CatchCase

Write a professional resignation letter

Give your role, notice period and last day. Get a short, warm resignation letter that states the dates clearly and offers a smooth handover.

How to use it

  1. Check your notice period It is in your contract, award or enterprise agreement. Enter it with your last working day.
  2. Tell your manager first Hand the letter over after a conversation, not instead of one.
  3. Keep it short The letter is a record of dates. Feedback about the job belongs in an exit interview, if anywhere.
  4. Confirm the dates Ask HR to confirm your last day and final pay, including any unused annual leave.

The prompt

Write a professional resignation letter for an employee in Australia.

My name, role and employer: [MY_NAME_ROLE_EMPLOYER]

Manager's name: [MANAGER_NAME]

Notice period and last working day: [NOTICE_PERIOD_AND_LAST_DAY]

Anything I want to mention (thanks, handover, reason if I choose to give one): [PERSONAL_NOTES]

Write:

- A letter of 120–200 words with today's date: a clear first sentence that I am resigning from my role, the notice period and the exact last working day, a sincere thank-you with one specific detail, an offer to help with the handover, and a polite close.
- No negative comments about the employer or colleagues, no over-explaining.
- A two-line version for an email body, in case my employer accepts resignations by email.
- A short checklist: confirm notice period in the contract or award, ask about final pay and unused annual leave, return company property, update personal contact details for the payment summary.

If the notice period I give looks shorter than what is usual for my situation, say that I should check my contract or the Fair Work Ombudsman's guidance. This is help with wording, not legal advice.

Example result

5 October 2026

Rachel Ironbark Coffee Co. Fitzroy VIC

Dear Rachel,

Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as Senior Barista at Ironbark Coffee Co. In line with my two weeks' notice, my last shift will be Sunday 18 October 2026.

I've accepted an apprenticeship at a roastery, which is a step towards something I've wanted for a long time. I'm genuinely grateful for the past three years. You taught me everything from latte art to running the stock orders, and the trust you showed in me when you handed over the ordering system is a big part of why I feel ready for this.

Over the next two weeks I'm happy to train whoever takes over the ordering, write up the supplier contacts and weekly order quantities, and cover any shifts that help the handover.

Thank you again for everything. I hope to see you at the counter as a customer.

Kind regards,

Tom Hollis

Email version

Hi Rachel, as we discussed today, I'm resigning from my role as Senior Barista. With two weeks' notice my last shift will be Sunday 18 October 2026 — my formal letter is attached, and I'm happy to train my replacement on ordering before I go.

Before you hand it over

  • Talk to Rachel first; give the letter after the conversation.
  • Check your notice period in your contract or award (the Hospitality Award usually ties it to length of service). Two weeks is common for one to three years' service, but confirm yours.
  • Ask how your final pay will be worked out, including any unused annual leave.
  • Return keys and uniforms on your last shift, and make sure the café has your personal email for your final payslip.

This is help with wording, not legal advice. If you are unsure about notice or final pay, the Fair Work Ombudsman has free guidance.

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