How to Write a Forced Resignation Letter (With a Template and Examples)

When to write a forced resignation letter

When you are asked to leave your job, it can be difficult to write a forced resignation letter, but it is an essential step to take. Despite conflicting emotions, think about writing this letter to part ways with your company amicably and provide your side of the story.

Although employers may make workers leave in response to a particular incident or performance result, some workers may also leave because they can no longer afford or need their job. It might have more to do with management and budgets than it might with the employees’ performance. In these situations, you can later write a forced resignation to demonstrate that you had no choice in the matter and to express appreciation for your time working for the company.

Not all employers offer their staff the opportunity to leave before terminating their employment. Employers provide forced resignation so that workers can find a new job more quickly. In this manner, prospective employers can see that the employee left their previous job amicably. The employee gains from quitting because they have more control over their remaining working days. Use a letter of forced resignation to leave a job in a professional manner and to advance your career.

What is a forced resignation letter?

A letter of forced resignation serves as a formal notice that you are quitting your job. This letter serves as an opportunity for you to express your viewpoint while outlining the reasons the company made you resign. Despite the circumstances, a forced resignation letter should be formal and polite.

How to write a forced resignation letter

You may not agree with an employer’s decision to force you to resign. Keep in mind that businesses fire employees every day, and that this experience does not define your career. Instead, take the opportunity to learn what you could do better or what qualities to look for in a future employer. Write a letter of forced resignation reflecting on your time there and attempting to leave with a positive outlook for the future.

Here are some guidelines for writing a letter of forced resignation:

1. State when you will end your employment.

Declare your intention to resign and the date of your last day at the start of your resignation letter. Employees who are forced to resign frequently quit their jobs right away.

2. Explain why the company forced you to resign.

Then, include the reason your supervisor gave you when discussing your termination from employment, along with the fact that the company forced you to resign from your position. This will help employers avoid any discrepancies upon your resignation.

3. Share your point of view.

You might think your employer has no good reason for making you resign, but Explain why you believe their choice was flawed in this instance. For instance, you might believe that management did not clearly define your obligations. You could also claim that the employer did not give you enough time to strengthen your efforts. You should attempt to be as objective as you can while still expressing your opinion.

If you feel that your forced resignation is appropriate, use your letter of forced resignation to express regret. Describe your lack of compliance with the company’s standards and how you can do better going forward. You can advance professionally and find a job that better utilizes your skills by using this forced resignation as a learning opportunity.

4. Include your unfinished tasks.

When a company forces a worker to leave, they frequently request that the termination take effect right away. In this situation, you may have some unfinished tasks. Provide the employer with a list of any tasks you were unable to complete in your letter as a courtesy. They will value your honesty, which could be advantageous when you apply for new jobs. .

5. List what the company still owes you.

If you need instructions to switch your retirement funds with the company or if you have unused paid time off, be sure to mention it in your letter to your employer.

6. Be professional and civil.

Even in difficult circumstances, it’s best to conduct yourself professionally and civilly when terminating your employment. This helps you advance in your career and preserves your good reputation. It usually works in your favor if you need a recommendation for your next job because the company is more likely to remember you as a courteous employee.

Forced resignation letter template

The format of a letter of forced resignation is similar to that of a standard resignation letter. Here is a sample letter of forced resignation you can use:

[Date]

[Address line]

[Statement of resignation and last day of work]

[Reason for resignation]

[Statement of gratitude]

[Next steps]

[Closing and signature]

Forced resignation letter examples

Writing a forced resignation letter properly ensures that you leave a job on the best terms possible. You have the opportunity to express your viewpoint at this time, and doing so might make your employer more sympathetic to your predicament.

You can use the following two samples of professional forced resignation letters as examples when you create your own:

Forced resignation due to a specific event

January 3, 2020

Dear Mr. Hernandez,

I am sorry to announce that I have decided to leave my position as marketing manager at Advertising, Inc. My last day of employment will be January 4, 2020. .

Management suggested that I resign from my position at the company due to an unanticipated backlash to the company’s marketing campaign from the previous quarter. I am disappointed in how things turned out, but I recognize that Advertising, Inc is looking to reform its marketing efforts going forward.

I am grateful for my time here. This job has made it easier for me to identify my strengths and areas for development. In my future endeavors, I’ll apply what I learned from being a marketing manager.

The business still owes me 24 hours of paid time off from when I resigned. I’ve already discussed this with the human resources department, and they will include the corresponding payment in my final paycheck. The marketing team will handle all of my client correspondence and develop a strategy to continue without me.

I appreciate the chance, and I wish the business nothing but success.

Sincerely,

Colton Barr

Forced resignation due to budget cuts

May 15, 2019

Dear Mrs. Green,

I am resigning from my position as the head custodian at West Hills High School due to my displeasure. My decision to end my employment will be effective immediately.

Although I enjoyed my time at West Hills High School, the school system can no longer pay for my salary due to budget cuts. I wish we could have come to an agreement that allowed me to advance in my career, but it seems like the situation will prevent that from happening. I must leave this job and will look for new employment elsewhere as a result.

I’m grateful that I spent the last five years at West Hills High School. The students were respectful, and the staff was friendly. I will miss every single person I have interacted with while working.

I accept the severance package the superintendent has offered me. My current responsibilities will be covered by the other custodians until the school finds a way to make up for the budget cuts.

Best,

Linda Michaels

How to deal with forced resignation in your work

FAQ

How do you write a forced resignation letter?

1. State when you will end your employment.
2. Explain why the company forced you to resign.
3. Share your point of view.
4. Include your unfinished tasks.
5. List what the company still owes you.
6. Be professional and civil.

What is a forced resignation called?

Constructive discharge is a term used to refer to an employee’s involuntary resignation in the US. There isn’t a single federal or state law that specifically prohibits constructive dismissal.

Can a resignation be forced?

An employee who resigns from their job against their will under pressure from managers, supervisors, or board members has engaged in a forced resignation. Forced resignations differ from traditional resignations in that the employee does not choose to leave their position.

How do you announce a forced resignation?

1. Direct the announcement appropriately. …
2. Get to the point. …
3. Include the departure date. …
4. If appropriate, include the circumstances of the employee’s departure. …
5. Discuss the next steps. …
6. Invite your team to a farewell event, if applicable.