Resignation Letter for a New Job

The happiest resignation and the one with a trap in it: the urge to explain how much better the new job is. The letter inside these templates says you've accepted a position elsewhere and why it fits your path — one clause, no company name, no salary — then spends its energy where it pays: specific thanks and a real handoff. Your current manager will be your reference for years; this letter is what they'll remember. Printed in full below, free in Word and Google Docs.

Three letterheads

The new-job letter, without the gloat.

Banner forest, two-tone teal, and classic navy — the same letter inside each.

Word Google Docs

New Job — Banner Forest

A full-width name banner carrying the new job letter — a better opportunity said graciously, a full handoff.

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Word Google Docs

New Job — Twotone Tealcharcoal

A two-tone split header carrying the new job letter — a better opportunity said graciously, a full handoff.

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Word Google Docs

New Job — Classic Navy

The classic centered letterhead carrying the new job letter — a better opportunity said graciously, a full handoff.

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Sample · New Job

New Job resignation letter sample — the letter inside the template.

Read it in full

Morgan Reed

[Your Profession] · [City, State] · (000) 000-0000 · your.email@email.com

[Month Day, Year]

[Manager Name]
[Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Manager Name],

Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I have accepted a position with another organization that offers [a step forward in my career / the opportunity to focus on X / a role I have been working toward], and my last day of employment will be [Last Day — two weeks from today].

This was not an easy decision. I have learned a great deal here — [one specific: a project, a skill, a mentor] — and much of what made the new opportunity possible I owe to my time at [Company Name].

Over the next two weeks I will complete my current projects, document my responsibilities, and help train whoever takes them on. Tell me what would be most useful and I will make it a priority.

Thank you for your support and for the opportunities you have given me. I hope we stay in touch, and I wish you and the team every success.

Sincerely,

Morgan Reed

This is the actual text inside all three templates above — every [bracketed prompt] is a spot you replace. Copy the template to keep the letterhead, or use the text as a sample for your own letter.

What to say

What to say when you resign for a new job.

Managers expect this letter; the only question is whether it leaves them glad to recommend you. Four moves:

Resign with a date. ’I have accepted a position with another organization; my last day will be [date].’ Two weeks is the floor; more if you can.
Why it fits, in a clause. ’A step forward in my career’ or ’the chance to focus on X.’ Not the new company’s name, not the offer, not the comparison.
Specific thanks. One project, one skill, one person. ’Much of what made this possible I owe to my time here’ is true and it lands.
The handoff, concretely. Projects finished, responsibilities documented, a successor trained. Ask what would help most.

Counter-offer coming? Decide before you send the letter whether any number would keep you; if not, say so kindly when it arrives. Moving for the job? Add one line from the relocation letter. And start the next chapter with a matching resume and cover letter — you’ll be updating both anyway.

Three steps

Fill it in and send.

Download a template — the letter inside is written for a better opportunity.
Fill the brackets: last day, the one-clause reason, the specific thanks, what you’ll hand off.
Tell your manager in person first, then send it the same day. Keep it short even when the news is great.

Questions

New Job resignation FAQ

Should I say I'm leaving for a new job in my resignation letter?

Yes — it's the most ordinary reason there is, and saying it prevents speculation. Keep it to one clause ('I have accepted a position with another organization') and don't name the company, the title, or the pay; those belong in conversation if anywhere.

How do I write a resignation letter for a better opportunity?

Resign with a date, name the opportunity in a clause ('a step forward in my career'), thank your manager for something specific, and describe the handoff. Four paragraphs, under 200 words. The letter printed above is that template.

Should I mention salary or the counter-offer?

No. The letter is a record, not a negotiation. If a counter-offer comes, handle it in conversation — and decide in advance whether any number would change your mind.

How much notice for a new job?

Two weeks is the standard; your new employer expects you to give it. If your role is senior or your contract says more, give more and tell the new employer the date honestly — they'll respect it.

What if my new employer wants me to start immediately?

Ask them for two weeks; nearly all will grant it, and a company that won't let you leave your current job properly is telling you something. If you truly must leave sooner, the immediate resignation letter apologizes for the short notice without drama.

Is this letter free?

Yes — copy the text above or download it in Word or Google Docs. Free, no signup.