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Resignation Letter During Probation

Realized in the first few months that a job isn't right for you? Resigning during probation is common and nothing to be ashamed of. This template is short, honest and polite, and it points to the probation notice in your appointment letter, which is often shorter than the regular one.

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[Your Name]

[Your Email] · [Your Phone]

[Date]

[Manager's Name]
[Company Name]

Dear [Manager's Name],

Please accept this letter as notice that I am resigning from my role as [Your Job Title] at [Company Name]. My last working day will be [Last Working Day, as per probation notice].

After careful thought, I've realized that this role isn't the right fit for me at this stage of my career, and I think it's fairer to you and the team to say so now, while I'm still on probation.

As per my appointment letter, I'll serve the notice period that applies during probation. Before I leave, I'll hand over everything I'm working on and document what I've set up, so nothing is left half done.

Thank you for the chance to join [Company Name] and for the time you and the team have spent training me. I'm sorry it didn't work out, and I'm grateful for what I've learned.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Template · fill in the [bracketed] parts

Copy the template

[Your Name]
[Your Email] | [Your Phone]

[Date]
[Manager's Name]
[Company Name]

Subject: Resignation – [Your Job Title]

Dear [Manager's Name],

Please accept this letter as notice that I am resigning from my role as [Your Job Title] at [Company Name]. My last working day will be [Last Working Day, as per probation notice].

After careful thought, I've realized that this role isn't the right fit for me at this stage of my career, and I think it's fairer to you and the team to say so now, while I'm still on probation.

As per my appointment letter, I'll serve the notice period that applies during probation. Before I leave, I'll hand over everything I'm working on and document what I've set up, so nothing is left half done.

Thank you for the chance to join [Company Name] and for the time you and the team have spent training me. I'm sorry it didn't work out, and I'm grateful for what I've learned.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Replace every [bracketed] part before sending. Check your contract for your notice period.

Tips before you send it

  1. 01

    Read the probation clause

    Appointment letters often set a separate, shorter notice during probation, but the terms vary a lot. Read yours before you pick a last day.

  2. 02

    Talk to your manager first

    Have a short, honest conversation before you write. Sometimes the problem, like the team, the shift or the type of work, can be fixed.

  3. 03

    Make the reason about fit, not blame

    "Not the right fit" is true and complete. Listing what went wrong rarely helps, and this letter stays in your file.

  4. 04

    Check what you might owe

    Joining bonuses, relocation support or training costs sometimes have to be repaid if you leave early. Look for a clawback or bond clause.

The letter, part by part

The notice line

The first paragraph is the formal notice: your role, the company and your last day. Work the date out from the probation notice in your appointment letter, not the longer notice that applies after confirmation.

An honest, short reason

Saying the role "isn't the right fit at this stage of my career" is honest without blaming anyone. Adding that it's fairer to say so now shows you've thought about the team, not only yourself.

Notice and handover

The letter refers to the appointment letter instead of naming a number of days, so it stays correct even if you've misread the terms. Then it promises a handover. A few months in, there may not be much, but document whatever you've started.

Thanks for the training

New joiners take up time from managers and colleagues. Acknowledging that, and saying you're sorry it didn't work out, keeps the relationship decent and makes a reference more likely.

What to leave out

Complaints, comparisons with a new offer and long explanations. If there's a serious problem, like harassment or unpaid salary, raise it separately with HR in writing rather than in this letter.

Other ways to word it

Accepted a better-fit offer

I've received an offer that's closer to the work I want to do in the long term, and after a lot of thought I've decided to accept it. I know I've only been here a short time, and I'm grateful for the welcome and training I've had.

Role differs from the offer

The day-to-day work has turned out to be quite different from what we discussed when I joined, and I don't think I can do my best work in it. I'd rather tell you honestly now than let it affect the team.

Family circumstances

Due to a change in my family circumstances, I'm unable to continue in this role. I'm sorry to leave so soon after joining, and I'm thankful for the understanding you've shown me.

Going back to study

I've been offered a seat in the [course name] program starting in [Month], and I've decided to take it. I'm sorry to leave during my probation, and I appreciate everything the team has taught me in these few weeks.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Using the wrong notice period

    Giving the post-confirmation notice when your probation notice is shorter, or the other way round, causes confusion over your last day and final pay. Read the probation clause specifically.

  • Blaming the manager or team

    Even if it's fair, a letter full of complaints sits in your file and makes a good reference unlikely.

  • Walking out without notice

    Stopping work without notice, even in the first month, can cost you a relieving letter and show up in background checks. Serve the short notice.

  • Forgetting the clawback

    If you took a joining bonus or relocation money, find out what you'd have to repay before you resign, not after.

Key takeaways

  • Resigning during probation is normal; keep the letter short and honest.
  • Use the probation notice in your appointment letter, not the regular one.
  • Say the role isn't the right fit, without blaming anyone.
  • Check for joining-bonus or training-cost clawbacks first.

Questions

Is it bad to resign during probation?
No. Probation exists so both sides can check the fit. Leaving early and politely is better than staying in a job that won't work for you.
How much notice do I give during probation?
Whatever your appointment letter or contract says for the probation period. It's often shorter than the regular notice, but check your own terms rather than assuming.
Should a short job go on my resume?
If it lasted only a few weeks, many people leave it off. If it was several months, include it and be ready to explain in one sentence why it wasn't a fit.
Will I still get a reference or relieving letter?
Usually yes, once you've served the probation notice and completed the exit process. Ask HR to confirm in writing what they'll provide, such as a reference, or in India a relieving letter.
Do I have to repay my joining bonus?
Only if your offer letter or a separate agreement says so. Read the clawback terms and ask HR for the amount in writing before your last day.
What if my employer asks me to leave immediately?
Some employers prefer to release people on probation straight away. Ask whether you'll be paid for the notice days, and get the agreed last day in writing.

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