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If you’re thinking about leaving your job, you’ll probably need to write a two weeks' notice letter.
It can be tricky to write a good two weeks' notice because you want to clearly communicate the details of your departure without burning any bridges. Ideally, you want to make the transition as smooth for both you and your employer as you can.
So, how do you write a great two weeks' notice?
This article will walk you through the process of writing a two weeks’ notice and provide you with some templates you can use as a starting point.
How to Write a Two Weeks’ Notice Letter
Many two weeks' notice letters follow the same standardized format. Once you know the format, it’s easy to write a successful one.
Let’s look at all the steps you need to follow to write a professional two weeks’ notice letter.
How to Start a Two Weeks’ Notice Letter
You should begin your two weeks’ notice letter with a formal greeting, addressing the letter to the person who will be reading it.
Most likely, you’ll be submitting your letter to your direct manager. It’s best to open with a greeting directed to their name, such as “Dear [First Name]” or “Dear Ms. [Last Name].”
If you work in a less formal setting, you can opt for a more casual greeting, such as “Hi [First Name].” Use the same level of formality you would use in a standard business letter format.
What to Say in a Two Weeks’ Notice
Your two weeks' notice should include some key components.
In the opening paragraph, clearly state the reason you’re writing this letter. Make it clear that this is a two weeks’ notice, and provide the exact date you’re planning to leave the company.
You can say something like:
This letter is to give you two weeks’ notice of my resignation. My final day will be [date].
I’m writing this letter to give you two weeks’ notice of my resignation from [Company Name]. I will be leaving the company on [date].
Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from [Company Name]. My last day in the role of [job title] will be [date].
Next, you can choose whether you want to include a brief explanation of why you’re leaving. You can say something simple, like:
I’ve accepted another opportunity that’s offered me a unique leadership role.
I’ve decided to pivot to a job in a different industry.
I need to take some time away from work to spend with my family.
Make sure you don’t say anything negative about your current job. Try to keep things on a positive note so you don’t burn any bridges.
Remember that this step is optional, so if you’re actually leaving the company for negative reasons, or if you just don’t feel comfortable disclosing your reasons, there’s no pressure to include this sentence.
The next step is to express your gratitude for the opportunities this employer has given you. You can say something like:
It’s been a pleasure working with [Company Name] for the past [X] years.
I appreciate the many wonderful opportunities I’ve been given with [Company Name].
I’ve enjoyed my time working with [Company Name] and hope to continue using the skills I’ve learned here.
After you’ve expressed your gratitude, describe the next steps you’ll be taking within the next two weeks. Your manager might ask you to wrap up the projects you’re working on, help train your replacement, or create documentation for the tasks you’ve done for the company.
If there’s anything I can do to assist with the transition, please let me know.
Please let me know if there’s anything I can do during this transition time.
I’m happy to do whatever is needed to assist with the transition in the next two weeks.
Finally, close with a professional signature. You can sign off with a simple signature like “Sincerely, [Your Name]” or “Best, [Your Name].”
Keep the letter short and sweet. There’s no need to go into too much detail as long as you clearly state all the salient points you need your boss to know.
How to Write a Two Weeks’ Notice Email
These days, many employees choose to submit their two weeks' notice via email instead of in a traditional letter.
Luckily, the process of writing a two weeks’ notice email is almost identical to the process of writing a two weeks’ notice letter. You can follow all the same steps in the section above.
Make sure to include a subject line that makes it clear what this email is for. Here are some options you can consider:
Resignation Letter - [Your Name]
Notice of Resignation
Two Weeks’ Notice - [Your Name]
You can sign your email with your official signature, the same way you would sign your other company emails.
How to Submit a Two Weeks’ Notice
There are several ways you can submit a two weeks’ notice.
You should review your contract or employee handbook to see if your company has more specific rules for how to submit a two weeks’ notice. If there are any specific guidelines, make sure to follow them.
One option is to email your two weeks' notice email directly to your boss. It’s a good idea to also CC an HR representative to ensure your letter is part of the company’s records.
Alternatively, you can print out your two weeks’ notice letter and give it directly to your boss. In this scenario, you should keep a copy of your letter for your own records, along with the date you submitted it.
No matter how you submit your two weeks’ notice, it’s a good idea to tell your boss you’re quitting face to face as a professional courtesy instead of simply handing them the letter and walking away. Having an in-person conversation gives you the opportunity to express your gratitude out loud and address any questions your manager might have.
You should also make sure to tell your boss about your resignation before you tell your other colleagues at the company. This ensures your manager doesn’t hear the news from someone else before they hear it from you.
Following all the standard etiquette to give two weeks' notice will ensure that you leave the company on good terms.
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Two Weeks’ Notice Template Examples
Here are some templates for two weeks’ notices you can use.
Two Weeks’ Notice Email Template
Subject Line: Notice of Resignation - [Your Name]
Dear [Boss’ First Name],
I’m writing this letter to give you two weeks’ notice of my official resignation from [Company Name]. My last day working for the company will be [date two weeks from the current date].
I’ve had a wonderful time working with [Company Name], but I’ve made the difficult decision to pivot to a role in a different industry that will allow me to better explore my passion for technology.
I really appreciate the support and training I’ve received from [Company Name] in the past [X] years. It’s been a pleasure working with you, and I’ve learned a lot in the process, which I hope to carry forward into my next role and beyond.
Please let me know if there’s anything I can do within the next two weeks to ensure that this transition goes as smoothly as possible. I wish you all the best.
Best,
[Your Name]
Two Weeks’ Notice Letter Template
[Date]
Dear [Boss’ First Name],
Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from [Company Name]. My final date in this role will be [date two weeks from the current date].
I’ve had a fantastic experience working with [Company Name] in the past [X] years. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here to expand my skill set and make an impact on the community.
I’m happy to do whatever is needed to assist with the transition. If there’s anything you need from me throughout the process, please let me know.
I wish you and [Company Name] all the best in the future.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
How ProWritingAid Can Help You Write a Formal Two Weeks’ Notice
Like any other letter you write for work, your letter of resignation is a reflection of your professionalism. You don’t want your letter to be riddled with typos or grammar mistakes, and you also want to make sure it’s in a work-appropriate tone.
Running your letter through ProWritingAid before you submit it can help you ensure it strikes the right tone and is free of any errors. The grammar checker will scan your letter and help you easily correct mistakes.
Good luck, and happy writing!
ProWritingAid makes great writing easy
Easily improve your emails, reports, content, cover letters, and more.
