23 Best Resignation Email Subject Lines to Keep Exits Professional

This subject is straightforward. Use this format if company structure is important, or when sending a resignation email to a general HR inbox.

Expressing gratitude shows respect for the time spent together, the mentorship provided, and the work accomplished.

Use this polite line when leaving on good terms or when you want to maintain a relationship for future references.

Type: Formal

Leaders often appreciate collaboration during exits, and this subject line invites conversation without pressure.

You keep the doors open for further dialogue while remaining honest.

The wording suits situations where timing, notice periods, or handover plans need discussion.

Type: Professional, Formal, Resignation

This line maintains a respectful, calm, and professional tone. Use it when the relationship remains positive and professional or when future references matter.

Type: Professional / Role-Specific

Tone: Respectful, Contextual

This subject line is effective when the departure involves team changes or leadership updates. Readers immediately understand the scope, impact, and relevance before opening the message.

Resignation Email Example:

Dear [Manager’s Name],

This message serves as formal notice of resignation from the Senior Support Manager role, with the last working day set for [Date].

Over the next few weeks, I will focus on ensuring a smooth transition, completing documentation, and supporting the team.

Please share the next steps in the transition process.

Kind regards,
[Your Full Name]

Type: Professional / Leadership

Tone: Responsible, Reassuring

This resignation subject line suits for senior roles, long tenures, or cross-functional roles where continuity is important.

Type: HR / Compliance

Tone: Direct, Time-Bound

This subject line is appropriate when dates matter more than sentiment. Including the last working day eliminates back-and-forth communication and ensures that the resignation email complies with the notice policy.

Type: Professional / Formal

Tone: Clear, Neutral

Use this subject line when clarity matters more than warmth. Managers, HR teams, and legal reviewers scan inboxes quickly, so a direct resignation subject line helps avoid confusion and delays.

The wording here also signals seriousness.

It’s perfect for structured environments, regulated industries, and short notice periods.

Type: Company-wide, Appreciation, Closing Note

This goodbye subject line works in larger organizations, where your email might reach both close colleagues and acquaintances.

Use it when you want the subject line to also serve as a summary of the message.

Type: Farewell, Appreciation, Team-Oriented

This is for the person who wishes to honor the team more than the position.

Focusing on gratitude makes people pause before archiving and invites genuine responses.

Be specific. Reference your job title in the subject so that people don’t have to read the entire email to find out which position will be vacant.

This is ideal for larger companies or fast-growing startups since roles shift quickly. This is especially useful for internal teams, project-based contracts, and roles with lots of overlap.

Type: Networking, Forward-Looking, Friendly

Many professionals end roles but carry relationships onward. Including “LinkedIn” or contact details signals an open door. And there is nothing wrong with that.

In fact, I’m still in touch with most of my former colleagues and use those connections to promote my new employer’s products. 🙂

Type: Professional

Tone: Clear, concise, respectful

The phrase “Resignation Effective [Date]” clearly communicates your intent and timeline at a glance.

Since you are leaving a corporate role, your manager needs to alert payroll, IT, and HR. This subject line informs each team of the start date of the change.

Tips to Use

• Add your last working day inside the body for confirmation.
• Send from your work address to ensure authenticity.
• Avoid filler like “kindly.” The date already shows respect.

Tone: Warm, appreciative

Most of us love receiving gratitude emails. “Farewell” signals closure, and “[your name]” personalizes the topic.

Use case: You are a long-tenured employee who wants to leave the door open for future collaboration.

Tips to Use

• Keep tone upbeat even if reasons are negative.
• Reference one highlight from your tenure in the body.

Tone: Serious, discreet

Starting with “Private” warns HR not to forward the note. HR teams receive many emails each day, and this phrase cuts through the noise while keeping legal guardrails intact.

Tone: Direct, serious

“Immediate” sits next to “Resignation” to underscore the urgency of the situation. The term “personal reasons” also sets boundaries and reduces gossip, keeping the focus on transition tasks instead of speculation.

Tips to Use

• Offer a short apology line in the body.
• Provide emergency contact information for any critical follow-ups.

Type: Friendly

Tone: Warm, reflective

The line strikes a balance between movement (“Moving On”) and gratitude. It’s a good subject line if you are leaving a startup and want to keep connections lively.

Tips to Use

• Add a LinkedIn link inside to maintain network ties.
• Limit the email list to close collaborators.

Tone: Candid, gentle

This line shows sincerity. Perfect if you had a good time with your colleagues or the company.

Tips to Use

• Add a one-sentence memory in the opening.
• Close with an invitation for future collaboration.

Tone: Upbeat, forward-looking

“Celebrating” sparks curiosity while “Effective [Date]” grounds logistics. Together, they signal that change equals progress, not conflict.

Tips to Use

• Share one growth lesson in the body.
• Suggest a wrap-up lunch if culture allows.

Tone: Optimistic, connective

Many industries cycle talent. This subject line hints at the potential for employees to return, which eases the resentment that sometimes arises during the exit process.

Tips to Use

• State one upcoming project where partnership could fit.
• Offer your personal email for quick outreach.

Tone: Orderly, proactive

“Project Handoff” lives right beside “Resignation,” offering immediate benefit.

Tips to Use

• Attach a concise Gantt chart if possible.
• Highlight blockers clearly.

Tone: Apologetic, concise

“Short Notice” sets expectations for urgency while “Last Working Day” gives a clear endpoint. Pairing both reduces follow-up questions.

Tips to Use

• Offer weekend availability for knowledge transfer.
• Express regret briefly; do not over-explain.

Tone: Flexible, factual

“Stepping Down” feels softer than “Quitting.” It encourages conversation about alternative arrangements instead of a quick goodbye.

Use case: You just became a parent and need reduced hours.

Tips to Use

• Propose a temporary trial period.
• Outline coverage plan for peak days.