A two-week notice letter is a formal document that signals your intent to leave your current job. It serves as a standard professional courtesy, providing your employer with a reasonable timeframe to prepare for your departure. This notice is the first official step in ensuring a smooth and positive career transition, setting the stage for your final days with the company.
Essential Elements of a Two Week Notice
A resignation letter must accomplish two specific tasks. The first is a direct and unambiguous statement that you are resigning from your position, using phrases like, “Please accept this letter as my formal resignation.” This clarity is necessary to formally initiate the process of ending your employment. The second component is your specific final day of employment. Stating your last day, which should be two weeks from the date you submit the letter, provides a clear timeline for the company to plan for the handover of your responsibilities and begin finding a replacement.
What to Include for a Positive Exit
Adding a few extra details can help you leave on good terms and preserve your professional network. A brief expression of gratitude for the opportunity is an impactful addition. Thanking the company or your direct supervisor for the experience and skills you gained demonstrates professionalism and goodwill.
Another valuable inclusion is an offer to assist with the transition. You can state your willingness to help train your replacement or spend your final two weeks documenting your processes. This proactive offer shows a commitment to not leaving your team in a difficult position and helps maintain positive relationships for future references.
What to Exclude from Your Notice
Your written notice is a permanent record, so it should be free of any negativity. Never include criticism of the company, your manager, or your colleagues. Voicing frustrations in this formal document can burn bridges and harm your professional reputation.
You should also refrain from giving detailed or negative reasons for your departure. Simply stating you are resigning is sufficient; there is no need to explain that you are leaving for a better-paying job or due to dissatisfaction. Avoid emotional or overly personal language, as this can appear unprofessional. Finally, do not mention specifics about your new role or salary, as this information is confidential and irrelevant to the purpose of the notice.
Two Week Notice Template and Example
Here is a straightforward template you can adapt.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Manager’s Name]
[Manager’s Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
(Paragraph 1: State your resignation and last day) Please accept this letter as formal notification of my resignation from my position as [Your Job Title] at [Company Name]. My final day of employment will be two weeks from today, [Your Last Day].
(Paragraph 2: Express gratitude and offer to help with the transition) Thank you for the opportunity to have worked in this position for the past [Number of Years]. I have genuinely enjoyed my time at [Company Name] and am grateful for the skills and experiences I have gained. I am happy to assist in any way to ensure a smooth transition during my final two weeks.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Example:
Jane Doe
123 Main Street
Anytown, USA 12345
(555) 555-5555
jane.doe@email.com
July 16, 2025
John Smith
Marketing Director
ABC Corporation
456 Corporate Drive
Businesstown, USA 67890
Dear John Smith,
Please accept this letter as formal notification of my resignation from my position as Marketing Coordinator at ABC Corporation. My final day of employment will be two weeks from today, July 30, 2025.
Thank you for the opportunity to have worked in this position for the past three years. I have genuinely enjoyed my time at ABC Corporation and am grateful for the skills and experiences I have gained. I am happy to assist in any way to ensure a smooth transition during my final two weeks.
Sincerely,
(Signature)
Jane Doe
How to Deliver Your Notice Professionally
The delivery of your resignation is as meaningful as the letter itself. Before you hand over any document, you should request a private meeting with your direct manager. This conversation is a sign of respect that allows you to inform them of your decision personally, preventing them from being caught off guard.
During this meeting, maintain a positive and straightforward tone. You can briefly state your decision to resign and your intended last day. Immediately following this conversation, you should provide the physical letter or send the email with your notice attached. Your manager will then typically guide you on the next steps, which usually involve notifying the human resources department.