How to Write a Professional Resignation Letter with Short Notice

We’ve all been there. Whether it’s due to a sudden family emergency, an unexpected job opportunity, or simply a personal decision to move on, sometimes we need to quit our jobs with short notice. In these situations, it’s important to handle things professionally and respectfully – and that includes writing a resignation letter that conveys your gratitude and your intentions in a clear and concise manner.

But if you’ve never written a resignation letter with short notice before, figuring out what to say can be daunting. That’s where we come in. In this article, we’ll provide you with some helpful tips and examples that you can use as a starting point for your own letter. Whether you’re leaving a job on good terms or you need to navigate a tricky situation, we’ve got you covered.

We know that resignation letters with short notice can be stressful and difficult to write, but with our guidance and examples, you’ll be able to craft a letter that both you and your employer can be proud of. So take a deep breath, read on, and let’s get started.

The Best Structure for Resignation Letter With Short Notice

When resigning from a job, it’s important to write a formal resignation letter to inform your employer. However, if you have to resign with short notice, you may not have enough time for a long and detailed letter. In this case, a concise and straightforward letter is what you need. Here is the best structure for a resignation letter with short notice:

Heading

Start your short notice resignation letter with a clear and concise heading that includes your name, job title, and the date of your resignation. For example:

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am writing to inform you that I am resigning from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name] effective [Date].

Reason for Resignation

In the next paragraph, briefly explain why you are resigning. You don’t need to go into much detail; a single sentence will suffice. For example:

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, I must resign from my position immediately.

Thank You and Gratitude

Express your gratitude for the opportunities and experience you have gained during your time at the company. You can mention that you have enjoyed working there and learned a lot from your colleagues and leadership. Here are a few examples:

I am grateful for the opportunities you have given me during my time at the company.

Thank you for the experiences and knowledge I have gained while working with my colleagues and leadership.

I have enjoyed my time at the company and appreciate everything you’ve done for me.

Assistance

Offer your assistance to ensure a smooth transition for your employer and colleagues. You can provide some information on how you will help, such as finishing up your current projects or training a replacement. For example:

Please let me know how I can assist you in the coming days to make this transition easier for everyone.

I will make sure to complete all my current projects and assist in finding and training my replacement, if needed.

Closing

End the letter with a closing statement thanking your employer for their understanding and cooperation in this matter. Also, express your best wishes for the company and its employees. Here are a few examples:

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this challenging time. I wish you and the company all the best.

Again, thank you for everything and best of luck to everyone at the company.

Thank you for the opportunity to work with such a great team. I will always remember my time here fondly.

Keep in mind that even with short notice, it’s important to be respectful and professional in your resignation letter. A well-worded and organized letter will show your professionalism and leave a good impression on your employer.

7 Samples of Resignation Letter with Short Notice

Sample Resignation Letter with Short Notice due to Health Issues

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I terribly regret to inform you that I will have to resign from my position as [Job Title] due to my current health condition. I have recently been diagnosed with [Health Issue] and I am advised by my doctor to take some time off work to focus on my health and recovery. Unfortunately, this means I cannot continue my employment with [Company Name] and I must resign effective immediately, without providing a notice period.

I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have gained while working with [Company Name]. Thank you for your understanding and support for whatever decision I may make, and may I continue to receive such kindness, friendship, and goodwill from you in the future!

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Resignation Letter with Short Notice due to Personal Reasons

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I have had the pleasure of working with [Company Name] for the past [Number of Months/Years]. However, it is with great regret that I must inform you of my resignation. This decision is due to personal reasons that require my immediate attention, and therefore I must resign with no prior notice.

I appreciate the support and guidance that I have received from you and the team, and I will always hold a high regard for the organization. I endeavor to complete all my pending tasks and smoothen the transition for my successor. I hope that in the future, I may have the opportunity to work with you again.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Resignation Letter with Short Notice due to Better Opportunity

Dear [Manager’s Name],

It is with great excitement and enthusiasm that I am writing to inform you of my decision to resign from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I have recently been offered an opportunity to work with [New Company Name] in a more senior position, which I find to be an excellent career move for me.

While I have enjoyed working with this organization, the new position offers me an opportunity to further develop my career. I apologize for the short notice. Still, I will complete all the necessary tasks and hand over my responsibilities to ensure a smooth transition for my successor.

Thank you for all the wonderful opportunities I’ve gained while working with [Company Name]. It has been a pleasure to work alongside such incredible professionals, and I hope our paths cross again in the future.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Resignation Letter with Short Notice due to Relocation

Dear [Manager’s Name],

Please accept this letter as notice of my resignation from my position as [Job Title] effective immediately. The reason for my resignation is that my family and I are relocating to [New Place] for personal reasons, and it is no longer possible for me to work in [Current City].

Tenure working at [Company Name] has been an excellent experience, and I am so glad to have been a part of this company. I owe a significant portion of my professional growth to the organization and the team. For that, I will always remain appreciative of the opportunity and guidance you offered me during our time together.

Thank you so much for your understanding, and it was an honor to work with you!

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Sample Resignation Letter with Short Notice due to Business Conflict

Dear [Manager’s Name],

It is with regret that I must submit my resignation as [Job Title] from [Company Name] immediately. Due to differences in essential matters such as [Specific Issue], I no longer feel that I can continue working under these conditions, and I have no other option than to resign with no prior notice.

I will ensure that my responsibilities and tasks are handed over to an ambitious candidate to replace me to avoid any disruption to the organization’s operations. I am most grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the company. I have enjoyed working with the team and contributing to the organization’s success, and I hope that this situation does not affect our professional relationship in the future.

Kind regards,

[Your Name]

Sample Resignation Letter with Short Notice due to Changes within the Company

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to inform you that I will be resigning from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name]. My resignation comes with immediate effect for personal reasons. I have been happy working for [Company Name] and have had some fantastic opportunities to learn and grow professionally.

However, I feel that my position and responsibilities no longer align with the changes being made recently. Although I have enjoyed working with the team, I find myself in a position where I can no longer contribute in the way that I had hoped to.

Thank you for all your support and for giving me the opportunity to be part of the company. I would like to express my gratitude to the excellent team I’ve been surrounded by, and I wish you all the best!

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Resignation Letter with Short Notice due to Misconduct of Colleagues

Dear [Manager’s Name],

Please accept this as my official notice of resignation effective immediately. I am leaving my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name] due to a situation where I have been unable to work comfortably in my workplace.

I have raised the matter with [Specific individual], but sadly there was no change in behavior or cease of the particular behavior by members of the team. It has reached a point where it is no longer tenable to work be a part of the team, and as I have no other choice but to resign immediately with no prior notice.

Thank you for your understanding in this matter and for your support during my time at the company.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Tips for Writing a Resignation Letter with Short Notice

Resigning from a job can be a daunting task, particularly if you have to do it with short notice. You may worry about burning bridges with your employer or being perceived as unprofessional. However, resigning with short notice doesn’t have to be a stressful experience if you take the right steps. Here are some tips to help you write a resignation letter with short notice:

  • Fulfill your obligations: When resigning with short notice, it’s essential to meet your obligations before leaving. Make sure you complete any pending projects or tasks, hand over your responsibilities to your colleagues, or offer to train or assist in your replacement’s transition. This will show your employer that you value the company and want to leave in good terms.
  • Keep your letter brief and courteous: A resignation letter should be brief, direct, and professional. When resigning with short notice, it’s more critical to be courteous and respectful in your wording and tone. Begin by thanking your employer and colleagues for the opportunity to work with them, and explain the reason for your resignation briefly. You don’t need to provide any negative feedback or criticism of the company or your colleagues.
  • Giving an explanation: Be honest with your employer about why you are leaving. Explain briefly why you have to leave on short notice, for example, if you’ve already accepted a new job offer or need to attend to personal or family matters. If appropriate, express your regret for any inconvenience your departure may cause.
  • Offer assistance: If possible, offer to help your colleagues or the company during your notice period. It might involve helping train your replacement, assisting with the transition process, or offering to be available for any questions or concerns. This can make the transition smoother and show your employer that you are committed to leaving in the best possible terms.
  • Follow up: After you’ve submitted your resignation letter, make sure you follow up with your employer or supervisor to ensure that the transition process is going smoothly. This demonstrates your commitment and professionalism, and may also help to ease any concerns the company might have about handling your departure.

Resigning with short notice can be challenging, but with the right approach and mindset, it can also be a positive experience that demonstrates your professionalism and commitment to leaving in good terms. By fulfilling your obligations, being courteous and respectful, explaining your reasons for leaving, and offering your assistance, you can create a positive impression that will be remembered long after you’ve left the company.

FAQs about Resignation Letter with Short Notice


What is a resignation letter with short notice?

A resignation letter with short notice is a formal document submitted by an employee to their employer, notifying them that they will be leaving the company within a short period of time, usually less than two weeks.

What should be included in a resignation letter with short notice?

A resignation letter with short notice should include the employee’s name, date, and contact information; a statement of resignation; the effective date of resignation; a brief explanation for the resignation; and a thank you message to the employer for the opportunity to work at the company.

What is the ideal notice period for a resignation letter with short notice?

The ideal notice period for a resignation letter with short notice is two weeks. However, in some circumstances, like an emergency or unforeseen situation, employees may need to resign with a shorter notice period.

Can an employee resign with a shorter notice period than two weeks?

Yes, it is possible for an employee to resign with a shorter notice period than two weeks, but it is generally considered unprofessional and may impact their future job references and career prospects.

What are the reasons for submitting a resignation letter with short notice?

The reasons for submitting a resignation letter with short notice vary and may include personal emergencies, illnesses, family emergencies, or a new job opportunity that requires an earlier start date.

Is it necessary to provide a reason for submitting a resignation letter with short notice?

No, it is not necessary to provide a reason for submitting a resignation letter with short notice. However, providing a brief explanation may help the employer understand the situation better.

What are the consequences of submitting a resignation letter with short notice?

The consequences of submitting a resignation letter with short notice may include burning bridges with your current employer, impacting future job references and career prospects, losing accumulated benefits, and possibly facing legal consequences if it violates your employment contract or the company’s policies.

How can an employee ensure a smooth transition upon submitting a resignation letter with short notice?

An employee can ensure a smooth transition upon submitting a resignation letter with short notice by offering to provide assistance during the transition period, completing pending tasks, training their replacement, and leaving their workspace organized and well-documented.

Sayonara for Now

Well, we’ve come to the end of our article on resignation letters with short notice. We hope you’ve found the information helpful and that it will serve as a guide on navigating this tricky situation. Remember that it’s always important to remain professional and courteous when resigning, no matter how short your notice may be. Thanks for taking the time to read our article, and we hope to see you back here again soon for more helpful tips and advice!