Best Heartfelt Resignation Letter Example (+ Free Template Download)

a picture of business person and heartfelt resignation letter

A heartfelt resignation letter is a type of resignation letter that shows empathy, sincerity, and thoughtfulness to the employer, supervisor, or teammates. A resignation letter is a type of business letter authored by an employee to resign from their job duties and job responsibilities. It indicates that the employee would like to officially “quit their job" to their current employer.

A heartfelt resignation letter shows a greater level of “thank you” to the employer or “boss.” When submitting a formal resignation letter, it’s important to speak with the supervisor or “boss” first. This meeting scheduled between employee and supervisor is considered a formal notice (or formal notification of resignation). And in this meeting, a few details should be sorted out in advance of writing a resignation letter.

Try sorting out these details in the meeting:

The reason for leaving (a personal reason, needing a change, or other).
Deciding the notice period (how long the employee will stay with the company to transition out of the job duties).
Deciding when the exit interview will occur (an interview where the supervisor, manager, or boss can learn about ways to improve the job or company).
Asking the employer to write a recommendation letter.
Any other details that should be in the formal letter before submitting it to the human resources department.

A heartfelt resignation letter isn’t dissimilar to a regular formal resignation letter (or sometimes referred to as a notice letter). The main differences are the letter's length, where the employee may want to write a more detailed story showing gratitude. Or spend time thanking the employer for their employment.

Heartfelt Resignation Letter Example

Below is a sample heartfelt resignation letter.

John Smith
[email protected]
888-888-8888
123 Road, St., New York NY 11121

June 1st, 2019

Company Inc.
Sarah Doe
[email protected]
Senior Management
123 Business Road, New York NY 11121

Dear John —

There are countless reasons why I feel like I could stay with this company for the rest of my life. The incredible leadership, the opportunity for advancement, the sincerity, and care that goes into every single employee. And overall, the way that each colleague treats each other. This is one of the best companies I’ve ever had the chance to work with. And there’s not a single complaint that I have. For me, this was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make.

It was a big decision, but I’ve decided to relocate. And due to that, I won’t be able to provide the amount of support to the company that I’m providing today. This isn’t about getting a “better job” or about finding a better team; there simply isn’t one. This is about following my spouse and supporting my partner.

I want to thank you for everything, sincerely. This opportunity has grown me in so many ways. And if it were not for this life situation and transition, I would be staying.

I’ll be here to transition my job duties and responsibilities to another colleague or new hire.

Sincerely,
Patrick

Heartfelt Resignation Email Example

Below is a sample heartfelt email resignation letter.

Subject line: A heartfelt resignation

Dear John —

There are countless reasons why I feel like I could stay with this company for the rest of my life. The incredible leadership, the opportunity for advancement, the sincerity, and care that goes into every single employee. And overall, the way that each colleague treats each other. This is one of the best companies I’ve ever had the chance to work with.

The need to move across the country is one that comes from following my partner and my spouse. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I’m attaching my formal resignation letter to this email for both yourself and the human resources department.

Let me know how I can continue to help transition my job duties and responsibilities to another colleague. I look forward to putting this place of employment on my resume and having a future employer contact you, my now previous employer, to learn about all that we’ve done together.

Sincerely,
Patrick

Heartfelt Resignation Letter Template

Download this resignation letter template in Word format. Can be imported as a Google Doc. Instant download. No email required.

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About the author

Patrick Algrim is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), NCDA Certified Career Counselor (CCC), and general career expert. Patrick has completed the NACE Coaching Certification Program (CCP). And has been published as a career expert on Forbes, Glassdoor, American Express, Reader's Digest, LiveCareer, Zety, Yahoo, Recruiter.com, SparkHire, SHRM.org, Process.st, FairyGodBoss, HRCI.org, St. Edwards University, NC State University, IBTimes.com, Thrive Global, TMCnet.com, Work It Daily, Workology, Career Guide, MyPerfectResume, College Career Life, The HR Digest, WorkWise, Career Cast, Elite Staffing, Women in HR, All About Careers, Upstart HR, The Street, Monster, The Ladders, Introvert Whisperer, and many more. Find him on LinkedIn.

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