you want to briefly mention you're moving on without going into detail.

Dear [Manager's Name],

I'm writing to resign from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I've accepted an opportunity that aligns with the next step in my career, and my last day will be [Last Working Day], providing [X weeks'] notice.

I want to thank you and the team for the support and experience I've gained here. I'll make sure everything is handed over properly before I finish up.

Kind regards,
[Your Name]
[Date]

Can I resign by email in Australia?

Yes. There's no legal requirement in Australia to resign in writing at all. The Fair Work Ombudsman confirms that notice can be given verbally or in writing. That said, putting it in writing (whether a letter or an email) is strongly recommended because it creates a clear record of when you resigned and what your last day will be. Email is the most practical option for most workplaces and provides an automatic timestamp.

What happens to my pay when I resign?

Your employer must pay you for all hours worked up to and including your last day, plus any accrued but untaken annual leave (including leave loading if your award requires it), and long service leave if you're eligible. This applies regardless of why you're leaving or how much notice you gave.

Your employer cannot withhold your final pay because you didn't work your full notice period (except for the limited one-week deduction allowed under most awards), because you haven't returned company property, or because they claim you owe them money. If your final pay doesn't arrive, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman.

You can take paid annual leave during your notice period if your employer agrees. You can take sick or carer's leave during your notice period if you provide the required evidence (like a medical certificate). Public holidays during your notice period don't extend it.

Common mistakes to avoid

Using the letter to vent. Whatever your reasons for leaving, the resignation letter isn't the place. Save honest feedback for the exit interview or a private conversation. This letter sits in your HR file permanently.

Being vague about your last day. "I'd like to resign in the coming weeks" isn't a resignation. Specify the exact date. Calculate it from your notice period and put it in writing.

Not checking your contract first. Your contract may have a longer notice period than the award minimum. It may also have clauses about intellectual property, restraint of trade, or return of equipment that you should be aware of before you hand in your notice.

Giving notice verbally and not following up in writing. While verbal notice is technically valid, it leaves room for disputes about when you resigned and what was agreed. Always follow up in writing.

Burning bridges. Even if you're leaving a bad situation, keep the letter professional. Australia's IT industry is small. You will run into these people again.

What to do after you resign

Once you've submitted your resignation, a few things to sort out:

Have the conversation first. Don't blindside your manager with a letter. Tell them in person (or on a call if you're remote), then follow up with the written letter. The letter is the formality. The conversation is the courtesy.

Prepare a handover document. List your current projects, key contacts, login details, and anything your replacement will need. This is the single best thing you can do to leave a positive final impression.

Check your leave balance. Accrued annual leave gets paid out in your final pay. If you'd prefer to take the leave during your notice period instead of being paid out, discuss this with your employer (they need to agree).

Update LinkedIn thoughtfully. Don't update your profile the day you resign. Wait until your notice period is nearly over or you've started the new role. Updating too early can create awkward situations.

Keep a copy of everything. Save your resignation letter, your employment contract, your final payslip, and any written communication about your departure.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to give a reason for resigning?

No. You have no legal obligation to explain why you're leaving. If you feel comfortable sharing your reason, you can, but keep it brief and professional. Something like "I've accepted a new opportunity" is enough.

Can my employer refuse to accept my resignation?

No. Once you submit your resignation, it takes effect. Your employer cannot refuse to accept it. They can ask you to reconsider, offer a counter-offer, or request that you work your full notice period, but they cannot prevent you from leaving.

Can I take back my resignation?

Once submitted, your resignation is generally final. Your employer may choose to allow you to retract it, but they are under no obligation to do so. Think carefully before resigning.

What if my employer asks me to leave immediately?

Your employer can ask you to stop working immediately, but they must pay you for the notice period (payment in lieu of notice). You're entitled to receive at least your minimum notice period worth of pay even if they don't want you on-site.

Can I use my annual leave during the notice period?

You can request it, but your employer needs to agree. If you're already on approved leave when you resign, that leave stands. Any untaken annual leave will be paid out in your final pay.

What if I'm on a fixed-term contract?

Fixed-term contracts have a set end date, so resignation notice doesn't typically apply. If you want to leave before the contract ends, check whether your contract has an early termination clause. If it doesn't, you'll need to negotiate an exit with your employer.

Should I resign in person or by email?

Best practice is to have the conversation in person (or on a video call if remote), then follow up with a written letter or email. The conversation shows respect. The written notice creates the formal record.

Looking for your next role?

If you're resigning because you've already lined up something new, good luck with the move. If you're still figuring out your next step, we can help.

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