Two Weeks' Notice Letter Template and Examples

A two weeks’ notice letter is a formal resignation letter stating your plan to resign two weeks from the day you submit it.

Two weeks is the standard notice period when you resign from a job, because it gives the company just enough time to start interviewing replacements and prepare for your departure.

We’ve prepared a two weeks’ notice letter template and four examples, as well as answered some commonly asked questions about notice letters, to help you resign without burning any bridges.

Two weeks’ notice letter template

Below is a template that follows the proper two weeks’ notice letter format that you can copy and fill in with your information. This template works whether you’re sending your notice by mail or email.

4 two weeks’ notice letter examples

The type of resignation letter you need to write depends on your situation.

Here are four different two weeks’ notice templates that fit any circumstance:

1. Simple two weeks’ notice letter template

You don’t always need to write a lengthy essay about why you’re leaving your company. Your resignation letter is an official notice to start the process, so you only need to include basic information.

A simple letter is ideal when you:

• aren’t too familiar with your manager
• want to use a neutral tone
• don’t feel the need to include a reason in your letter

Here’s a two weeks’ notice letter template that’s short and sweet but still includes all the necessary details:

2. Professional two weeks’ notice letter template

Writing a professional resignation letter is a great way to show appreciation to your employer when you decide to leave your company.

Below is a professional two weeks’ notice letter template you can use to resign:

3. Formal two weeks’ notice letter template

When writing a resignation letter, you should match the tone to your situation.

If you work in an environment that emphasizes formality and professionalism, or if you’re typically very formal with your manager and want to show respect, write a formal resignation letter using the following template:

4. Two weeks’ notice email template

Unless you work for an especially traditional company, you should send your two weeks’ notice letter via email.

A two weeks’ notice email only needs your manager’s email and a clear subject line, typically written as “Letter of Resignation,” followed by your name and your exit date and reasons.

Tips for putting in your two weeks’ notice

Even if you hate your job, you should write a tactful two weeks’ notice letter before quitting.

Here are two tips for submitting your resignation letter in a way that ensures you leave your job on good terms:

1. Be polite

Even if you didn’t get along with your manager or coworkers, you should always keep your resignation letter polite and formal.

Be sure to thank your manager for the opportunity, and express your appreciation for the work everyone did while you were employed there.

Finally, offer everyone your best wishes moving forward. These are the basic steps you need to take to write a professional, polite two weeks’ notice letter.

2. Offer to wrap up any uncompleted work

From your manager’s perspective, the hardest thing about any employee leaving is finding a replacement and figuring out how to handle their workload in the in-between period.

To make the transition easier for your manager (and your coworkers), you should always offer to help with any uncompleted work before leaving.

This could mean wrapping up long-term projects your team has been working on, updating onboarding documents for your replacement, or even helping to hire a new person to take over your role.

Doing everything you can to make your departure easier for those around you is a basic courtesy when resigning from a job.

Frequently asked questions about putting in a two weeks’ notice

Below you’ll find answers to the most commonly asked questions we receive about putting in a two weeks’ notice:

Do I need to deliver a two weeks’ notice letter in person?

No, you don’t need to deliver your two weeks’ notice letter in person. However, delivering it directly to your manager, or at least letting them know in advance that you plan on resigning, is the professional thing to do.

A formal meeting helps give your manager closure and provides them an opportunity to raise any questions or concerns to you before you move on.

Is two weeks’ notice 10 or 14 days?

A two weeks’ notice is 10 business days, so 14 days in total counting weekends.

Is it still proper to give two weeks’ notice?

Yes, it is still proper to give two weeks’ notice when you resign. This ensures that your employer has sufficient time to make arrangements for your replacement and manage the transition of your responsibilities.

Can an employer reject a two week notice?

No, an employer cannot reject a two week notice. However, if you’re an at-will employee, they could ask you to leave early instead of paying you for the last two weeks.

Additional resources for resigning from your job

Want more information about how to properly resign from your job? Here are some additional resources to help you smoothly transition out of your current position: