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You’ve accepted a new job or decided to move on, and now you need to tell your current employer. A two weeks notice letter is your formal resignation—it sets your end date, kicks off the transition process, and ideally keeps things professional so you don’t burn bridges.
Most people overthink this. The letter doesn’t need to be elaborate. You’re informing your employer that you’re leaving, when your last day will be, and offering to help wrap things up. That’s it.
Here’s how to write a resignation letter that handles the essentials without drama.
Why Two Weeks Notice Matters
Giving two weeks notice isn’t just about being polite—it’s practical for everyone involved.
Your employer gets time to plan. They can start looking for your replacement, redistribute your work, or at least prepare for the gap you’ll leave. Springing a same-day resignation on them creates chaos and makes you look unprofessional.
You maintain the relationship. Your boss and coworkers could be references someday, or you might cross paths with them in your industry. Leaving abruptly tends to be remembered negatively. Two weeks softens the blow.
You get to wrap things up properly. Finishing projects, documenting what you were working on, and training someone (if there’s time) means you’re not leaving a mess behind. That matters if you care about your reputation.
It often matches company policy. Many employee handbooks require two weeks notice. Ignoring this could affect your final paycheck, unused vacation payout, or eligibility for rehire.
It gives everyone a clear timeline. You know exactly when you’re done. Your employer knows when to stop counting on you. No ambiguity about your last day means fewer awkward conversations.
Some jobs don’t deserve two weeks—if you’re in a toxic environment or being mistreated, leaving immediately might be the right call. But in most normal situations, two weeks is standard and expected.
What Goes in a Two Weeks Notice Letter
Keep your resignation letter simple and focused. Here’s what needs to be in it:
Your Contact Information
Put your full name, address, phone number, and email at the top. Your employer should be able to reach you after you leave if they have questions about work you handled.
Date
Include the date you’re writing and submitting the letter. This starts your official two-week countdown.
Clear Statement of Resignation
Say directly that you’re resigning and from what position. “I am resigning from my position as Marketing Manager” works fine. No need to be flowery about it.
Your Last Working Day
State your final day of work. Count two weeks from when you’re submitting the letter. If you’re handing it in on Monday, March 3rd, your last day would be Friday, March 14th. Be specific—put the actual date.
Offer to Help with Transition
Mention that you’re willing to help during your remaining time. “I’m happy to train my replacement” or “I’ll work to wrap up my current projects” shows you’re not just bailing.
Brief Thank You
One or two sentences thanking your employer for the opportunity. You don’t have to gush, but some acknowledgment of the experience is expected. “Thank you for the opportunity to work with the team” covers it.
That’s the whole letter. You don’t need to explain why you’re leaving, where you’re going, or what you didn’t like about the job. Keep it short and professional.
Sample Two Weeks Notice Templates
Here are three versions depending on your workplace and relationship with your employer.
Basic Template
When you just need to cover the essentials:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Today's Date]
[Manager's Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
Dear [Manager's Name],
I am writing to inform you of my resignation from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name]. My last working day will be [Date—two weeks from today].
Thank you for the opportunity to work with the team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]Professional Template
When you want to be a bit warmer and offer help:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Today's Date]
[Manager's Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
Dear [Manager's Name],
I am writing to formally resign from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name]. My last working day will be [Date—two weeks from today].
I have appreciated the opportunity to grow professionally during my time here. I will do everything I can to ensure a smooth transition, including training my replacement and completing any outstanding projects.
Thank you for your support and guidance.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]Casual Template
For more relaxed workplaces where formality feels weird:
[Your Name]
[Today's Date]
Hi [Manager's Name],
I'm writing to let you know that I'm resigning from my position as [Job Title]. My last day will be [Date—two weeks from today].
I've really enjoyed working with you and the team. I'll make sure to wrap up my projects and help with the transition however I can.
Thanks for everything.
Best,
[Your Name]Pick the template that matches your workplace culture. A corporate law firm needs the professional version. A startup where everyone’s on a first-name basis can use the casual one.
Tips for Writing an Effective 2 Weeks Notice
A few things to keep in mind when writing your resignation letter:
Be direct. Don’t bury the news in paragraphs of backstory. Lead with “I am resigning” so there’s no confusion about what this letter is.
Skip the reasons. You don’t owe your employer a detailed explanation of why you’re leaving. “I’ve accepted another position” is fine if you want to say something, but even that’s optional. Definitely don’t list complaints or grievances—this isn’t the place.
Keep it positive or neutral. Even if you hated the job, don’t let that show in your letter. The resignation letter goes in your personnel file and could be seen by HR, future employers, or references. Write it like you’re leaving on good terms.
Offer to help, then actually help. If you say you’ll assist with the transition, follow through. Document your processes, train your replacement if they hire someone quickly, and don’t check out mentally just because you gave notice.
Match your workplace tone. A resignation letter to a formal, corporate employer should be more structured. If your workplace is casual and you call your boss by their first name, you can relax the language a bit while still keeping it professional.
Proofread. Typos in your resignation letter look sloppy. Read it twice before submitting it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
People mess up resignation letters in predictable ways. Here’s what not to do:
Being vague about your last day. “I’ll be leaving in a couple weeks” doesn’t cut it. Give the exact date so everyone’s on the same page.
Complaining or venting. Your resignation letter isn’t the place to air grievances about your boss, coworkers, or the company. Save that for after you’ve left (or better yet, just let it go).
Over-explaining why you’re leaving. You don’t need to justify your decision or provide a dissertation on your career goals. State that you’re resigning and move on.
Not offering help. Even if you’re mentally done, offering to assist with the handoff makes you look professional and considerate.
Leaving out contact info. Your employer might need to reach you after you’re gone about paperwork, tax forms, or project questions. Make it easy for them.
Forgetting to thank them. Even if the job wasn’t great, thanking your employer for the opportunity takes two seconds and keeps things cordial.
Ignoring company policy. Check your employee handbook. Some companies have specific resignation procedures or forms. Following them avoids problems with your final paycheck or benefits.
Submitting it without reading it over. Spelling errors and grammatical mistakes make you look careless. This letter represents you—make sure it’s clean.
Sending it at a bad time. Don’t email your resignation at 9 PM on a Friday or right before your boss goes on vacation. Submit it during business hours when you can have a follow-up conversation if needed.
Submitting it before talking to your boss. If possible, tell your manager in person or over the phone first, then follow up with the written letter. Getting blindsided by an email resignation feels impersonal.
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Two Weeks Notice Bottom Line
A two weeks notice letter is straightforward: state that you’re resigning, give your last day, offer to help, say thank you, and you’re done. It doesn’t need to be long or complicated.
The goal is to leave professionally so you don’t damage relationships or your reputation. Future employers might call your boss for a reference. Former coworkers might end up at companies you want to work for. Leaving on good terms matters more than you think at the time.
Write the letter, submit it, and spend your last two weeks tying up loose ends. Then move on to whatever’s next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a two-week notice letter?
A formal written resignation that tells your employer you’re leaving and gives them two weeks to prepare for your departure. It documents your last working day and starts the transition process.
Why is giving two weeks notice important?
It gives your employer time to find a replacement or redistribute your work, maintains professional relationships that matter for future references, and often aligns with company policy in the employee handbook.
What should I include in my resignation letter?
Your contact information, the date, a clear statement that you’re resigning, your last working day, an offer to help with the transition, and a brief thank you. That’s all you need.
Do I have to explain why I’m leaving?
No. You can if you want to, but it’s not required and often not advisable. “I’ve accepted another opportunity” is sufficient if you feel like you need to say something.
Can I just use a template?
Yes. The templates in this article cover the basics. Just fill in your information and adjust the tone to match your workplace culture.
What if I’m leaving a toxic job—do I still need to give two weeks?
Technically, most employment is at-will, meaning you can leave whenever you want. But if you can tolerate two more weeks, it’s usually worth it for the reference and to avoid burning bridges. If the situation is genuinely harmful, prioritize your wellbeing.
Should I send my resignation letter by email or print it?
Either works. Email is fine for most modern workplaces and creates a timestamp. Some companies still prefer a printed, signed letter. Check your company’s culture and handbook.
