How To Write a Two-Week Notice (+Templates)
7 min read
As anyone who’s spent some time in the workforce understands, there are certain things that you always want to do when you’ve decided to move on from one job to the next. None are more important, however than providing your current employer with the customary two-week notice. While this notice may not be legally required, there are good reasons for providing it anyway. But how do you go about composing a two-week notice letter?
In this post, we will explain why you should provide employers with two weeks’ notice and offer some tips to help you create the perfect notice. We’ll also include an example of the type of two-week notice letter you might want to send, as well as some templates you can use to simplify that process.
Why it's necessary to submit a two-week notice letter
Do you need to give in a two-week notice resignation letter? The answer is – Yes! When you quit your job, you should be sending a two-week notice letter.
There is a school of thought that suggests there’s no reason to give notice these days. After all, most companies don’t give any notice before layoffs or firings – so why should you? As it turns out, there are several reasons why you should provide your employer with a two-week notice letter:
It gives your boss and co-workers time to adjust to the new reality. Even if you don’t think your boss deserves notice, chances are your co-workers do.
Proper notice can ensure you leave on better terms. That can be helpful if you ever decide to come back to the same firm.
Your company may have a policy on such notices, and a failure to provide them with advance notification could affect any stored-up vacation pay or bonuses.
There’s no reason to give your employer cause for a bad reference.
Tips for composing your two weeks’ notice letter
As is the case with most formal letters, there are some general guidelines you should follow. These tips can help you to ensure that your notice letter accomplishes your goals without any unforeseen side effects:
Keep it short. There’s no need to go into minute detail about why you’re leaving or even where you’re going from here. This is just a notification that your time with the company is coming to an end.
Avoid criticism of the company or other employees. Your letter is not the right vehicle for expressing frustrations or bad feelings.
Be gracious. Thank the company for the opportunity that it provided and the experience that you gained.
Be professional.
Be sure to include the last day that you will be available for work.
How to write your two-week notice letter, step-by-step
Before we consider an example of a good two-week notice letter, it may be helpful to go through the process of creating this type of letter step-by-step. Below, we’ve included the basic information you need to outline a notice letter, including all the steps you need to follow to complete that process.
1. Address the letter
Begin by addressing the letter to the appropriate contact. Include the date, the company name and address, and the name and title of the recipient. See the example below for more information.
2. Make the resignation announcement
You should get right to the point by immediately stating your reason for writing the letter. Simply say that you are writing to provide two weeks’ notice of your resignation from the company. Be sure to note the last day that you plan to be at work.
3. Thank the company for the opportunity
This paragraph is essential if you want to try to part on the best possible terms. Thank the company for the opportunity and their investment in your care growth. This can also be a great place to include any reason for your resignation – but try not to include any negative sentiments that might make a bad impression.
4. Outline the next steps
Close the letter with a brief commitment to continuing to do your job with diligence right up until your last day. It’s also a good practice to mention that you’re willing and able to assist with any transition process, including helping to get your replacement up to speed.
5. Conclude the letter
To end the letter, simply use a formal close like “respectfully” or “sincerely” and sign with your name.
A good example of an effective two weeks’ notice letter
Since this will be a formal letter, you should properly format it. Here’s an example of a simple two weeks’ notice letter:
Your Name
Your Phone Number
Your Email
Date
Contact Name
Contact Title
Company Name
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:
I am writing this letter to inform you that I am resigning from [company name], effective two weeks from today on [date].
My time here has been a rewarding experience, and I appreciate the many opportunities that I have been provided. On top of that, I have enjoyed working with everyone here and wish all of you the very best in the months and years to come.
It has been wonderful to learn and grow with [company name]. Please let me know how I can assist with the transition process over the next two weeks to ensure that everything continues to run as smoothly as possible.
My best wishes to you and the firm.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Two-week notice letter: template
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Contact Name]
[Contact Title]
[Company Name]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Dear Mr./Ms.] [Last Name]:
This letter is to notify you that I will be resigning from my position at [company name] two weeks from today on [resignation date].
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at [company name] but feel that it is time for the next step in my career advancement. I truly appreciate the opportunities I’ve experienced during my time with this company and extend my best wishes to the entire team.
I want to assure you that I will continue to fulfill my duties as always, right through my last day with the company. In addition, please don’t hesitate to let me know how I can help during the transition phase – including any help that I can offer to get my replacement up to speed.
I wish you and the company all the best in the years to come.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Two-week notice email: template
An emailed two-week notice will be like a letter but without the contact information and other formalities. Consider this template:Subject: Notice of resignation – [Your name]
Dear [Contact’s name or title]
Please consider this my formal notice of resignation, effective as of [last day you intend to work]. I appreciate the opportunities [company name] has provided and the many lessons I have learned during my time as [job title]. It has truly been my pleasure to be a part of this team.
Please feel free to let me know how I can assist during the coming transition to ensure that you have everything you need to bring my replacement on board without undue disruption. My best wishes to you all.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Keep things simple
As you can see, the goal is to be as clear and professional as possible while keeping the message short and to the point. By following these tips and the above example, you should be able to create the perfect two-week notice letter. Remember: keep it simple and cordial so that you leave the job with the same grace and professional attitude that you brought with you when you were hired!
Are you submitting your two-week notice letter and want to make sure that your resume is ready to help you land that next great job? Get a free resume review from our experts today.
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Written by
Ken Chase, Freelance Writer
During Ken's two decades as a freelance writer, he has covered everything from banking and fintech to business management and the entertainment industry. His true passion, however, has always been focused on helping others achieve their career goals with timely job search and interview advice or the occasional resume consultation. When he's not working, Ken can usually be found adventuring with family and friends or playing fetch with his demanding German Shepherd. Read more resume advice from Ken on ZipJob’s blog.
