A two-week resignation notice is an ethical way to leave a job and keep on good terms with your company. Some businesses require a written two-week notice, so check your employee handbook or contract for specific policies when you’re planning to submit a formal departure letter.
What to Include in Your Notice Letter
- Your Contact Information: Your address and current phone number.
- The Date of the Letter: The date you submit your job exit notice.
- Your Last Day: Your last day of work, two weeks from the date you send your notice.
- Company Address and Recipient’s Name: The company address and the name of the person receiving the letter.
- Reason for Resignation: A simple sentence or paragraph stating your reason for leaving.
- Statement of Gratitude: A note expressing your appreciation for your time with the company.
- Formal Closing: A respectful sign-off to conclude your resignation letter.
When Is a Two-Week Notice Appropriate?
Two-week notices are typically expected for most professional roles to allow for a smooth transition. However, some positions, particularly in management or specialized roles, may require longer notice. Always consult your contract or resignation timeline requirements before finalizing.
Tips for Writing a Two-Week Notice
When you start your two-week notice letter, keep the following tips in mind.
- State Your Intent to Resign: Clearly state your intent to resign without ambiguity. Make it evident this is your two-week resignation notice.
- Review Company Resignation Policy: Even in “at-will” states, your contract may require two weeks’ notice or more to qualify for certain benefits or bonuses. Double-check before finalizing your letter.
- Keep It Brief: If your employer knows you’re leaving, they likely understand the reasons. If they don’t, they can ask for more details. Avoid discussing them in your two-week notice.
- Keep It Positive: Politely say goodbye and express gratitude for the opportunity. Avoid using your notice to express grievances—maintain professionalism and avoid burning bridges.
How to Write a Two-Week Notice?
Your two-week notice letter should be professionally written and contain only the information regarding your departure from the company.
Your Address
This should include your current address and contact information. Your employer may need to send you tax documents or your final paycheck, so the address should be current.
Date of Letter
The letter should be dated the day you sent it. If you delay sending your notice for some reason, redate both the letter and your last date of employment.
Company Address
The company address should include the recipient’s name and address. If that is your manager or direct report, include their title and office, for instance, “Joe Smith, Regional Manager, C-208.”
If you send copies to others in the office, add their names with the legend “cc.”
Opening Paragraph
Your opening paragraph should be concise. Introduce yourself, the position you’re resigning from, and your final date of employment. Be sure to say this is a two-week resignation, two weeks from the date on the letter.
Example
Dear Mr. Smith,
I am writing to formally announce my resignation from my position as Marketing Coordinator at ABC Corporation. My last day will be two weeks from today, on November 18, 2024.
Explain Your Reason(s)
Some online templates may offer you preprinted responses. If these align with your reason for resigning, use them. If you want to add your own, do so. Remember, shorter is better. All you need to say is you’re leaving to “focus on personal matters” that need your attention. There’s no reason to delve into your issues.
If you’re not leaving on the best of terms, a preselected answer may be better than anything you may write. “Leaving to pursue other opportunities” is enough.
Example
I have decided to resign to focus on personal matters that require my full attention. This decision allows me to address them while also considering my future career path.
Express Gratitude and Ensure a Smooth Transition
Always say thank you for the opportunity and the things you have learned with the company. Offer to assist in training a replacement or leaving guidelines for whoever takes over your duties.
Some business experts suggest being available after you leave to answer questions or help with any transitions. Use your best judgment about giving your company permission to call you after you leave.
Example
I want to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunities and experiences I’ve had at ABC Corporation. I am especially thankful for the support from my colleagues and management team.
To help with the transition, I am more than willing to assist in training my replacement or to provide any documentation that might ease their transition. Please feel free to reach out if there is anything specific I can do to make this change as seamless as possible.
End with a Formal Salutation
Professional letters end professionally. “Yours truly” or “Sincerely yours” is a good sign-off.
Two Weeks Notice Sample
This two-week notice template, available in PDF or Word format, contains all the above language to help you write your resignation letter:
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Send a Two Weeks’ Notice Letter?
You should send it to your immediate manager or direct report. You can send it via email or through company mail if you prefer, although be careful about anything that goes through email, since too many people hit “reply all” without paying attention.
As with other issues involving your resignation, check your company policy to see who should receive your resignation. It may be that HR needs a copy as well, or that you should send it to HR instead of your manager.
Can an Employer Reject a Two-Week Notice?
An employer cannot reject your two-week notice and make you stay. Even if you are on contract and must work through a specific date, in the United States, you cannot be required to work if you don’t want to.
However, your employer can take your notice and order you to leave the premises immediately. If your contract specifies you must work through a certain date and you try to leave early, you may be liable for the time remaining. If your company policy requires more than two weeks, you may lose certain benefits you might have had from resigning.
What Not to Include in a Two-Week Notice?
Some things you should never include in a two-week notice include:
- Inappropriate language. Don’t use foul language, emotional statements, or threats. Keep it professional and low-key.
- Complaints about co-workers or management. If you have an exit interview or review, you may be asked about your fellow employees then, but never put it in writing.
- Office gossip. Again, keep it professional. Leaving the company is not the time to be sharing water cooler gossip.
Double-check all the dates and addresses in your resignation letter, especially if you have a new job and your start date depends on your exit date. If you need to change days for any reason, be sure you change all dates, the date on the letter and your exit date.
Have someone proofread your letter. It is short, but it is a very important letter. You don’t want the name of the company or your manager misspelled.