2-Week Notice Letter – Free Template & Examples
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Summary:
A two weeks’ notice, also known as a resignation letter, is a formal document that an employee submits to their employer to inform them of their intention to leave their current job. The purpose of a two weeks’ notice is to provide the employer with sufficient time to find a replacement for the departing employee and to allow the employee to fulfill any outstanding obligations or projects. Key elements that should be included in a two weeks’ notice include the date of the letter, the date of the employee’s last day of work, a statement of the employee’s intention to resign, a brief explanation of the reason for the resignation, a statement of gratitude, and an offer to assist with the transition.
A two-week notice is a formal way to inform your employer that you will be leaving your current position in the next two weeks. Providing a two-week notice is commonly considered a professional way to resign from your job. This allows ample time for your employer to find a suitable replacement for you and helps to ensure a smooth transition for both you and the company. Failing to provide a two weeks’ notice letter is usually viewed as unprofessional and could hurt your career down the road.
In this article, we will show you how to write the perfect two weeks’ notice letter by explaining what it should include and providing five examples you can use as templates.
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What is a two weeks’ notice letter, and what should it include?
“Two weeks’ notice” is the less formal name for a resignation letter. This is a formal document submitted to an employer to inform them of your intention to leave your current job. By giving your employer a two weeks’ notice letter, you allow them time to search for a replacement for you while also giving yourself enough time to fulfill your outstanding obligations or projects.
The following are the key elements that should be included in a two weeks’ notice letter:
- The date of the letter: This should be the date that you submit the letter to your employer.
- The date of the employee’s last day of work: This should be clearly stated in the letter so there is no confusion about when you will be leaving the company.
- A statement of the employee’s intention to resign: This should be a straightforward statement that clearly communicates your intention to leave your current job.
- A brief explanation of the reason for the resignation: While you are not required to provide a detailed explanation of your reasons for leaving, it is considerate to include a brief statement about your plans or circumstances that are leading you to resign.
- A statement of gratitude: It is important to express appreciation for the opportunity to work at the company and for any support or guidance provided during your time there.
- An offer to assist with the transition: You should offer to do whatever you can to ensure a smooth transition period during your remaining time at the company.
5 templates for two weeks’ notice letters
Although it is important to be professional and courteous when writing a two weeks’ notice letter, that doesn’t mean you need to overthink it. The examples below provide a two weeks’ notice letter template for every occasion. Feel free to edit any of these to fit your personal situation!
Basic two weeks’ notice letter template
This two weeks’ notice template covers all the basics. The reason given for leaving the company in the second paragraph is fairly vague, so feel free to add more detail in your own letter as you see fit.
Dear [Employer],
I am writing to inform you that I will be resigning from my position at [Company Name]. My last day of work will be [Date], two weeks from today.
I have truly valued my time here at [Company Name] and am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with such a talented team. However, I have decided to pursue other opportunities that align more closely with my long-term career goals.
I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition during my remaining time here and am willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen. I am available to assist with training my replacement or completing any outstanding projects.
Thank you again for the support and guidance you have provided me during my time at [Company Name]. I will always look back on my time here fondly.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Name]
Flowery two weeks’ notice letter template
This resignation letter lays it on a little thick, but you can use this template when you want to leave your job on the most positive note possible.
Dear [Employer],
It is with a mixture of excitement and sadness that I submit my two weeks’ notice. While I have truly loved my time here at [Company Name], I have decided that it is time for me to move on to new adventures and opportunities.
I want to express my sincerest gratitude for the support, guidance, and opportunities that have been provided to me during my time here. The team at [Company Name] is truly one of a kind, and I feel fortunate to have been able to work alongside such talented and kind-hearted individuals.
I will do everything in my power to ensure a smooth transition during my remaining time here. Please know that I am available to assist in any way possible.
Thank you again for the wonderful experience and memories. I will cherish them forever.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Name]
Short-and-to-the-point two weeks’ notice letter template
This two weeks’ notice letter states only the facts and can be easily adapted to any notice period.
Dear [Employer],
I am writing to inform you that I will be resigning from my position at [Company Name]. My last day of work will be [Date], two weeks from today.
I appreciate the opportunity to work with the team here and will do my best to ensure a smooth transition during my remaining time. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Name]
Simple resignation letter template for a job you hate
Even when you don’t like your job, it is still important to leave with a formal resignation letter, but that doesn’t mean you have to lie. This formal letter template will make your feelings clear while still giving you a chance for a positive reference.
Dear [Employer],
I am writing to inform you that I will be resigning from my position at [Company Name]. My last day of work will be [Date], two weeks from today.
While I have learned a lot during my time here, I have come to the realization that this job is not the right fit for me. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with the team here and will do my best to ensure a smooth transition during my remaining time.
Thank you again for the opportunity to work at [Company Name].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Name]
Two weeks’ notice of resignation due to relocation
If you are leaving your job because you are moving to another location, you can use this resignation letter sample to hit all the key points.
Dear [Employer],
I am writing to inform you that I will be resigning from my position at [Company Name]. My last day of work will be [Date], two weeks from today.
While I have enjoyed my time working here, I will be relocating with my family to [Location] and will not be able to continue at [Company Name]. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with the team here, and I will make myself available at the earliest convenience to assist with the transition.
Thank you again for the opportunity and for all your support and guidance during my time here. I will miss working at [Company Name].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Name]
Famous resignation letters for inspiration (or just for a laugh)
The two weeks’ notice templates listed above will cover most cases, but sometimes it’s more appropriate to make your resignation letter more personal. The following famous resignation letters will serve as great inspiration if you want to add a little flair to your own two weeks’ notice.
Jeremy C. Stein’s resignation as member of the Board of Governors
Jeremy C. Stein’s letter is a good example of how to include victories and high points of your time at a company when giving notice of your resignation.
William Faulkner’s resignation from his post office job
The Nobel laureate William Faulkner clearly did not love his job as a postmaster at the University of Mississippi (where he had previously dropped out as a student). He certainly made that fact abundantly clear with this uncharacteristically short resignation letter!
Richard M. Nixon’s resignation as President of the United States
If you’re looking for an example of a two weeks’ notice that’s short and to the point, it’s hard to beat Richard Nixon’s resignation letter!
Edward VIII’s abdication as King of England
Edward VIII’s abdication letter is another great example of how to be brief and direct in your resignation. It only took him two sentences to give up the throne!
FAQ
How do I write a 2-week notice letter?
Writing a two-week notice letter is similar to writing any other formal business letter. Here are some tips on how to write a professional and effective two-week notice letter:
- Start with a formal greeting, such as “Dear [Employer’s Name].”
- Explain in the first paragraph that you are resigning from your position and provide the date of your last day of work.
- Thank your employer for the opportunity to work with the company.
- Offer to help with the transition process in any way you can.
- End with a formal closing, such as “Sincerely,” and your signature.
What should I say in my two weeks’ notice?
When writing your two-week notice letter, make sure to be honest and professional. Here are some key points you may want to include in your resignation letter:
- The reason for your resignation (if you feel comfortable sharing that information)
- Your appreciation for the opportunity to work at the company
- Your willingness to help with the transition process
- Your contact information in case your employer has any questions
Is sending a two weeks’ notice letter unprofessional?
On the contrary, giving two weeks’ notice is generally considered the most professional way to resign from a job. It allows your employer time to find a replacement for you and helps to ensure a smooth transition for both you and the company.
That said, if your employer requires more notice or if you are in a management position, it may be necessary to provide more notice than only two weeks. It is always a good idea to check with your employer’s policies or speak with your supervisor to determine the appropriate amount of notice to give before quitting.
Is a two-week notice 10 or 14 days?
A two-week notice is generally 14 days. This means that if you give your employer your two weeks’ notice on a Monday, your last day of work will be two Mondays from then. It’s important to double-check with your employer to confirm the exact amount of notice they require before you leave your job.
What is the worst that could happen if you don’t give two weeks’ notice before quitting?
It may be tempting to quit without warning if you’re leaving a job you hate or you can’t wait to start a new career. However, the following are a few of the consequences you could face for not giving sufficient notice before quitting a job:
- Damage to your professional reputation: Failing to give two weeks’ notice may be seen as unprofessional and could damage your reputation in your industry. This could make finding future job opportunities much more difficult.
- Loss of severance pay or benefits: Some companies have policies in place that require employees to give a certain period of notice before quitting in order to receive severance pay or other benefits. If you don’t give at least two weeks’ notice, you may lose out on these benefits.
- Legal consequences: In some cases, the amount of notice that an employee is required to give before quitting may be specified in an employment contract. If you don’t give the required notice, you may be in breach of your contract, which could lead to legal consequences.
- Strained relationships with colleagues and management: Failing to give two weeks’ notice can cause strain in your relationships with your colleagues and managers, which can make it difficult to maintain a positive professional network.
Can I simply email my two weeks’ notice letter?
While standard practice is to send your employer a printed resignation letter, emailing your two-week notice is also fine. In fact, it’s recommended that you do so in order to maintain a digital paper trail of your resignation and to make sure your employer receives your notice as soon as possible.
Should I talk to my boss before resigning?
It is generally a good idea to talk to your boss before resigning, as it allows you to have a direct conversation about your reasons for leaving and to address any questions or concerns your boss may have.
How do you quit politely?
When quitting your job, it’s important to be as respectful and professional as possible. In your resignation letter, you can include a line such as “I have accepted a new opportunity and would like to give my two weeks’ notice.” You should also thank your employer for the opportunity they gave you to work for the company, as well as offer to help with the transition.
Should I feel guilty for quitting my job without notice?
It’s understandable to feel guilty for quitting your job without notice, but sometimes circumstances will force you to leave immediately. Giving notice is ideal because it lessens the impact of your departure on your colleagues and the company, but ultimately, you need to do what is best for you and your loved ones.
How do you tell your boss you’re quitting?
If you want to personally tell your boss that you’re quitting, you can schedule a meeting or send them an email. Keep the tone of the conversation professional and respectful. For example, you can say, “I wanted to let you know that I’ve accepted a new job opportunity and will be resigning from my position at the company. I’m willing to do whatever I can to help with the transition. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work here.”
Key Takeaways
- Two weeks’ notice refers to a formal document you submit to your employer to inform them of your intention to leave your job.
- Giving notice before you leave allows your employer time to find a suitable replacement for you and gives you time to finish your outstanding projects.
- A resignation letter should include the date from which the letter is effective, the specific date of your last day of work, a statement of your intention to resign, a brief explanation of your reason for leaving, a statement of gratitude to your employer, and an offer to assist with the transition.
- Failing to give two weeks’ notice before resigning can result in damage to your professional reputation, loss of severance pay and benefits, and even legal consequences.
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