If you’re planning to resign from your job, you should always let your employer know ahead of time so they can prepare for your absence.
Two weeks’ notice is the minimum that’s expected across all industries (although even more notice is always appreciated). Below, we’ll explain what a two weeks’ notice letter is, and provide examples demonstrating how to write one.
What is a two weeks’ notice?
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 resignation time frame for any job because it gives the company just enough time to start interviewing replacements and prepare for your departure.
While submitting a two week’s notice isn’t mandatory, it’s proper etiquette and will help you leave on good terms, which makes getting a letter of recommendation easier.
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:
Simple Two Weeks’ Notice Letter (Text Format)
Simple Resignation Letter[Your Name][1234 Street Address][City, State, Zip][Today’s Date][Company Name][1234 Street Address][City, State, Zip]Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I would like to inform you of my intention to resign from [Position Name] at [Company Name], effective two weeks from today, [Current Date].
I appreciate the opportunities you’ve given me during my tenure at [Company Name].
Please let me know what assistance you’ll require from me during the resignation notice period.
Thank you,[Your Signature][Your Name]
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:
Professional Two Weeks’ Notice Letter (Text Format)
Formal Resignation Letter[Your Name][1234 Street Address][City, State, Zip][Today’s Date][Company Name][1234 Street Address][City, State, Zip]Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from [Position Name] at [Company Name], effective two weeks from today, [Current Date].
I have been fortunate during my time at [Company Name] for the opportunity to grow and learn more about [Industry]. Your guidance and support have equipped me with valuable skills and experience.
I hope that we will have opportunities to collaborate in the future.
Please let me know how I can be of help during the transition period. I wish you and the company the very best going forward.
Sincerely,[Your Signature][Your Name]
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:
Formal Two Weeks’ Notice Letter (Text Format)
Formal Resignation Letter[Your Name][1234 Street Address][City, State, Zip][Today’s Date][Company Name][1234 Street Address][City, State, Zip]Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from my position as [Position Name] at [Company Name], effective two weeks from today’s date, [Current Date].
I appreciate the opportunities for growth and development you have provided during my tenure. Thank you for your guidance and support.
Please let me know how I can be of help during the transition period. I wish you and the company the very best going forward.
Sincerely,[Your Signature][Your Name]
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.
Two Weeks’ Notice Email (Text Format)
Email Resignation Letter
To: [Manager’s Email Address]Subject: Letter of Resignation – [Your Name]Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I am writing to inform you of my resignation from [Position Name] at [Company Name], effective two weeks from today, [Current Date].
Thank you for the many opportunities you have provided to grow and learn under your guidance. I am grateful for the experience.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance during the transition period. I wish you and the company the very best going forward.
Sincerely,[Your Name]
Two weeks notice letter template
Below is a two week’s notice letter template you can copy and fill in with your information. This template works whether you’re sending your notice by mail or email.
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I’m writing to formally tender my resignation from my position at [Company Name], effective [Date of Resignation]. Please accept this letter as my official two weeks’ notice.
I’ve enjoyed my time working at [Company Name], and am grateful for the opportunities and experiences I’ve gained during my tenure. However, after careful consideration, I’ve decided to pursue a new career opportunity that aligns more closely with my long-term goals.
I’m committed to helping ensure a smooth transition during this period, and will work over the next two weeks to complete any remaining projects. If you have any specific concerns regarding the transition period please let me know and I’ll handle everything to the best of my ability.
I’d like to express my gratitude to the entire team at [Company Name] for their support and hard work throughout my employment. I’ve learned a lot from working with such talented people and look forward to seeing what everyone accomplishes in the future.
Please let me know if there is any paperwork or formalities required to complete the resignation process. I’m more than willing to fulfill any necessary obligations before my departure.
Thanks again,
[Your Name]Tips for putting in your two weeks’ notice
Even if you hate your job, you should write a polite two weeks’ notice letter before quitting.
Here are a few 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.
3. Meet your manager face-to-face
When you submit your two weeks’ notice, it can be tempting to send an email off and be done with it.
However, you should always schedule a meeting with your manager before you send your two weeks’ notice letter to let them know you plan on resigning. This gives you an extra opportunity to explain your reasons for leaving and express your gratitude for the job opportunity.
Not only that, but scheduling a face-to-face meeting to explain your resignation is polite. 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.
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:
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