How to Write a One-Week Notice Letter
While employers may prefer more advanced notice, a one-week resignation letter is sometimes the only option due to personal circumstances, such as family matters, health conditions, or an unexpected opportunity.
While short, this notice period still allows for a respectful transition and clear communication. The below steps will guide you in crafting a thoughtful one-week notice letter that helps you leave on good terms.
1. Contact Details & Salutation
Write your address and contact information at the top of your letter for your employer to reference. Include the date you send the letter and the employer’s information, such as their name, title, company, and company address.
Create a short salutation, such as “Dear Manager’s Name.” Include their last name with an honorific to show respect for their authority.
2. Final Day of Work
State your intention to resign in one week. Provide your final day of work for greater clarity.
3. Resignation Reason
Briefly explain why you chose to give seven days’ notice. Even though this short notice may not be ideal, a reason can give the employer more insight into your decision.
4. Statement of Appreciation
Express gratitude for the knowledge and experiences you’ve gained while working at the company. You may keep this expression of gratitude brief or emphasize that the employer is not the reason you’re leaving.
5. Willingness to Help
State your willingness to help. Even though your notice period is shorter than the traditional two-week notice, you can still offer to complete outstanding work, organize files, clean your workspace, document essential processes, and complete other transitional tasks as necessary.
6. Closing Remarks
Close the letter with a good-luck statement to your manager and the remaining team. Add a valediction and sign your name.
Considerations for Giving One Week’s Notice
While a one-week notice letter, rather than the standard two weeks’ notice letter, may be necessary in some cases, it can have a few important implications. For example, leaving on short notice may raise concerns with future employers, who could perceive it as a lack of reliability. To mitigate this challenge, be transparent with your current employer about your reasons for leaving early.
A shorter notice period may also make it difficult to complete ongoing projects or properly transition responsibilities. To address this, prioritize handing off key tasks, document important processes, and offer to assist in briefing a colleague who can take over your work.
Furthermore, a one-week notice period could affect your chances of returning to the same employer in the future. To maintain a positive relationship, express gratitude for the opportunity, leave on good terms, and offer to help with the transition.
Does a One-Week Notice Have Legal Implications?
At-will employees can usually give any amount of notice with no legal implications. If you’re under a contract, you may face financial penalties or legal action from your employer.
When It’s Acceptable to Give One Week’s Notice
Here are some scenarios when it may be acceptable to give one week’s notice:
- leaving a high-turnover job (which is typically easy for the employer to find a replacement)
- developing a sudden illness or injury that renders you unable to work
- dealing with a family emergency or another personal situation requires your quick attention
- being subject to unsafe or uncomfortable working conditions that the employer refuses to remedy
- starting a new position at a different company that requires you to start in one week
Resigning Due to Health & Stress
If you need to resign to take care of your well-being, use a resignation letter due to health and stress.
When You Should Give More Than One Week’s Notice
While one week’s notice may be sufficient in some situations, there are times when giving more notice is the right choice. Offering extra time shows professionalism, respect, and consideration for your employer’s needs. Here are some instances when you should consider providing more than one week’s notice.
1. You’re Resigning From a Managerial Role
Provide at least two weeks’ notice if you’re in a role that requires a high level of expertise or education. Locating a replacement can be challenging, so it’s ideal to give your employer as much notice as possible.
2. Your Focus Is on Relationship-Building
If you want to build a professional network, you should give at least two weeks’ notice to show that you value your employer’s time and resources. You may also increase your chances of receiving a positive reference.
3. You Have Prior Knowledge of Your Departure
Suppose you know you’ll need to resign from a company one month in advance. Instead of delaying the submission of your resignation, issue two weeks’ notice at the minimum.
Are You Retiring Instead of Resigning?
If you know you will retire within the next couple of months, consider writing a retirement resignation letter.
One Week Notice Letter Example
Here’s an example of a resignation letter from an employee who provides one week’s notice:
Collin Jenkins
21st Maple Street
Austin, TX 73301
(555) 877-8598
[email protected]
November 5, 2024
Alex Reid
Team Manager
Code Crafters, Inc.
1234 Innovation Way
Austin, TX 73301
Dear Alex Reid,
Please accept this letter as notice of my resignation from the position of Software Developer at Code Crafters, Inc., effective one week from today, November 12, 2024.
After thoughtful consideration, I have made the decision to resign from my position because I feel it’s time for a change.
I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities for growth and development that I’ve experienced at Code Crafters, Inc. Your guidance and support have been invaluable, and I’ll carry the lessons I’ve learned here with me throughout my career.
During the transition, I’m committed to ensuring a smooth handover of my responsibilities. I’ll remain available at [email protected] or (555) 877-8598 after my departure, should you need any further assistance.
I wish you and Code Crafters, Inc. continued success.
Sincerely,
Collin Jenkins
Sample One Week’s Notice Letter
Below, you can view a sample of a one week’s notice letter template.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my employer deny a one-week notice resignation letter?
No. An employer can’t legally deny a one-week notice letter from an at-will employee, as at-will employees have the right to resign at any time.
However, the employer can respond by terminating employment immediately instead of letting the employee work through the notice period.
Can my employer withhold pay if I quit with one week’s notice?
In most cases, an employer can’t legally withhold pay for the hours you worked, even if you only provide one week’s notice. Employees must receive payment for all work they perform up until their last day of employment. However, exceptions exist based on company policy, employment contracts, and specific circumstances.
Can my employer force me to work past my resignation date?
In most cases, an employer can’t legally force you to work past your resignation date. Once you submit your resignation, you can leave the job on the date you stated in the resignation letter.
However, your circumstances may differ if you’re under a contract. The contract may allow the employer to ensure you fulfill its terms, which may require you to stay until a certain date.
You can still choose not to work, but you may be subject to penalties for early termination of your contract.
Does a one-week resignation notice affect my benefits?
Depending on company policy, a one-week notice could impact your eligibility for certain benefits, such as paid time off or retirement contributions. Review your company’s policies and discuss any concerns with HR to ensure you fully understand how your resignation might affect your benefits.
