Are you looking to send a two-weeks notice letter to your employer?

This blog might help you.

Click here to download 2-weeks notice letter template

If you have decided to leave your current job, it is good practice to provide your employer with a two-week notice as a professional courtesy.

In most cases, it is not mandatory to provide the employer with notice. However, providing your employer a two-week notice will give them ample time to find a suitable replacement.

In this guide, we will talk about everything you need to know about a two-weeks notice letter.

Things we will learn:

What Is a 2 Weeks Notice Letter?


You can have multiple reasons to leave your job.

No matter what it is, it is respectful to give a two weeks notice letter to your employer before resigning. It gives you enough time to complete your pending tasks and allows your employer to find a replacement.

However, most employment contracts mention the duration of the notice period to be served. So, you need to review it before taking a job as it may have some other rules regarding the notice period.

Why Should You Write a 2 Weeks Notice Letter?


There are primarily two reasons to write a two-weeks notice letter.

  1. It’s respectful towards your employer to write a two-week notice period as opposed to leaving abruptly. This notice will help the employer settle all your financial obligations and give you time to finish up all your pending tasks.
  2. The second reasoning is, it will work as a written record of your resignation.

Also Read: How to write a resignation letter in 2022?

What Are the Significant Elements of a 2 Weeks Notice Letter?


  • Name of the person you are addressing
  • Designation
  • Company name and address
  • Date of the letter
  • The date of your leaving
  • A short statement to show gratitude
  • Your signature

2-weeks-notice-letter-format

Click here to download this template

How to Write a Two Week Notice Letter?


1. Use Professional Letter Format:


  • Use a clean resume format along with a simple font to make your 2 weeks notice letter professional. For example: Ariel, Times New Roman, etc.
  • At the top of the letter, include your contact information and date of Resignation. It is the most important information in your resume. You can either write the specific date of your resignation or you can say that you are leaving two days from the day you are sending the resume.

2. Keep the Letter Short and Clear:


  • Avoid writing a long letter for resigning. Just keep it to the point and it will work.
  • You can write a small thank you note at the end of your letter.

3. Refrain Yourself From Using Anything Negative:


It is always advisable to not mention anything negative about your colleagues and managers in the 2 weeks notice letter. Maintain professionalism. You never know, who you’ll have to meet again in the future.

4. Offer Help:


Always offer the employer to train your successor. This will help you leave the organization on a good note.

5. Send a Letter to Appropriate Person:


Always send the letter to your manager along with the human resource manager so that the HR department has a copy of it.

6. Briefly Mention your Next Step:


At the very end of the letter, briefly mention that you will perform all your duties to the highest standard until your last day and offer your help to others.

7. Sign Off:


End the letter with a formal closing such as “sincerely” or “Thanking you” followed by your name.

Also Read: What are some reasons to Leave a Job in 2022?

When Should You Give a 2 Weeks Notice?


If you are switching jobs, only give a notice when you have signed your offer letter with the new employer. Do not give notice based on verbal communication about the job. A range of things can happen and you might lose both jobs if you act too soon.

What to Do if Your Employer Provides a Counteroffer?


Most of the time if the employee is experienced and valuable, employers try to provide a counteroffer when they want to quit.

The company has spent a lot of time training you, and they do not want their valuable resource to go.

You can choose to accept or reject the counteroffer based on these scenarios:

  • If you are looking to earn more from your job as a high-level employee, then you may want to consider a counteroffer of a salary hike. It is more advantageous.
  • However, if you are leaving for personal reasons, such as a clash with management, work-life balance, or another issue, then a counteroffer will not be of any value to you.

Problems You Might Face if You Don’t Give a 2 Weeks Notice?


It is not required by law to provide a two-weeks notice letter.

However, most employees have a notice period clause in their employment contract.

And if you don’t follow the contract, you might lose the company benefits, and probably you have to give the company a penalty.

That’s why always read your employment contract carefully before signing.

Apart from that, if you leave the company without notice, it might leave a negative impression on the organization, which can cause you a valuable reference from the previous employer.

Also Read: What to do if you hate your job in 2022?

What Should You Remember Before Submitting Two Weeks Notice Letter to Employer?


A study conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that baby boomers switch to 12 jobs on an average in their lifetime. And the millennials change jobs even more than that.

It's evident that you have to come in a situation multiple times in your life where you have to put down your two-week notice letter.

Here's a guide to help you end your employment with a good note:

1. Notify Your Manager First


Even if you are good friends with your colleagues, your manager should know first if you've decided to leave. It's not a grand gesture if your manager hears that you are leaving from someone else.

2. Review Employment Contract To Confirm Notice Period


The mandatory notice period is mentioned in the employment contract in some companies. And you need to refer to that document to put down your notice period. Similarly, if in your agreement it's mentioned "at-will employee," your company may terminate your employment immediately.

You need to keep all these in mind before handing over your 2 weeks notice period to your manager. Also, don't shy away from taking legal help to understand the employment contract if necessary.

3. Hand Out 2 Week Notice Letter in Person


It is uncomfortable to talk to your manager about leaving. However, face-to-face talking is the best way to handle these situations.

If you have a good relationship with your manager, simply ask them if they have some time to talk to you privately. If they are not available at the moment, you can ask for a better time.

4. Keep the Communication Simple


Many candidates overthink and think of the worst before giving out the two-week notice letter. But you need to understand that your managers probably had these conversations with many other employees as well.

So, don't overthink and tell something positive to deliver the message. For example:

"I've enjoyed working at XYZ Company, But an opportunity has presented itself, and I've decided to move on."

Keep your tone professional and friendly. And be prepared to get a counter-offer. So make sure if that is what you really want.

Once you've delivered your message, you can talk to the manager about your next steps and help with the transition.

5. Keep Your Last Date of Employment In Mind


When you hand in your two-week notice letter, your employer will ask what will be your last day of work. And your manager may ask you to stay for longer to help with a smooth transition.

You need to refer to your contract of employment to see if you're legally bound to do that.

If not, you can disagree with your manager's requests. However, it may result in a bad relationship with your manager.

However, you can give extra two weeks' time to agree to the manager's request. And it will strengthen your relationship with your manager.

6. Tell Your CoWorkers Personally


After you talk to your manager, the next step is to inform your coworkers about your two-week notice letter. You can do it via in-person meetings, calls, or via good-bye emails.

Since you don't know who you will be working with in the future, make sure you maintain good relationships with your coworkers even if you are leaving the organization.

7. Help Out In Transition


In the last two weeks of your employment, you can plan a transition plan to help your successor take up the job. This will give the new employee to learn about all your responsibilities and give time to the manager to reassign the duties.

You can also offer to help the new employee even after you leave the company. Basically, reassure your employer that you are not leaving them hanging.

Also Read: How to decline a job offer politely in 2022?

Do's and Don'ts of a Two Weeks Notice Letter


As you write a two weeks notice letter, you need to keep in mind some do's and don't of writing a two-week notice letter.

Do's of a Two Weeks Notice Letter


  • Be Direct:State, your intent to departure on the first paragraph in the two-week notice letter. This section should include your last date of employment and your designation in the company.
  • Last Date of Employment: State your last date of employment clearly to the two weeks notice letter
  • Thank You Section: You don't know in which part of life you will come across your current manager. So it's better to end the relationship on a positive note. Add a thank-you section at the end of the two-week notice letter, mentioning how much you enjoyed working with your current manager, and highlight how he helped you become a better professional.
  • Mention Your Time with the Organization: If you can, briefly highlight some key accomplishments you had in your time in the company. It's optional, though.
  • Offer Help: The best way to leave the job on a good note is by offering help in the transition for a new hire. You can create an outline about how you will train a new candidate.
  • Give Your Personal Contact Info: Provide your personal contact information at the end of the two-week notice letter. This is helpful, especially if there is some urgent need in work and only you know the solution.
  • Include a Closing Statement: Finally, close the two weeks notice letter by wishing the Organization all the best for the future.

Don'ts of a Two Weeks Notice Letter


Following are some of them don't of a two weeks notice letter:

  • Don't Complain: Even if you are leaving the job due to bad work culture, do not complain about that in the 2-weeks notice letter. Try to be positive and professional in the letter
  • Don't Write Long Letter: While you want to display your gratitude towards the company, don't write an unnecessarily long letter for that. Try to be as concise as possible in the two weeks notice letter
  • Don't Have Typos: Do not have any typos or grammatical errors in the two-week notice letter. Proofread the letter thoroughly before sending it to your manager.

Also Read: What is the best resume format for job seekers?

Frequently Asked Questions


Q. What is the duration for a two weeks notice?

A. Normally 14 days or 10 business days.

Q. Why it is important to give a two weeks notice?

A. It helps the company to find a suitable replacement and gives you time to complete your pending works and leave on a good note.

Q. What are the significant elements of a two weeks’ notice?

  • Name of the person you are addressing
  • Designation
  • Company name and address
  • Date of the letter
  • The date of your leaving
  • A short statement to show gratitude
  • Thanking you and your signature

Q. Can I resign without giving notice?

A. Yes, there are no government restrictions on leaving without notice. However, the employment contract must have some clauses regarding the notice period. You need to follow those.

Q. Can you use vacation time for two weeks' notice?

A. It depends on your employment contract. If some organizations may allow you to use the vacation time and leave immediately. But it is not recommended as the whole point of the notice period is to provide the employer enough time to find a perfect replacement.

Q. When is it ok not to give two weeks notice letter?

A. It’s ok to leave the job immediately if it affects your mental and physical health.

  • If you get bullied or abused at work
  • If you are tasked with something unethical
  • If the new employer has an immediate requirement, you might lose the opportunity if you don’t join.

1. 2 Week Notice Template:

Here is a 2 week notice examples for the recruiter:

  • Ideal if you are not too familiar with the manager or HR
  • You want to use a neutral tone
  • You don’t want to provide a reason for your resignation.

Your Name
Your Address
Your Phone Number
Your Email

Date

Name of the person you are addressing to
Title
Organization
Address
City, State Zip Code

Dear Ms./Mr. [insert name]

I would like to inform you that I am resigning from my position as [position name] at [company name] effective two weeks from [date of termination].

I thoroughly enjoyed my time working at [company name] and appreciate the support provided.

Please let me know any assistance you will need from me during the transfer process.

Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Your Name]

2. Formal Two Weeks Notice Template:

You want to write a formal letter if:

  • The work environment is a bit formal, and people here are not young.
  • You are formal with the manager
  • You don’t want to include a reason in your letter

Your Name
Your Address
Your Phone Number
Your Email

Date

Name of the person you are addressing to
Title
Organization
Address
City, State Zip Code

Dear Ms./Mr. [insert name]

Please accept this letter as formal resignation from my position as [Position] at [Company name]. My last day of employment will be at [data].

Please let me know how I can be of service during these final two weeks at the organization. I intend to work at the highest quality level until my final day of employment.

Thank you for all the support and opportunities you have provided me over the last [number of years].

Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Your Name]

3. Personalized Two Weeks Notice Example

A personalized notice letter is good if you have an informal relationship with the manager and you want to write a genuine thank you to the manager.

Your Name
Your Address
Your Phone Number
Your Email

Date

Name of the person you are addressing to
Title
Organization
Address
City, State Zip Code

Dear Ms./Mr. [insert name]

I would like to inform you that I am resigning from my position as [designation] at [company]. This is my formal notice of resignation from my position. My last day of employment will be [date], two weeks from today.

During my tenure, I have been fortunate to work beside you, allowing me to grow and learn about the [industry]. Your guidance and mentorship have prepared me well for the future.

I hope that we will get an opportunity to collaborate in the future.

Please let me know how I can help during this transition. I wish you and the company all the best going forward.

Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Your Name]

4. 2 Weeks Notice Letter Sample

Your Name
Your Address
Your Phone Number
Your Email

Date

Name of the person you are addressing to
Title
Organization
Address
City, State Zip Code

Dear Ms./Mr. [insert name]

I am writing this letter to announce my resignation as [designation] from [company], effective two weeks from today.

This is not an easy decision to make. In the past five years of service I've learned a lot from you and managed a competent team to improve our quality of production.

Thank you for trusting me and giving me the platform to grow as a professional.

I wish you and the company all the best. If I can help you in any way in this transition phase, please don't hesitate to ask.

Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Your Name]

5. Good Two Weeks Notice Letter

Your Name
Your Address
Your Phone Number
Your Email

Date

Name of the person you are addressing to
Title
Organization
Address
City, State Zip Code

Dear Ms./Mr. [insert name]
Please accept this letter of resignation from the position of [designation] in [Company Name]. My last date of service will be [date].

I have accepted a position with [company name] that helps me grow in my career. I have enjoyed every second working at [company name]; however, the new position will further challenge my knowledge and help me grow.

In the next two weeks, please don't hesitate to ask if you need any help from me to make the transition smoother.

Again, it has been an absolute delight working with you and learning from you.

Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Your Name]

6. Two Weeks Notice Letter of Resignation

Your Name
Your Address
Your Phone Number
Your Email

Date

Name of the person you are addressing to
Title
Organization
Address
City, State Zip Code

Dear Ms./Mr. [insert name]
Please accept this as my official letter of resignation from [Company name] as a [designation], effective [date] two weeks from today .

The relationships I've build, the experiences I've gained during my tenure is invaluable to me.

I hope two week is sufficient to find a replacement for me. I'll be happy to train my replacement to make the transition as smooth as possible. Please let me know if you need any more assistance from me.

Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Your Name]

7. Two Weeks Notice Letter Sample

Your Name
Your Address
Your Phone Number
Your Email

Date

Name of the person you are addressing to
Title
Organization
Address
City, State Zip Code

Dear Ms./Mr. [insert name]
This letter is an official two-week notice for my termination of employment as a [designation] with [company]. My last day of employment will be [date].

It has been an absolute pleasure working with you, and I appreciate the invaluable experience I gained working here.

In the next two weeks, I am willing to help my replacement with training and explaining every aspect of the work. If you need anything else from me, please don't hesitate to ask.

I wish you and your company all the best, and I hope that I can count on you for positive reference in the future.

Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Your Name]

8. Two Weeks Notice Letter to Employer

Your Name
Your Address
Your Phone Number
Your Email

Date

Name of the person you are addressing to
Title
Organization
Address
City, State Zip Code

Dear Ms./Mr. [insert name]
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to work as an [designation] in [company]. I have learned a lot in my tenure and developed invaluable relationships with my colleagues.

However, it's time for me to move on. This is an official letter to announce my resignation from [company name]. My last date of employment will be [date], two weeks from today.

Please let me know if I can do something to ease the transition process.

I wish you and your company all the best for the future.

Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Your Name]

9. Official Two Weeks Notice Letter

Your Name
Your Address
Your Phone Number
Your Email

Date

Name of the person you are addressing to
Title
Organization
Address
City, State Zip Code

Dear Ms./Mr. [insert name]
I am writing to inform you that I'm resigning from [position] from [company]. My last day of employment is [date], two weeks from today. I am joining [new company] as a [designation] from [date].

I would like to express my gratitude for this wonderful opportunity you provided me. I have learned a lot about [skills] which made me a better professional.

I'm fortunate enough to work with you side by side in [company]. Please acknowledge this letter as my official letter of resignation. I hope for a smooth transition during this time. Looking forward to working with you again.

Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Your Name]

10. Two Weeks Notice Email Sample Letter

Subject Line: Notice of Resignation - Natasha Romanov

Dear Ms. Stark,

I would like to inform you that I’m resigning from my position as [designation] at [company]. My last day of employment will be [date], two weeks from today.

Please let me know if I can provide any assistance with the transition. I intend to work at the highest quality level until my final day of employment. You can contact me if needed on my personal email id natasharocks@gmail.com or via call at 555-555-5555.

Thank you for all the support and opportunities you have provided me over the last [number of years]. I wish you and the company success in the future.

Best regards,

Natasha Romanov

Click here to download the 2 week notice template

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