Resigning from a job in Singapore requires clear communication and professional courtesy. Whether you are taking up a new opportunity or making a career change, submitting a proper resignation letter is part of leaving the right way.
In Singapore, it is common practice to serve a notice period — typically one month — and to provide your resignation formally in writing. A well-written resignation letter helps ensure a smooth handover, maintains goodwill, and leaves a positive impression for future references.
This guide provides practical advice on how to write a resignation letter, the typical expectations around notice periods in Singapore, and simple resignation letter samples you can adapt. Clear, polite communication is key to closing one chapter of your career and preparing for the next.
Things to Remember
- A resignation letter always starts with a salutation.
- Be direct. There is no need to be creative with the aim of your resignation letter or mail. Just mention within the opening paragraph that you want to resign from your job.
- Mention all the resignation details clearly to your employer, for instance, your last day of work.
- Remember to thank your employer or boss for hiring you and for the opportunities they have given you; keep it professional.
- Show your willingness to help. You can state that you’re ready to train anyone or find a responsible candidate to take your place.
- Add your contact details in your resignation letter if they ever need to reach you during your resignation or even after that.
- Before signing off and sending the mail or the letter, proofread and spell-check. The best resignation letter samples have no mistakes or inaccuracies.
Read Also: Last Working Day Email for Colleagues: Tips & Examples
Samples of Resignation Letters
There are several types and formats of resignation letters. Each of them is equally important in their circumstances. There are also plenty of samples of resignation letters on the internet. Let’s take a look at some of these examples of resignation letter :
Resignation letter with a notice period: One of the samples for the best resignation letter with notice periods. The notice period is the time an employee provides to his/her workplace before his/her last working day.
It is said that resignations with notice periods are the proper way of resigning, as they maintain the workplace ethic and allow the employer to look for a replacement. They also earn you a good reputation as an employee, which will help you in the future.
A notice period can be as long as three days or can be longer than a month. It usually depends on the period of time you have worked in the organisation.
Most people write a two-week notice of resignation, which is the maximum time a notice period spans on most occasions. Here is a resignation letter sample of a two weeks notice resignation:
Why are notice periods important?
Resigning from a job is not just some simple official paperwork. It requires time and patience and is a complex process. In addition, a resignation affects an employer and an employee differently, which is why notice periods are essential. So, let’s see what those reasons are which make notice periods so important:
- The Human Resource Department (HR) needs to compute and calculate the back pay that you will receive at the end of your contract with the organisation.
- In the meantime, the organisation or company will have to look for new candidates suitable for the position you are resigning from.
- In case they already find a new employee who will take your position before your notice period ends, the company might ask you to provide training to the new employee and show him/her what work that person has to do.
- As mentioned before, it is also a very professional move that will keep you in the good graces of your soon-to-be ex-employer.
Short notice resignation letters: Usually, it is best to give your boss at least two weeks’ notice before you quit your job. But under certain circumstances, you may not have enough time to do so. Short notice resignation letters are not uncommon, be it for a health emergency or any other personal emergency.
While a short notice letter is not the best to submit, you can always handle it courteously and make the process go smoothly. They can easily be written with the guidance of some of the best resignation letter examples available. Here are some short-notice resignation letter samples for your assistance:
Things to remember
- Always inform the manager or boss verbally of your decision to resign, as mutual agreement helps avoid any tension between you and your authorities.
- Always use a professional business letter format to write your resignation. It looks more official and helps maintain your efficient and skilled image. Whether it is the best resignation letter or not, it is the proper way to present a resignation letter.
- Don’t forget to start your letter with a salutation. All the best resignation letter examples begin with a greeting.
- Maintain the formal tone of professional work, as it is still your workplace. You shouldn’t include anything that sounds informal and creates a wrong impression. The authorities of the following organisation you join might ask for feedback from your soon-to-be former boss.
- Keep the mail or letter short; don’t write unnecessary details.
- Remember to mention your date of resignation, even if it’s short notice. According to the best resignation letter, it’s a must.
- Justify your sudden decision to quit briefly.
- Express your gratitude to your superiors and the organisation you’ve worked for. Adding a stroke of kind words and being thankful is never too much.
- Add your contact details and all your employer needs to know. If possible, offer to help.
- Finally, sign off your letter and make your resignation official.
- Proofread and spell-check before sending the letter or the mail.
Read Also: How To Write a Touching Farewell Message With Samples
Best Resignation Letter Examples:
Thank You Notes to Colleagues
Although thank you notes do not count as a type of resignation, they are part of resigning. Sending goodbye notes to your boss, colleagues, and team members is a thoughtful thing to do. You may not be working with them anymore, but it would be something they will remember you for. It will also help you retain the friendships you formed with your colleagues even after leaving the organisation.
Here are some sample Thank you note you could write to your colleagues and boss:
Above Image Showing A Thank You Note Presented To A Boss
Above Image Showing A Thank You Message Presented To A Colleague
Related: What is meant by Notice Period For Resignation?
Summary of writing the Resignation Letter
Now that we are aware of how to write an impressive resignation letter, with the help of the best resignation letter examples, we will make a quick recap of all the things you need to remember while writing a resignation letter:
- Always begin the letter with a salutation: Beginning the letter with a greeting is a must. Do not ever forget this, as it would be very unprofessional to do so. Any letter without a salutation is impolite.
- Add address and contact details: Always add your contact details and address with the email. Your office might need it to contact you at the time of notice period or even after that. In the letter, you may also add your current designation in the organisation you’re working from and soon going to resign from.
- Be clear with the subject of the letter: Do not sugar-coat. Directly introduce the letter’s subject within the first paragraph or even within the opening line of the letter. There is no need in delaying the official announcement of your resignation. This is a key to writing the best resignation letter.
- Don’t forget to be grateful: Express your gratitude for being hired and also write that you’re thankful for the opportunities they’ve given you. A note of appreciation will leave you in the good-books of your employer. It would be helpful for you as your future employer might do some background research on you, and you will never be in trouble then.
- Offer to help: If you are willing to be on a notice period, offer to help your organisation before your notice period ends. Don’t promise anything you can’t do. It will also help you get a badge of professionalism. Also, don’t keep any work pending.
- Justify your resignation: This is optional. But if you’re submitting a short notice resignation letter, then it’s better to justify your sudden decision briefly. It would also help the authorities to understand your position.
- Add last day of work: Add the date of the last day of work, i.e., the day your notice period ends for the convenience of the office. This is also according to the best resignation letter templates available on the internet.
- Don’t make the letter too long: Don’t add unnecessary details and make the letter long. Also don’t use your resignation letter as a medium to complain about your dissatisfactions, which you faced while working for the organisation, as it is very professional.
- Ending the letter: Close the letter with a professional closing line like ‘Sincerely’ or ‘Kind regards’ and sign off the note.
You follow the same templates and formats discussed above even if you’re an intern quitting before the internship term ends.
Now that you have some good resignation letter samples, you can write the best resignation letter to your current job and resign peacefully.
Follow all the instructions in the article meticulously, and you’re good to go. Your resignation letter can also become one of the samples for the best resignation letter if you follow these simple steps to draft your resignation letter.
After this you can concentrate on your new job or start looking for a new one if you already don’t have one. Polish your resume as you’re about to start something new. Wishing you all the best for your future job.
Frequently Asked Questions on Resignation Letters
Q1. How much notice should I give when resigning from a job?
Most companies require employees to serve at least one month’s notice. Always refer to your employment contract to confirm the exact notice period.
Q2. Can I resign without serving the full notice period?
Yes, but you may need to compensate your employer by paying salary instead of notice, unless otherwise agreed. It’s advisable to discuss this with HR beforehand.
Q3. Should I resign by email or submit a printed letter?
Submitting your resignation by email is standard. However, it is respectful to inform your immediate supervisor verbally before sending the written resignation.
Q4. Do I have to explain why I am resigning?
No, providing a reason is optional. If you do mention it, keep the explanation brief and professional.
Q5. What happens if I leave without serving the notice period?
Leaving without notice may breach your employment contract and impact your final salary or references. Always review your terms carefully before making a decision.
