How to Give Two Weeks’ Notice (With Examples)

Giving two weeks of notice is a formal step in the process as an employee and should be taken with thought.

Here are some points and examples to remember when giving your employer that heads up:

Lisa Philyaw, M.S.

Lisa Philyaw

Founder and Career Confidence Coach, Beliefseed | Master’s in Industrial Organizational Psychology

Giving notice can create feelings of fear, overwhelm, guilt, and anxiety. These feelings can be so intense that they stop us from actually giving two weeks’ notice. We may even end up continuing a job we plan on leaving, coming up with excuses as to why we are there.

For example:

  • “I don’t want to leave them in a lurch.”
  • “I’ll wait until after things settle down.”
  • “Let me just finish these projects first.”

Sometimes we don’t even realize we’re doing it – we believe our own excuses, unaware of the fact that the real reason we haven’t left is we are avoiding the discomfort that we imagine comes with giving notice.

This hesitancy to give notice is not unusual, but this doesn’t mean we can’t move past it. Before thinking about how (format, what to say, when to say it, etc.), you need to get yourself in a more supportive, energetic space. This may sound woo – and it is – but it will help. And it starts with a reality check.

Realize the company will be fine without you

This seems harsh, but we need to acknowledge this so you can drop your stories of self-importance and instead pursue the next phase of your life. Because if you want to leave, then your company doesn’t want you to stay. They want someone who wants to be there.

They will be better off with someone who truly desires the role. You are unique and incredible, yes, but they will move on. Delaying the two weeks’ notice is like delaying a breakup. Stop dragging them along and set the company (and yourself) free.

Start by knowing they’ll be okay. You’ll be okay. It’s not a harsh breakup. It’s simply the mark of a relationship that is now complete. You’re not quitting; you’re marking the completion of your time at that company.

Realize this is the truth, and it frees you (and them) to pursue the next phase of your career and life.

Get grounded in your energy

Before saying or sending any notice out, you want to be centered on your intention. You don’t want to reactively send your notice from a place of anger or fear.

Sometimes we do this because we think we have to in order to light a fire under ourselves that is strong enough to compel us to action. And while this gets the task done, it feels awful and is often followed up with more discomfort and regret how we handled it.

There is a calmer way. It requires that you slow down, get grounded in yourself, and be calm to clearly articulate your notice. How do you do this? First, clear the way. In a private place, write down or yell out (whichever resonates more with you) all your thoughts about giving notice.

The good, the bad, the ugly — get it all out so it’s not in you.

This releases some of the emotion and energy so you can be more clear. Then, breathe deep, slow, exhale out. This gets you out of your mind drama and helps you access your intuition and inner wisdom. Don’t let the mind lead; let the soul speak – and deep exhales help you drop into it so you can access your inner soul-guided wisdom.

Now, you are likely feeling calm, centered, and serene. From this energy, ask yourself, what is it you want to convey, and how do you want to convey it? Write your response down. This will draft your structure and approach, so you’re ready for the next step.

Create your two weeks’ notice

You’ve had a chance to check in with yourself about what you want to say and how you want to say it. Now it’s time to officially craft it. Do this in writing so you can see it and react to it. You’ll be writing this to your direct boss, so have them in mind as you write.

Now from your centered place, write what comes. As you structure this, you want to be direct. Share that you are leaving right away so that it doesn’t get lost in your message. Then if you want to elaborate as to your reason, you can, but know this is not required and will depend on your specific relationship with your boss.

You never have to give a reason, and you could simply state you’re leaving, thank them for the time, and give your leave date. Always be honest – never feign anything in your message to try and soften the note. You want to write what is true to you, but from that place of calm serenity so that you don’t have any regrets about what you write.

Remember: being honest doesn’t mean you fill your note with complaints, frustrations, or insults either. I also recommend you propose the next step to keep the process moving.

Here is an example:

[Manager’s Name],

After much consideration, I have decided to leave [Company Name].

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in this role, and thank you and [other names as relevant] for the amazing memories together. I will look back on this time fondly in appreciation and gratitude.

Please consider this my official two weeks’ notice, making [date] my last day of work.

I will outline a transition plan, and we can review it together at our next 1:1 to ensure the transition is as easy as possible for all.

Thank you again and let me know what else would be helpful to have from me,

[Your Name]

Here is another:

[Manager’s Name],

I have decided [date] will be my last day.

It is my goal to make this transition as seamless as possible for you, the company, and our clients.

To help with this, let’s set up a meeting to discuss the next steps and how to delegate each project. I have some ideas on how this could work that I’ll share with you when we meet. If this sounds like a good next step for you, then let me know some times that work well for your schedule.

Thanks,

[Your Name]

Finally, it’s time to give your notice

You’ve crafted your note. Now it’s time to communicate it. Suppose you have a strong relationship with your boss and you’re in frequent verbal communication with them. In that case, I recommend doing this first verbally before sending them an official note (in person if you meet with them regularly, over the phone if you aren’t able to see them easily).

This is more personal and lets you talk through some of the logistics. Since you’ve already structured your letter, you’ll already be clear on how you want to share your news, and you can use that to guide your verbal conversation.

Then once that is done, let them know you’ll email them the official notice.

This is important for HR purposes, so you’ll want to be sure to have this in writing in addition to your verbal conversation. You can CC HR or have your boss forward it to them with you CC’d.

I also recommend a follow-up meeting or email correspondence with HR to go over final details. Things like when the final paycheck comes, how to get payouts for PTO, 401 next steps, whether you keep your work cell number, returning company equipment, etc.

With this process, you’ll be ready to give your two weeks in a way that is grounded, clear, and from a clean energy that will make the process as easy as possible for you and your company.

Phillip Kane

Phillip Kane

CEO and Managing Partner, Grace Ocean, LLC | Author of upcoming book, “The Not So Subtle Art of Caring: Letters on Leadership”

Too much of millennial and Gen Z’s communication is conducted via text. And while texting is a quick and efficient means of sharing certain information, there’s a water’s edge where texting stops being appropriate.

Informing an employer of your resignation is one of them.

The manner in which one leaves an organization is every bit as important as the manner in which one entered it. Ensuring the possibility of positive references, access to needed records, and leaving the door open for a possible return are only half of it. Just as important is taking steps to make certain that the employer is given no reason to speak ill of you later over a poorly held resignation.

So what to do?

Face to face is still the best way to handle a departure

Even in an entry-level job or one you’ve been in a short time, your employer has invested time and money in you and will be faced with some amount of hardship in replacing you. The courtesy of an in-person advisement goes a long way in telling people what kind of person you are.

  • First, type or handwrite a letter of resignation. Simple is best. Begin by stating that you are writing to offer your resignation effective two weeks from the date of writing. You are not obligated to offer a reason for your departure and shouldn’t include one.
  • Next, offer your thanks for the experience gained working there, and a promise to work as hard during the next two weeks as during your first two there.
  • Sign it sincerely yours.
  • Then, schedule a meeting with your boss.

In the meeting, simply state the letter out loud. Tell your boss you are leaving, that your last day will be two weeks from that day and that you appreciate all that he/she has done for you. Promise to work hard for the next two weeks, then stop talking.

Again, you are under no obligation to say why you are leaving or for where. You can simply say it was time for a change. End the meeting by telling your boss that you have work to do. Return to your work area, email a copy of your resignation letter to your boss with a copy to HR without comment, and work hard for the next two weeks.

Certainly, you will have interaction with HR and with your fellow associates in the meantime. Keep it simple and professional. Offer nothing more than was in your letter.

In some cases, an employer may ask you to leave immediately or to work on shorter notice; be prepared for that – it’s OK. Just keep your eyes forward, on where you’re going, and never look back.

Magda Klimkiewicz

Magda Klimkiewicz

HR Business Partner, Zety

Thank your soon-to-be-past employer and offer your help to ease the transition

If you’re looking to quit your current job, you need to craft a strong two weeks’ notice. It’ll not only help you avoid burning bridges with your boss, but you’ll also improve your chances of getting a glowing reference letter.

So, when you pen a two weeks’ notice, you need to follow a few rules.

For one, it’s important to keep things positive. After all, you want your direct manager to think highly of you. Second, you need to include all the important bits, such as the actual announcement you’re resigning, the timeline (two weeks from now), your address, the date, and your direct manager’s address, at the top of the letter. Lastly, thank your soon-to-be-past employer and offer your help to ease the transition.

Below is a real-life example of two weeks’ notice you can use for inspiration:

John Smith
SEO Team Leadder
iSearch, Inc.
25 Glenlake St.
New Port Richey, FL 34653
john@isearch.com

12/13/21

Kathleen Gillespie
Content Marketing Specialist
iSearch, Inc.
55 Beaver Ridge St.
York, PA 17402

Dear Mr. Smith,

I’m writing to inform you of my resignation from iSearch, Inc., effective two weeks from today.

It wasn’t an easy decision to make. Over the course of my employment at the company, I’ve learned a plethora of valuable skills such as SEO and link-building and met some of the most talented people in the industry.

I’d like to thank you for the experience and training the company provided. I sincerely hope iSearch will reach its true North and become one of the most outstanding SEO firms in the United States of America.

Lastly, don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need my assistance with smoothing the transition.

Kind regards,
Kathleen Gillespie

Michael Roub

Michael Roub

Managing Partner, Inflection 360

I have given two weeks’ notice a few times in my career before pursuing other opportunities.

And as I have also inherited roles where predecessors did not handle their departures properly, I think I am particularly sensitive as to how one should best give notice as well as how they should conduct themselves during that two-week period before leaving the job.

It is essential to write a brief resignation letter

In giving notice, I think it is essential to write a brief resignation letter. Most businesses look to have something on file, and it is professional to do so. However, I also feel it is important to first deliver the message directly to your boss/supervisor.

This will allow you to talk through the next two weeks and give the appropriate respect and appreciation to leave on good terms.

Transitional work for last two weeks

Speaking of leaving on good terms, I think it is extremely important to consider how you would want to walk onto the job. When I left my role as Vice President of Business Development at US HealthWorks in 2010, I gave my notice by first speaking to the CEO of the company.

I let him know that I wanted to pursue an entrepreneurial opportunity and greatly appreciated the time with the company. Then, I went to work.

  • I made sure that all of my paper and electronic files were extremely well organized
  • Important contacts were indicated for deals I was working on
  • I coordinated with others within the company to ensure that things wouldn’t fall through the cracks upon my departure.
  • Lastly, I offered to be a resource after my departure if there were any questions (an offer which my successor did use once or twice by having a short call which they greatly appreciated).

How you leave opens other doors

The end result of being highly professional in the way I chose to leave the company opened up another opportunity several years later.

When Western Dental Services was looking for a Vice President of Business Development in 2016, the CFO reached out to me at the request of their CEO – who just happened to have been my CEO years earlier at US HealthWorks.

The way I left one company kept the door open for future opportunities and gave me a great role with a successful company which has served as a catalyst to my last several years as a consultant and M&A expert in the dental field.

George Santos

George Santos

Director of Talent Delivery & Head of Marketing, 180 Engineering

Remain professional and courteous in your letter

The first thing that employees should do when they intend to leave their place of work is to prepare a letter of resignation.

From experience, I would advise that people refrain from being overtly confrontational in these letters. While it may be vindicating at the moment, burning bridges is rarely ever a good idea and will only complicate your future job searches.

Instead, remain professional and courteous in your letter, provide a brief explanation for your departure, and highlight the date on which you intend to stop working. As an example of the kind of effective resignation letter that I have received in the past:

To [Boss’ name],

I am writing this letter to formally provide two week’s notice ahead of my intended departure from this position.

While it has been a pleasure to work for this company, [briefly discuss your motivations for leaving].

My last day at work will be on the [date]. I am committed to doing what I can to help ease the transition process until then and greatly appreciate your understanding.

Thank you!

Sincerely,
[Employee name].

Once your letter is ready, you should ideally call a meeting with management in order to provide the letter and amicably discuss your departure.

It may also be helpful to have a witness or third-party present who can verify that you submitted a letter of resignation in case this fact is contested at any point in the future.

Jordan Bishop

Jordan Bishop

Founder and CEO, Yore Oyster

Delivering a two weeks’ notice letter is never easy, but from various examples I’ve gotten from previous members of my team, I can give some insights as to properly handling these matters.

Tell HR or your supervisors first

It’s never good news when your boss, supervisor, or any of your higher-ups gets to know that you’re leaving the job without them being properly onboarded first. For that reason, once you commit to leaving your job once and for all, make sure to go to the people in these roles first.

This way, you’re avoiding awkward situations and just cut to the important matters.

You can either choose to have an appointment with your supervisors or if you’re not physically able to, an email should do the trick. Still, an appointment is the best way to get your point across respectfully.

These letters are more so a formality than anything, but they do help to sort out legal and administrative details before you leave. They can give an insight to your employer as to why you’re leaving while at the same time letting them know to open your position to hire someone else.

Your letter has to represent how you’re thankful for the opportunity that was given to you

You should outline what you’ve learned and the skills that were nurtured during your stay. The ultimate goal is to say goodbye on good terms so you can later use this company as a reference for a future job.

Here’s a template of a two weeks’ notice letter to give an idea:

Date of Writing

Supervisor’s Name
Company Name
Company Address

Dear Mr. Supervisor Name,

This letter is meant to give you a two weeks” notice of my official resignation from Company Name. My last day as a Role Performed with Company Name will be Two weeks From Today.

Working with Company Name has been a pleasure and I appreciate the commitment and time the company has shown in helping me develop my experience as a Role Performed.

I hereby promise to keep providing Company Name with the same standard of quality work from now until my last day in this role. If there’s anything needed from me during this transition, don’t hesitate to let me know

Sincerely,
Your Name

Darcy Eikenberg, PCC

Darcy Eikenberg

Leadership and Career Coach, RedCapeRevolution

It’s okay to break the cliche

First, “two weeks” is a bit of an old cliche, created in the industrial age because of paycheck restrictions. Today, with our intertwined relationships and complex workplaces, it’s not uncommon for a professional who is leaving on good terms to allow for 3-4 weeks of transition time.

That doesn’t mean your company will want or need that, but it’s a mature gesture that allows you time to close out not only projects but to reinforce relationships you don’t want to lose.

Exchange your frustration for empathy

By the time you’ve decided to leave and accepted a new offer elsewhere, there may be things that have been building in your current situation that make you mad. Let it go.

There’s absolutely no benefit to you in acting like an entitled child, stamping your feet as you go out the door. Memories are long, and people move to other companies, and you don’t want to be the one they’ll never hire again.

Instead, exchange your frustration for empathy, recognizing that you’ve done what you need to do for yourself, and you can offer care and respect as you leave this situation behind.

Joe Wilson

Joe Wilson

Senior Employment Advisor, MintResume

There are a lot of reasons why an employee would want or need to leave their current job. Whatever the reason is, the employee must ensure to leave the company as gracefully as possible.

Here are the tips to maximize your last two weeks in your company:

Prepare transition documents

List down your current tasks/projects and their respective progress. You can include colleagues who can temporarily handle those tasks while the company is looking for your replacement.

Organize your file directory

List the documents with you and their file locations. This will help your colleagues easily locate your files, and they would no longer need to contact you once you have left the company.

Provide the login credentials of your work accounts

This is extremely important so that the management/your colleagues can easily access your accounts. This will be convenient for both parties as they would no longer need to reach out to you to ask for these things.

Ask for recommendation letters

You can ask for recommendation letters while you are still employed in the company. This will save you a lot of time and resources instead of doing it once you are already resigned from the company.

Chris Muktar

Chris Muktar

Founder, WikiJob UK

The goal is to part ways on good terms and give them ample time to prepare

When leaving your current job, it is a professional courtesy to give advance notice that you’re resigning. Never burn bridges, and always conduct yourself professionally, even when you’re quitting. Leaving your job gracefully impacts your career and your future.

Inform your boss

It’s a professional courtesy to inform your boss before announcing it to everyone else. If you won’t be able to resign in person due to circumstances, have this conversation over a video conference. The goal is to part ways on good terms and give them ample time to prepare.

Write a resignation letter

Even though some companies may not require a formal resignation letter, it is always best to put it into writing.

Begin by including:

  • Your name
  • The date you wrote your letter
  • Your address
  • A subject line
  • State your resignation and include the date of your last day
  • While giving a reason for your resignation may be an option, it is a great idea to include a few words of gratitude.
  • Explain your exit strategy
  • Sign your name after it

Mary Alice Pizana

Mary Alice Pizana

Human Resources Manager, Herrman and Herrman PLLC

Be prepared to hear counter-offers to try and keep you

When giving a two weeks notice, be straightforward. Let management know you will be leaving and you are giving them two weeks’ notice. Thank the employer for the opportunity and everything you have had the chance to learn during your time there.

You do not have to say why you are leaving or where you are going.

If the reason is negative, it may be best not to share that with management so that it is easier to maintain a positive relationship if you need them as a positive reference.

Be prepared to hear counter-offers to try and keep you if management appreciated your work ethic and productivity. You can accept the offer, but it may be a different relationship after leaving. If you do not want to accept the offer, politely decline to maintain a positive relationship.

Related: How to Turn Down a Job Offer but Keep the Door Open (+Samples)

Finally, let them know you are willing to help get your replacement acclimated with your soon former position. There is no need to detail how you can help with the transition, only state to them you are still fully invested in the company’s success until your last day at the job.

Alejandro Uriarte

Alejandro Uriarte

Personal Injury Attorney, 1-800 Injured

Give your best to your employer until your very last day

Submitting a two-week notice along with a request to use your remaining vacation time in lieu of actually working those two weeks is not two-week notice. Your loss will be felt by the rest of your team, who will need to cover your work as well as their own until a replacement is found.

Working a full two weeks gives your employer time to begin looking for a replacement, but more importantly, it gives your team time to plan out how to absorb your duties.

Leave a great last impression

How you leave is just as important as how you performed on the job. Be gracious and helpful. Give more than two weeks notice if you can.

Continue to speak and act professionally, and give your best to your employer, until your very last day. Your next opportunity is not a “get out of jail free” card. Your employer might not be able to fire you for chronic lateness, or unexcused absenteeism, if you are already leaving, but they can withhold recommendations, which are often required by potential employers.

We were planning to hire a new team member several years ago, and one of my employees noted that she had a friend who worked with one of our candidate’s former employers.

I asked her to make a phone call and get some background information, and she found that our candidate had stopped reporting to work one week into her two-week notice, without giving notice or clearing her decision with her supervisor.

After making that discovery, we decided to move forward with another candidate who came with strong recommendations from her former employers.

Liz Raad

Liz Raad

Co-Founder, eBusiness Institute

Explain in your notice what you are grateful for, how they helped you, and wish them well

A two-week notice has to be well-thought-out. People should be strategically minded when it comes to their careers.

Of course, it goes without saying that even if you didn’t have the best relationship with your boss, you might very well want a reference from them. Never mind that you may actually have to return to the company one day, or perhaps even do business with them in a personal capacity.

When it comes to the business world, it’s about being professional. Don’t burn bridges with people that helped you carve your path. If anything, that’s a principle that you should carry with you. Even the highest-ranking executive isn’t perfect!

It may very well be that they weren’t that nice to you, but in a world where experience varies from 30 years in the field to a couple of years – it can be tough to make clear judgment calls about people if you’re in the latter category.

Stick with an open mind, write your two-week notice with an air of gratitude. Explain in your notice what you are grateful for, how they helped you, and wish them well. Be formal and kind, and show a degree of sentimentality within your manner of writing.

Make them feel like you’re transitioning to a new phase of your career rather than create the impression that you are outright abandoning the business. Don’t show hints of frustration, resentment, or anything of the kind.

So, include all these elements in your notice and you’ll place yourself in good stead with your employers and set yourself safely for the future. You’ll need a professional tone, a sentimental touch, some kind remarks, an air of gratitude, an acknowledgment of the good that came about due to the job, and the foundation of the idea of a transition.

On top of all of this, deliver your notice personally if you can, rather than through e-mail. It will act as an additional gesture of good faith.

Luis Rolon

Luis Rolon

HR Partner, Resume-Now

Giving your two-week notice doesn’t need to be stressful or embarrassing

Giving a two-week notice doesn’t need to be overly stressful or embarrassing. Especially in today’s economy, where fluidity is the name of the game, people change jobs and careers increasingly often.

On average, employees remain with one organization for only three years, and this average is dropping as well.

So without further ado, here’s a template of a two-week notice letter you could email to your employer:

Subject: Resignation letter – first + last name

Hi (supervisor’s first name),

Please accept this message as my resignation letter from ABC (company’s name) effective today.

My last day of work will therefore be on (list the date), which is two weeks from now.

I wanted to thank you for the past (list the duration of time you’ve been with the company). I appreciate your mentorship, support, and help in allowing me to gain invaluable knowledge and sharpen my skills.

It’s been a pleasure working with you and the entire team (department), and I hope that our career paths may overlap again in the future.

As I begin to depart, please let me know how I can help during the transition period. I’ll be sure to update and prepare the appropriate team members as much as possible before my last day.

In the meantime, I want to wish you and the team all the best, as I’m confident you’ll continue to flourish and thrive as you have to date.

Sincerely,

(your first & last name)

Jonathan Roven

Jonathan Roven

Plaintiffs Lawyer, Jonny Law

The best way to give notice of departure is from a personal email

Often, when a person is going to separate from a company, the company email will be no longer available to the former employee. Therefore, it’s better to use a personal email.

If there have been any discriminatory acts, harassment, or retaliation that were explained it’s in the workplace, it’s important to document these things in the two-week notice. It’s good to give specific examples of what was done.

For example, if someone was harassed in a workplace, they may want to say, “On several occasions, I felt very uncomfortable when [details of incidents]. Due to this in part, I will unfortunately no longer be able to work here.”

If there have been verbal complaints about unlawful behavior, it’s very likely that when push comes to shove, the company will say that it never happened, or that they don’t recall, or that it didn’t happen the way that you recall it.

Therefore, it’s very important to document the unlawful behavior if that is a reason, at least in part for your departure.

Michelle Devani

Michelle Devani

Founder, LoveDevani

It is crucial to put honest intentions and the current situation

It is natural for a company that there are people who come and go. That’s why a two weeks’ notice is a formal and professional courtesy of resigning from a current job.

As a business owner, I believe it is part of the custom before an employee’s final departure. This way, there is an allowance to complete their tasks, reopening for the job position, and other adjustments for the whole organization.

Therefore, here’s the example format of two weeks notice below.

(Notice date)

(Manager’s Name)
(Company Name)
(Company Address)

Dear Mr/Ms. (Manager’s Name)

This letter delivers my two weeks’ notice of my official resignation from (company name). My last day as a (job position) will be (two weeks from the above date)

It has been my pleasure working with you, the team, and the company. I appreciate the commitment and efforts you’ve shown me in helping my skills and career.

Rest assured that I will continue to provide the same high-quality work today until the last day of my employment. Please, let me know if I can help you with the transition time.

Sincerely,
(Employee’s name)

Employees can have two options to speak about two weeks’ notice: personal or through email. In drafting your email notice, it is crucial to put honest intentions and the current situation. Employees have to include the date of their last working days.

Furthermore, they have to include their gratitude towards their employers for the experiences and opportunities given.

Marcus Clarke

Marcus Clarke

Founder, Searchant.co

The goal is to part on good terms as it is important for future references

It’s customary to leave a two weeks notice to respectfully inform your employer that you are quitting your job. This buffer time gives you time to complete your current work obligations and pass off your responsibilities. It will also give your employer time to look for someone to fill your job when you leave.

But how do you give a two weeks’ notice?

It’s best to meet your manager in person to discuss your departure. It’s your opportunity to leave in a positive manner. The goal is to part on good terms as it is important for future references. Keep it short and be honest.

Explain the reason behind your intention to leave and tell them when your last day would be. Express your gratitude and discuss a transition plan together. If you can’t speak with your manager in person, you can also send an email. For legal and administrative purposes, you need a two weeks’ notice letter.

Example of Two weeks’ notice letter:

[Date of Letter of Delivery]

[Supervisor’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Employer’s Name/ Supervisor’s Name],

This letter is to inform you that I am resigning from my position as [job title] effective two weeks from today. My last day will be [specify the month, day, year].

I appreciate your support in this role. I’ve learned a great deal and grown as a person.

I’ll continue to provide high-quality work until my resignation. Please let me know what I can do to make the transition as easy as possible.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Martin Luenendonk

Martin Luenendonk

Chief Executive Officer, FounderJar

Talk with your boss or the HR department with your intention

As a CEO, I think that two weeks’ notice from employees must be sent in a professional manner.

One tip I can give is to firstly have a talk with your boss or the HR department with your intention. This should not be a surprise for them. Then, after a thorough department process, you will prepare a simple and concise notice.

This should include complete details such as:

  • Personal information
  • The date which is very important
  • The reason in concise and with good manners
  • A polite closing paragraph

Keep it short and clear. Express your gratitude by simply saying, “I am grateful for the experience and knowledge I have learned from this organization..”

Also, You can offer help for the company in finding a replacement for you by using the line, “I am more than willing to help the company in finding a replacement for me.”

The letter should be personally handed to the HR department or to your boss.

Wesley Exon

Wesley Exon

CEO, Best Value Schools

It’s best to put your two weeks’ notice in writing and also tell your manager directly

Having it in writing makes it 100% official and provides a record of the date you submitted your notice. Telling your manager directly is just the right thing to do, and it shows respect.

A good resignation letter clearly defines when your last day will be, the date you’re submitting the notice, and a brief reason why you’re resigning.

Here’s an example from an employee who resigned last year – they came to me and told me all of this verbally and provided this formal letter of resignation.

“I wanted to thank you for the time I’ve spent at (Company Name). It was a great experience overall, and I learned a lot, including skills that I can use for the rest of my career. I appreciate the time you took to mentor me personally and help me navigate the working world.

I have decided that it’s time for a change in my career, so please accept this letter as my two weeks’ notice. My last working day will be(date). Please let me know if there is anything I can do to make this transition easier.”

Paul Sherman

Paul Sherman

Chief Marketing Officer, Olive

To give two weeks notice properly, craft a formal letter of resignation

While it may seem more personal and direct to have this conversation with your boss in person, it’s often a little more professional to use a written document instead.

A formal letter of resignation helps you avoid miscommunications and confusion that might otherwise arise if you only had this conversation verbally.

By including all the relevant details pertaining to the end of your tenure, including your name, the date, and your final day of work, you can rest assured that you’re not in for any unpleasant surprises when it’s time to leave.

If you’d still prefer to have the conversation in person, it’s a great idea to prepare a letter of resignation detailing your two weeks’ notice anyway. Bring it with you during the meeting with your boss, and use it as a supplement to support HR as they prepare for your transition.

This ensures that they have your details on file if they ever need them, which keeps things operating smoothly and without undue turbulence.

Austin Fain

Austin Fain

CEO, Perfect Steel Solutions

Don’t forget to express a certain degree of gratitude and thank your employer

Giving a two-week notice may not be a legal necessity depending upon your contract, but it certainly is a respectable way to inform your employer about your decision to resign. This gives your employer ample time to find a replacement for you and give them training.

You don’t want to leave your employer empty-handed by informing them you’re leaving the very next day unless it’s a personal emergency or your workplace is hazardous to your health.

A two weeks’ notice is also important for you – because it gives you enough time and space to finish up on any projects that you’ve been working on and start looking for a new job if you haven’t done it already.

How to write a two weeks’ notice?

The most important thing in your notice is the date on which you plan to resign, so remember to place it right at the beginning. Secondly, you shouldn’t really go into the details about why you’re leaving the place because that simply isn’t important.

Moreover, don’t forget to express a certain degree of gratitude and thank your employer by name for any opportunities that they might have given you along your journey. You don’t want to burn bridges with the notice because you never know when you might need your professional network to come in handy.

Lastly, let the company know that you can help them find a replacement for you by writing up your job description or training your replacement in the two weeks you plan to leave. Also, don’t forget to add your personal contact information in case the company needs to contact you sometime in the future.

Here’s a sample template:

“Subject Line: Notice of Resignation – (Your name)

Dear (employer’s name/ line manager),

I hope you’re doing well. I’m writing this email to inform you that I shall be resigning from my position as (your job title) at (company’s name) on (your resignation date).

My time here has been extremely positive and has helped me grow as a person whilst simultaneously grooming my career for growth. Please do not hesitate to contact me or let me know if I can be of any assistance with the transition. I would be more than glad to help you find my replacement during the time that I have left with the company.

Also, here’s my personal email (your email), where you can contact me with any queries that you might have.

I wish you and the company success in the future.

Thank you so much.

Best regards,

(your name)”

Sai Blackbyrn

Sai Blackbyrn

CEO, Coach Foundation

Remain courteous and professional throughout the letter

When giving your two weeks notice in writing, keep your tone professional but positive. Remain courteous and professional throughout the letter, and acknowledge the positive aspects of your experience working for the company.

This acknowledgment should only be about three sentences and can go something like:

“Thank you so much for this opportunity to work in this great company.

I have learned a lot from this experience, including (list one or two important lessons learned/skills gained), which I am sure will be quite useful to my career moving forward.

I have also thoroughly enjoyed (a list of your favorite things about your role or the company), and for that, I am truly grateful.”

Secondly, briefly explain how you intend to assist with the transition planning. For instance, you can offer to document the processes and projects you were in charge of before you leave.

Demonstrating your willingness to assist in making the work easier for your replacement is a great way of ensuring that you are leaving your former boss with a favorable and positive impression of yourself.

Eden Cheng

Eden Cheng

Co-Founder, PeopleFinderFree

The best way to give notice is by planning a 1:1 conversation with your manager or direct supervisor

It is always important that you give two weeks notice when you decide to resign from a job, primarily because it is a courteous and respectful way to go about the exit process, and most importantly, it provides your employer sufficient buffer time to make a plan for passing off your responsibilities to a replacement.

Moreover, doing so also ensures that you remain on good terms with both your employer and coworkers, which is important because how you end your job can often directly influence your future references. As such, when it comes to writing a notice letter, you need to make sure to make that the final impression is a good one.

Naturally, the best way that I would recommend to give notice is by planning a 1:1 conversation with your manager or direct supervisor.

This is preferable to simply sending in your notice by email or some other impersonal format. You can come in with a printed notice letter and set enough time to discuss all the important details pertaining to your departure, as well as any responsibilities you may need to transition.

However, should you prefer to make the submission through email, then this is a brief and empathetic example that you can consider writing:

Dear [Manager],

I would like to submit my two weeks notice and inform you that I will be officially resigning from my position as [job title], with my last official day of work being [your official resignation date].

I would also like to take this chance to thank you for your continued support and all the opportunities that you have afforded me during my time here.

In these last two weeks, I am determined to do everything I can to wrap up my duties and pass along any relevant knowledge and information to other team members.

Best,
[Your Name]

Jessica Ulloa

Jessica Ulloa

Community Manager, MyPerfectResume

Let your manager know that you’re leaving and explain the reasons that led to your resignation

How you leave your job is as important as how you started it. To avoid leaving a bad impression, set up a meeting with your manager before submitting your two weeks’ notice. During this talk, you can let your manager know that you are leaving and explain the reasons that led to your resignation.

This conversation can be tough and uncomfortable but necessary.

For starters, you avoid catching your manager by surprise when you formally submit your resignation letter. At the same time, you give your manager the opportunity to understand your situation, potentially counteroffer and end your professional relationship in the right way.

Once you’ve had a chance to share the news with your manager, you can move on to writing your resignation letter. Keep it concise and professional. Don’t go too much into details about your new offer and remember to be polite and thankful for the time spent in the company.

Here’s an example:

Date
Name
Role

Company’s name
Company’s address

Dear Mrs. Smith,

Please accept this letter as notice of my resignation from the Sales Manager position at X company. My last working day will be September 15th, 2021.

I have accepted a job offer that provides me with great opportunities to further my career. Though the decision to leave was not easy, I believe it is best for me, my family, and my career.

I am aware that my time here at Company X has shaped me as a professional, and I am incredibly grateful for the mentoring and skills gained while working in the Sales team.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do to make this transition as smooth and easy as possible.

Thank you again, and all the best wishes for you and the rest of the team!

Sincerely,
Jessica

Hazel Santos

Hazel Santos

Professional Development Expert, Skill Success

You need to craft a thorough resignation letter that will not sound ungrateful and disrespectful

When giving a two weeks’ notice, you need to craft a thorough resignation letter that will not sound ungrateful and disrespectful. Remember that your employer has been a part of your career journey and that you should recognize this as you notify them of your departure.

Here’s a simple example to help you craft a straightforward notice:

Hi (Hiring Manager),

Through this letter, I hereby announce my resignation from the position (job role) for (Company name), effective on (date).

It has been a pleasure being a part of the organization for (work duration). During my stay, I have grown professionally and made lifelong friends. I appreciate all the valuable lessons I have acquired here and would never forget how you were among the first people to recognize my work.

After going through internal considerations, I have decided that it is time for me to move on to my next challenge.

I would like to do anything to help with the transition, including wrapping up responsibilities. Should there be anything that I can be of assistance with, please let me know.

I wish the company all the best and thank you for everything.
Sincerely,
(Name)

Dorota Lysienia

Dorota Lysienia

Community Manager, LiveCareer

When you decide to give your two weeks’ notice, do it professionally and treat your employer the way you want to be treated. This “professionalism” applies to many different aspects of your leave.

You want to make sure that you leave the company on a good note and avoid burning any bridges behind you.

Speak to your manager first before sharing your decision with any of your coworkers

First of all, you should speak to your manager first before sharing your decision with any of your coworkers. The office gossip spreads like wildfire (also in a remote workplace), and you don’t want your boss to find out about your decision from someone else.

That’s why you should schedule a private meeting or a Zoom call with your boss before revealing it even to your closest colleague.

Do all you can to make the transition phase smooth

Secondly, do all you can to make the transition phase smooth. Prepare files summarizing your ongoing projects, share knowledge with your colleagues, and be willing to go the extra mile when others ask you for support.

Remember that you might meet the people you worked with again, so don’t leave any unfinished work or unresolved issues. Such behavior shows a lack of respect towards your team and might ruin your relationships in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Two Weeks Notice?

A two-week notice is a professional courtesy in which an employee notifies their employer that they intend to resign from their position in two weeks. It’s common in most industries and gives the employer enough time to find a replacement and ensure a smooth transition.

Why Is It Important to Give Two Weeks’ Notice?

A two-week notice is important for several reasons, including:

Maintaining a positive relationship with your employer: By giving your employer a reasonable amount of notice, you show professionalism and respect for the company.

Ensuring a smooth transition: Giving two weeks’ notice gives your employer enough time to find a replacement or reallocate your workload to ensure a smooth transition.

Protecting your reputation: Leaving without notice could damage your professional reputation and make it difficult for you to find a new job.

Should I Inform My Colleagues Before Giving My Two Weeks’ Notice?

It’s generally best to wait to inform your colleagues until you have informed your employer. That way, you can control the narrative and ensure the news is communicated professionally. Once you have informed your employer, you can inform your colleagues respectfully and professionally.

What Should I Expect After Giving Two Weeks’ Notice?

After giving two weeks’ notice, you can expect the following:

• Your employer may ask you to wrap up certain projects or tasks before your last work day.
• Your employer may request an exit interview to discuss your reasons for leaving and gather feedback about your experience at the company.
• Your employer may provide information about any outstanding severance or benefits to which you’re entitled.
• Your colleagues can inquire about your future plans and offer their good wishes.

Remember to maintain a positive and professional attitude throughout the process, even if you’re excited about a new opportunity.

What Should I Do if My Employer Terminates My Employment During the Two-Week Notice Period?

If your employer terminates you during your two-week notice period, you must remain professional and respectful. Ask for a clear explanation of why you’re being terminated and determine if you’re still eligible for severance pay or other benefits. You should seek legal counsel if you believe you have been unfairly terminated.

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