Every now and then, one has to move on from their current job and say goodbye to their employer. This can be a difficult and emotional time, especially if you are fond of your colleagues, or a cause for celebration if you are moving on to greener pastures.
Ideally, you should resign in person, but if, for whatever reason, that's not an option, the next best thing is to send a resignation email. To ensure your manager immediately recognizes the seriousness of your email, it’s important to be clear and concise when crafting your resignation email subject line. But how do you do that in just one sentence? Is there a right subject line for a resignation email? Read on for some tips as to what should and shouldn't be included.
Resignation Email Subject Lines: Dos and Don’ts
Whatever the reasons for your resignation, it's important to remember that it is also a business transaction, and although you are doing it via email, it should be kept as formal as possible. Your resignation notice will trigger an entire set of protocols which preferably should end with you exiting the company on the best possible terms, your last paycheck, and/or severance package in tow.
What Is a Good Subject Line for a Resignation Email?
Here are some acceptable resignation email subject line options to formally announce your resignation to your employer:
- Resignation (Your Name)
- (Your Name) Resignation
- Intent to Resign (Your Name)
- Resignation Announcement (Your Name)
- Resignation Imminent (Your Name)
- Resignation Notice (Your Name)
- Notice of Resignation (Your Name)
- Resignation Letter (Your Name)
- Resignation Effective Immediately (Your Name)
- (Your Name) Formal Notice to Resign
- Immediate Resignation (Your Name)
- I'm Tendering My Resignation
If you believe it is important to insert the date of your planned resignation or write a two-weeks notice email subject, here are some ways in which you can officially do that:
- Resignation (Your Name) – (Planned Date)
- Two Weeks Notice (Your Name)
- Resigning as of (Planned Date)
- Effectively Resigning On – (Planned Date)
- Resignation Effective (Planned Date)
- Intent to Resign (Your Name) – (Planned Date)
- Resigning on (Planned Date); Thank You For The Opportunity To Work With You
- Will be Resigning Effective (Planned Date)
- Leaving My Post as a (Your Official Position) Effective (Planned Date)
Whatever you choose, make sure it's brief, and to the point so your employer knows what the email is about. This will let them know that you are resigning, and they can begin to process the paperwork.
What Is NOT a Good Subject Line for a Resignation Email?
Resigning is a big decision, and it should not be taken lightly. Regardless of the reasons for your departure, you should never vent your frustrations in the subject line of your resignation email. Bear in mind that all your paperwork, from the initial job application to the resignation email, will be available as a permanent record in your company's HR department or any HRM systems, so it's a good idea to keep it professional, positive, and polite.
To that end, it’s not a good idea to include an email subject for resignation along the lines of "I'm quitting" or "I'm done." Your employer might view this as disrespectful, and this could damage any chances you have of getting a good reference from them. Here are some other unsuitable resignation letter subject line examples:
- Quitting
- Can't Take the Bullshit Anymore
- Boss Is A Psycho
- I'm Outta Here
- Time To Move On
- Job Hunting
As with any business communication, always remember to thank your employer for the opportunity to have worked for them at the end of your email message.
How to Title a Resignation Email to Your Colleagues?
Your team is an important part of your work life, and you may want to say goodbye to them in person. If that's not possible, or if you are part of the growing percentage of remote workers, a resignation email would have to do. No matter which option you choose, here are some suitable resignation email subject lines for your team:
- Goodbye From (Your Name)
- Regarding my last day of work (Planned Date)
- It's Been a Privilege Working With You
- Thank You and Goodbye from (Your Name)
- Leaving the Company
- A Note of Farewell
- Thank You for the Opportunity to Be Part of Your Team
If you have been working with your team for a long time and have formed close relationships, you might want to be more personal. In that case, you could use a more casual resignation email subject line like:
- Signing Off!
- See you again very soon!
- As we bid adieu, Thank you!
- My Farewell Day.
Considering employee referrals increase the odds of getting you hired, it is in your best interest to leave the company on the best possible terms with everyone. You never know, at some point in your career, you might need a reference from one of your former colleagues. Thanking them can go a long way.
Final Tips on What to Write in Subject Line for Resignation Email
Regardless of which subject line for a resignation email you choose, remember to be professional and to the point. Also, if you're addressing the email to multiple people, make sure to do it accordingly and proofread your text message for typos and grammar errors when done. And finally, thank your employer for the opportunity to work with them and the valuable experience you’ve gained.
