How to Retract a Resignation Letter

Co-authored by Katherine Kirkinis, Ed.M., MA

Last Updated: February 11, 2023 References

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]
X
Expert Source

Katherine Kirkinis, Ed.M., MA
Career Coach & Psychotherapist
Expert Interview. 14 October 2020.} 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.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Writing Your Retraction Letter

1
Format your letter. 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]
X
Research source}
- 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
Come right out and say you want to stay. 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.”^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
Advertisement
3
Explain why. 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.^{[4]
X
Expert Source

Katherine Kirkinis, Ed.M., MA
Career Coach & Psychotherapist
Expert Interview. 14 October 2020.} 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
End on a positive note. 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.”^{[5]
  X
  Research source}
- Include “Sincerely,” and then type and sign your name.
5
Submit the letter quickly. 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.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Talking to Your Boss

1
Schedule a meeting ASAP. 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
Say you want to stay. 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
Apologize. 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
Explain why you resigned. 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.^{[6]
X
Research source} 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
Know which information to leave out. You might want to retract your resignation because your next job fell through. This is a terrible thing to acknowledge to your boss.^{[7]
X
Research source} 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
Explain why you want to stay. 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
Demonstrate your dedication. 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.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- 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.”

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Dealing with the Aftermath

1
Continue to work hard. 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
Show gratitude if you’re allowed to stay. 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
Avoid gossip. 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
Leave with grace, if necessary. Remember that your boss doesn’t have to keep you after you’ve submitted your written resignation.^{[9]
X
Research source} 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
Start your job search quickly.^{[10]
X
Research source} 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.

Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

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

Support wikiHow by unlocking this 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.
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.
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.