However you feel about a job, the way you leave is the last impression you make — and the one a future referee is most likely to remember. The good news is that a professional resignation is short and simple: tell your manager you're leaving, give your last day, thank them briefly, and offer to help hand over. You don't need to over-explain or justify your decision.
How much notice should you give?
Your minimum notice period depends on your award or enterprise agreement and your employment contract, so it varies from person to person. As a courtesy, many people give two to four weeks, but the right amount for you is whatever your agreement and contract require. Because this is an entitlements question rather than a wording one, check your own situation with the Fair Work Ombudsman before you commit to a date.
Once you know your last day, put your resignation in writing so there's a clear record of when you gave notice.
How to write your resignation
A professional resignation does four things: it states that you're resigning and from which role, gives your last day, thanks them briefly, and offers to help with the handover. Keep it to a few lines — a resignation is not the place for feedback or grievances.
Subject: Resignation — Customer Service Officer Dear Jess, I am writing to formally resign from my position as Customer Service Officer. My last day will be Friday 18 July, in line with my notice period. I'm grateful for the opportunities I've had here and I'm committed to a smooth handover. Please let me know how I can help over the coming weeks. Kind regards, Sam
A written email or letter suits most roles; a short message can be fine for casual or hospitality work. Our resignation generator writes both styles for standard notice, short notice, retiring, and good or difficult terms.
Leaving on good terms
If you've enjoyed the role, say so — briefly and genuinely. Thank your manager and team, offer a thorough handover, and let them know you'd like to stay in touch. Serving your notice properly and finishing your work well is what people remember most.
If you're leaving for a new position, you might also find our guides on replying to a job offer and following up after an interview useful for the steps either side of resigning.
Resigning on difficult terms — professionally
Even when the experience has been hard, keep your resignation short, neutral and professional. Leave out criticism, grievances and emotion — a resignation letter is a permanent record, and staying gracious protects your reputation and any future reference. State that you're resigning, give your last day, and keep the tone calm.
If you have concerns about your treatment at work, those are better raised through the proper channels rather than in a resignation; the Fair Work Ombudsman explains your options.
Your final pay and entitlements
After you finish, your final pay may include outstanding wages and any accrued annual leave, and the timing and details depend on the National Employment Standards, your award or agreement, and your contract. This guide can't tell you the exact figures for your situation — check the Fair Work Ombudsman's notice and final pay information, which is the authoritative source.
This is general information to help you communicate, not legal, financial or employment-law advice.
Key takeaways
- Check your notice period against your award and contract
- Put your resignation in writing
- State your role, last day, a brief thanks and a handover offer
- Stay gracious — even on difficult terms
- Confirm final pay and leave with Fair Work
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