The day has come that you are moving on from one role to the next. Perhaps you are leaving your job because you just landed a new offer at your dream company. Maybe you are heading out into the great unknown, back on the job hunt. Regardless of why you are leaving, when you quit a job, it is customary to provide a 2 weeks notice letter to your boss or human resources department.
In this guide, you’ll learn all the following:
- Everything you need to know about what a two week notice letter is
- How to write this important correspondence along with examples you can quickly copy and paste
- Bonus tips to make your letter the best possible representation of you
Get ready to say goodbye to your job while leaving on a professional note.
What is a two week notice letter?
A two week notice letter is a formal document that provides your boss and human resources (HR) department with a written notice of your plan to resign from your role. In many organizations, if you do not provide this letter after putting in your two week’s notice, your HR department or boss might request one from you. Usually, the letter will be placed on file with any other information the company has about you, such as your onboarding paperwork.
A two week notice letter isn’t just about informing your company that you are planning to leave. It is also important for the following reasons:
- Future job references: While it might be tempting to waltz out the door of your office one day and never return, this can ruin your chances of ever receiving a positive reference from your current boss or management team. When you submit a formal two week notice letter, you can increase your chances of being able to ask for a job reference down the road.
- The potential to be rehired: You might not envision the day you ever return to the company you are leaving, but there is always a chance that you might wish to be rehired. When you document your departure the right way, you’ll often be considered eligible for rehire later.
- Avoiding confusion: When you verbally provide your two week’s notice, there is room for a misunderstanding. Your boss may have tuned out or forgotten the exact date you put in your notice. A letter provides clear documentation of when you plan to work your last day, avoiding any confusion.
How to write a two weeks notice letter
If you want to learn how to write a two weeks notice, use the following steps:
- Determine who the recipient of your letter is. This is usually the manager you report to directly.
- Calculate your last day of work. Usually, this is two week’s from the day you give your first notice.
- Write down a few quick notes about your time with the company to inspire the body of your message.
- Think through any projects or information you need to hand off. You’ll want to include a snippet about transitioning out of your role near the end of your letter.
- Figure out if your company prefers a physical copy or email. You can ask your boss or HR representative which form they would like submitted.
2 weeks notice copy and paste template
If you’re looking for a simple 2 weeks notice copy and paste template, use the following. Make sure to update the info with your own and customize it to fit your situation. For further guidance, see a filled out example below.
Copy and Paste Sample
[Your Contact Information]
[Month Date, Year]
[Your Manager’s Contact Information]
(Only add the above information if you plan to hand in a physical copy of your resignation. For an email, include a subject line and remove the contact information and date.)
Dear [Manager’s Name],
[Provide a formal notice of your resignation along with your last date of work.]
[Include a positive reflection about your time with the company.]
[Add any information about transitioning out of your role or assisting a new hire.]
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
(Use a signature followed by your name typed out.)
Email Example Filled Out
Subject Line: Resignation — Jason Stiles
Dear Mr. Knudson,
I am writing to provide my resignation from my role as Sales Consultant at XYZ Sales, effective two weeks from today. My last day with the company will be on September 9, 2022.
Thank you for the opportunity to work on your team. Over the past three years, I have learned an incredible amount from your leadership and value the relationships I have built here.
As I transition out of my role, I’ll be happy to assist in handing over my accounts to a new hire. During this time, if you need anything from me, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Jason Stiles
Bonus tips for your two week notice
Writing a two weeks notice letter is an important part of transitioning out of one job and into the next. While you write your letter, keep the following tips in mind to ensure the letter you hand it is professional and includes the right information.
Avoid these mistakes when writing a two week notice letter
Writing a two week notice letter is fairly straightforward. However, the following are a few pitfalls you should avoid when authoring this professional document:
- Focusing on negatives: It might be tempting to tell your boss exactly what they have done wrong during your time working for them, however, this is not the role of your two week notice letter. If you have complaints about your position, you can consider discussing them with an HR representative during an exit interview. Burning your bridges can end up hurting you in the long run.
- Making it too lengthy: A 2 week notice letter should be concise. Avoid rambling or including personal details.
- Leaving out important info: Double check your letter to make sure you included your last date of work.
How to give a 2 week notice
Along with handing in a two week notice letter, it is important to understand how to give a 2 week notice. Use the following steps:
- Schedule a meeting with your boss: Take the time to sit down one-on-one with your boss and let them know that you plan to leave your role in two week’s time.
- Provide your two week notice letter: After you have spoken with your boss, ask if they would like you to submit your formal notice via email or a physical copy.
- Prepare to transition projects and information: Make sure to take the time to finish projects or to provide important information about items in motion to your manager. In some cases, you might be asked to assist in providing this information to a replacement.
- Leave on a positive note: On your last day, hand in any company items, such as laptops, ID badges, and equipment. Make sure to keep things professional and avoid speaking negatively with other employees about your time with the company.
Do you have to give a 2 week notice?
When you are leaving a job you didn’t enjoy, you might wonder “do you have to give a 2 week notice?” Professionally, it is expected that you will provide your employer with a two week notice, regardless of whether or not you are leaving because you are unhappy.
However, there are expectations when you might consider leaving without notice. If you were asked to do something unethical, if you were harassed, or you felt unsafe, it is acceptable to simply leave your position. In this case, it is best to inform HR that you are leaving, and why you cannot provide two week notice.
To learn more about the process of giving two week notice, check out our guide to resigning from a job on good terms.
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