Two weeks' notice is the standard when it comes to resignation in most U.S. workplaces. But sometimes life happens and you need to resign on short notice. How to write a resignation letter in these situations?
A short-notice resignation letter is quite similar to a two-weeks’-notice letter. However, you may need to take some extra steps before handling yours, and be more apologetic than you'd be normally. In this article, we'll cover how to do it, with examples and a template.
Browse these amazing open jobs on The Muse—one of them could be your perfect next career move »
What is a short-notice resignation letter?
A short-notice resignation letter informs an employer of your intention to resign with less than the standard two weeks' notice. Typically, two weeks' notice gives the employer time to prepare and find a replacement; providing less than that is considered short notice.
When is it necessary?
You might need to resign on short notice in case of a personal emergency (e.g. illness, family responsibilities, relocation) or because of a better opportunity at a company that needs you immediately.
Some people also resign on short notice when the work conditions are unbearable and impossible to endure for two more weeks. For instance, if you’re experiencing burnout, a toxic boss, or a toxic work culture overall.
Just note that if you decide to leave immediately, then it's not a short-notice scenario; you'd be leaving with no notice. (If that’s your situation, here's how to write an immediate resignation letter.)
How to write a short-notice resignation letter
The short-notice resignation letter format is simple and straight to the point, usually with three or four paragraphs. State your resignation and last day of employment, provide a brief explanation, and apologize for the inconvenience. If you’ll have enough time, offer to help with the transition process and provide your contact information.
Here's how to do it step by step.
1. Clearly state your resignation and last day of employment
Don’t sugarcoat the news—state your resignation in the first paragraph of the letter. State your last day of employment.
2. Express your regret for the short notice
Since most employers expect at least two weeks' notice, it's polite to apologize for the inconvenience as your quick departure might disrupt the company's workflow.
3. Provide an explanation
You don't need to provide unnecessary details or over-explain yourself, but a brief explanation as to why you're leaving on short notice is appreciated.
4. Offer help with the handover process
Even if you have only a couple of days of work left, make yourself available to make the transition process as smooth as possible, given the circumstances.
5. Thank the employer for the opportunity
Express your gratitude for any valuable experience you have at the company or for the opportunity as a whole. You can also add a “thanks in advance” for their understanding.
6. End with your signature and contact info
Provide your phone number and personal email address. The company might need to reach you to discuss further details of the dismissal process.
Pro tip: Talk to your supervisor first
Before submitting your resignation letter, have a chat about it with your manager or supervisor to give them a heads-up. “Having the conversation before submitting formal notice builds trust and enables smoother transitions,” says Daniel Meursing, CEO and founder of Premier Staff.
“Through scaling nationwide operations, we've found that transparent communication, even with limited detail, preserves professional relationships and future opportunities,” Meursing says. Simply put, a live conversation shows consideration and that you don't intend to disrupt the company's operation and workflow.
Short-notice resignation letter: Samples
Time to put these tips into practice! Below are three short-notice resignation letter examples to help you craft your own.
Sample #1: Short-notice resignation due to a new job
Subject: Resignation to pursue new opportunity
Dear Alexis,
Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from my position as data analyst at Blue Data, effective Tuesday, October 28, 2024. I accepted a position that begins next week, and for this reason, I can't provide the required notice. I deeply apologize for the short notice and inconvenience.
I have enjoyed working with the team and appreciate every challenge we faced together as they helped me grow as a professional. I am happy to help with the transition in the few days I have left before my departure.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
Caleb Johnson
555-123-4567
caleb.johnson@email.com
Sample #2: Short-notice resignation letter due to health issues
Subject: Resignation to take care of health issues
Dear Teresa,
I am writing to inform you of my resignation from my position as account manager with Social Inc. to take care of my health. My last day of employment will be Thursday, October 31, 2024. I hope you accept my apologies for the short notice. It’s in both my and the company’s best interest that I step down as soon as possible.
Thank you for the opportunity and professional growth. I have enjoyed working with you and the content team. I am willing to help with the transition process in the next few days.
I appreciate your understanding.
Sincerely,
Hannah Jones
555-123-4567
hannah@jones@email.com
Sample #3: Short-notice resignation letter due to family issues
Subject: Resignation to take care of family member
Dear Marilyn,
I am resigning from my position as receptionist at Golden Med to care for a family member. The circumstances were unexpected and, for this reason, my last day of employment will be Wednesday, October 30, 2024. Please accept my apologies for the short notice and inconvenience.
I deeply appreciate the opportunity and professional growth I experienced working with you and the team. Let me know what I can do to make the transition process smooth in the few days I have left.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
Ann Russell
555-123-4567
ann.russell@email.com
Short-notice resignation letter template
Here’s a template to make things even easier—feel free to fill in your information and adapt it for your situation.
Subject: Resignation due to [motive]
Dear [supervisor name],
I am writing to inform you that I am resigning from my position as [your job title] with [company name]. My last day of employment will be [date]. I sincerely apologize for the short notice and inconvenience, but I [brief explanation of the situation].
I appreciate the opportunities and the professional growth. I have enjoyed working with you and my colleagues over the past [time at the company]. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help with the transition process and handover of duties.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
[your name]
[phone number]
[personal email address]
Key takeaways
Resigning on short notice can be apprehensive as you don't want to seem inconsiderate. However, if you have a talk with your immediate supervisor first, submit your resignation letter as promptly as you can, and help with the transition, it's likely that you'll get out of this without burning a bridge. At the end of the day, it is less about what you do and more about how you do it.