How to Retract a Resignation Letter

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You thought you wanted to leave your job, so you submitted a resignation letter, but then—wait! You want your job back. Unfortunately, you need to make that resignation letter disappear. Begin by drafting a letter retracting your resignation. [1] Once that is written, schedule a meeting with your boss or Human Resources. There’s no guarantee that your employer will let you stay, but you’ll increase your odds dramatically if you remain professional and focused.

Resignation Retraction Letter Template

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Writing Your Retraction Letter

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  1. Set up it up as a standard business letter , using a legible font such as Times New Roman 12 point. Address your letter to the person who received your resignation letter. This could be your direct supervisor or Human Resources. [2]
    • Remember that business letters are set up using block-style paragraphing. You don’t indent between paragraphs but instead leave an extra blank line.
  2. The first paragraph should get right to the point: say you want to retract your resignation letter because circumstances have changed. Mention the date of your resignation letter.
    • For example, you can write, “I am writing to retract my previous resignation letter, dated May 22, 2017.”
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  3. In the second paragraph, you can go into more detail about why you have changed your mind. Be careful. You shouldn’t admit that a job offer fell through. Instead, state generally that you realize what a good fit the job is for you. [3] You don’t have to say a lot in the letter, because you can explain further when you meet in person.
    • For example, you can write, “This job has given me many opportunities to expand my knowledge base and develop my skills. I can assure you that the company will benefit if I can stay.”
    • You might want to retract your resignation because your boss made a counteroffer. For example, they might have offered a bigger salary or more responsibility. If so, include the details in your letter and say you accept them.
  4. In the third and final paragraph, you should boost your manager’s overall opinion of you by writing positively about the company. Express gratitude for your experience and what you have learned.
    • For example, you can write, “I look forward to continuing to work here at Acme Consulting and apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you very much for your consideration and understanding.” [4]
    • Include “Sincerely,” and then type and sign your name.
  5. You should send the letter as soon as possible, preferably no more than two days after submitting your resignation. Keep a copy of the letter for your records.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Talking to Your Boss

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  1. The key is to talk to your boss soon after submitting the letter. If you have a casual office, then drop in and ask to talk. However, schedule a meeting if your office is more formal. Tell the secretary that it is an emergency.
    • Have a copy of your resignation letter with you in case your boss can’t find it.
  2. You’re feeling all kinds of nerves, which is natural. Fortunately, you don’t have to say a lot. Open the conversation by saying you really want to stay at the company and would like to retract your resignation.
  3. Your boss might already have started advertising to replace you. Or they might have asked a more junior person in the company to step up and replace you. By backing out now, you’re throwing a wrench in a lot of people’s plans. Say you’re sorry.
    • For example, you might say, “I know this is a real inconvenience, but I’d love to continue working here.”
  4. Your resignation might have come out of nowhere like a thunderclap. You also might have resigned in a huff and not fully explained your decision. Expect plenty of questions about why you resigned in the first place. Everyone’s circumstances are different, but you should remember the following tips:
    • Emphasize things that are easy to fix first. For example, you might have wanted to leave for more professional development opportunities. If you’re a good employee, a current employer might be able to help you with that.
    • Be honest but professional. You might be struggling with a coworker or a direct supervisor. Acknowledge as much, but remain tactful. “Janine and I have different communication styles, which has been apparent over the past six months” is better than, “I absolutely hate my boss, Janine.”
  5. You might want to retract your resignation because your next job fell through. This is a terrible thing to acknowledge to your boss. It’ll look like you really don’t want to work there but are forced to. For this reason, keep this information to yourself.
    • If your boss asks you if you have another job offer, you can always say “no” if the offer fell through. You’re being honest.
  6. Emphasize the things you like about your job and how you realize your current job is a good fit. If you resigned in an eruption of anger, explain that you’ve cooled off and realize that there isn’t a better job for you out there.
    • For example, you can say, “I was just angry when I resigned. I see now that the problems I have with Janine can be fixed easily and there’s no better place for me to grow than here.”
  7. Ideally, your boss will immediately say you can stay. Nevertheless, be prepared to sell yourself. Emphasize how dedicated you are to the company and explain how keeping you will benefit the business. [5]
    • For example, you can say, “I know that training someone for that position will take a lot of time, and this is a critical moment for the company right now. I want to stay to help us through the transition.”
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Dealing with the Aftermath

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  1. Your boss might need some time to think over whether to accept your retraction. Also, you might have given a two weeks’ notice, so you still need to work regardless of their decision. During this time, perform at your highest level. Show up to work early and complete all assignments before they are due.
    • Also volunteer to help out other people. You really want to show your boss that you are dedicated to the job.
  2. With luck, your boss will welcome you back with open arms. Make sure to express your gratitude and do your best work going forward. If you resigned because you had problems with a coworker or supervisor, make a good faith effort to repair those relationships.
  3. Word might have gotten out that you resigned and are trying to get your job back. Don’t feed the trolls. Always remain upbeat and answer any coworker questions in a vague way. Soon enough they will move onto something else to gossip about.
  4. , if necessary. Remember that your boss doesn’t have to keep you after you’ve submitted your written resignation. [6] Try not to take rejection personally. For example, several weeks might have passed between your resignation and retraction, and your employer might have already promoted someone to your position. They might feel awkward keeping you.
    • Refuse to badmouth your boss or anyone else in the company. Instead, always speak positively of your experience while working there.
  5. [7] You might be in a tight financial position without a job. Increase your odds of landing something quickly by using all available resources, such as your state’s employment office.
    • Start the process by updating your resume and asking your network if they know of any jobs available.
    • You might need to use your employer as a reference. Be sure to get their permission before you leave.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I withdraw a resignation letter?
    Katherine Kirkinis, Ed.M., MA
    Career Coach & Psychotherapist
    Katherine Kirkinis is a Career Coach and Psychotherapist who has served as a career expert for Forbes, Medium, Best Life, and Working Mother Magazine, and as a diversity and inclusion expert for ATTN and Quartz. She specializes in working with issues of career, identity, and indecision. She has doctoral-level training in career counseling and career assessment and has worked with hundreds of clients to make career decisions through career assessments. She is pursuing a doctoral degree at The University of Albany, SUNY where her work focuses on diversity and inclusion, racism in the workplace, and racial identity. She is a published author and has been featured in academic journals as well as popular media outlets. Her research has been presented at 10+ national APA conferences since 2013.
    Katherine Kirkinis, Ed.M., MA
    Career Coach & Psychotherapist
    Expert Answer
    To start, you'll need to write a retraction letter. In this letter, you should briefly state why you've changed your mind and have decided to stay.
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  • Question
    If I mentioned that I wanted to resign, but never wrote a resignation letter, can I legally change my mind?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Since you didn't write the resignation letter, you have not formally resigned.
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  • Question
    How can I write a letter asking for my job back after a bad experience with a manager?
    Community Answer
    First, be very polite and respectful in the letter. Explain why your actions were wrong and what you will do in the future to prevent further negative experiences with your manager, and then ask if they would consider rehiring you on a probationary basis.
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      References

      1. ↑ Katherine Kirkinis, Ed.M., MA. Career Coach & Psychotherapist. Expert Interview. 14 October 2020.
      2. ↑ https://www.thehrdigest.com/how-to-retract-a-resignation/
      3. ↑ Katherine Kirkinis, Ed.M., MA. Career Coach & Psychotherapist. Expert Interview. 14 October 2020.
      4. ↑ https://www.thehrdigest.com/how-to-retract-a-resignation/
      5. ↑ http://www.careerfaqs.com.au/careers/resignation-tips-and-templates/oops-i-dont-really-want-to-resign
      6. ↑ https://www.thehrdigest.com/how-to-retract-a-resignation/
      7. ↑ https://www.thehrdigest.com/how-to-retract-a-resignation/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Retracting a resignation letter can be tough, but by staying professional and getting straight to the point, you can increase your chances of keeping your job. Write a business-style letter to your boss or human resources department to retract your resignation. You should clearly say in the first paragraph that you wish to withdraw your resignation, and provide a credible explanation for why you want to do so. For example, if another job has fallen through, you might write that you've realized how much you enjoy working for the company. That way, it won't appear as though you're being forced to stay in your job. After you send your letter, contact your boss to set up a face-to-face meeting. This will show them that you’re determined to stay. At the meeting, tell them that you want to stay at the company and apologize for any inconvenience you have caused. For tips on how to respond if your boss refuses to let you stay, keep reading!

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