If you're quitting your job, it's common courtesy to offer two weeks' notice to the employer. This has become a standard practice in most U.S. workplaces, though there are situations where an employee will leave on short notice or quit immediately.
To avoid burning a bridge, experts and successful professionals recommend that you give your employer a heads-up a couple of weeks before your last day. A two-weeks’-notice letter is basically a working world norm. Below you'll find five examples and tips on how to write one.
What is a two-weeks’-notice letter?
A two-weeks’-notice letter is a document to inform the employer of your intention to resign two weeks from the date you submit the letter. It has a standard business letter format, with date, contact information, body paragraphs, and a signature.
Two-weeks’-notice letters are required because it gives the employer time to start the process to hire a replacement. “It's the gold standard,” says Daniel Meursing, CEO and founder of Premier Staff. “But sometimes flexibility is necessary.”
During these two weeks, the employee who's leaving handles any critical task assigned to them and helps the employer with the handover of duties. This helps avoid chaos and unfinished assignments for your colleagues to take up the slack, which leaves a positive last impression with the employer.
How to write a two-weeks’-notice letter
A two-weeks’-notice letter should include your planned last working day, a brief thank you, and an offer to assist with the transition. When writing yours, keep these tips in mind to ensure a smooth resignation:
- Be polite and diplomatic. It doesn't matter if you love or hate the company or the people you work with—always use a polite and professional tone. You don't need to give false praise, but express your thanks for the opportunity.
- Don't turn it into an essay. If you do love the company and your colleagues, it can be easy to get carried away expressing how much you enjoyed the experience. However, a two-weeks’-notice letter shouldn't be much longer than five paragraphs. Say your goodbyes directly to your colleagues in person or in a separate email.
- Double check your departure date. Yes, really. When writing a resignation letter you need every detail to be correct, since HR will work on the dismissal papers based on the information you provided.
5 two-weeks’-notice letter examples
Here are five examples of two-weeks’-notice letters for different scenarios and why they work in these situations.
Example #1: Two-weeks'-notice due to a new opportunity
You don't need to provide details about your new employment, simply state you're pursuing a new opportunity that you couldn't decline. This gives your employer an explanation while maintaining professionalism and your privacy.
Subject: Two weeks’ notice - Resignation to pursue new new opportunity
Dear Sean,
I would like to inform you of my intention to resign from my position as sales manager with Red Company, effective two weeks from today, October 29, 2024. While I deeply enjoyed my time working with you and the sales team, I received an opportunity that I can’t pass up.
Thank you for welcoming me to your team and for the professional development opportunities I’ve had with this company. I’m looking forward to helping with the transition process and handover of my duties.
Sincerely,
Charlotte Miller
555-1234-567
charlotte.miller@email.com
Example #2: Two weeks’ notice due to personal reasons
If you're leaving due to circumstances related to your health, your family, dissatisfaction with the company—or any reason you don't want to share with the employer, you can label it as “personal reasons.” Employers accept that as enough of an explanation and the fact you're providing two weeks’ notice helps smooth the situation.
Subject: Two weeks’ notice - Resignation due to personal issues
Dear Jordan,
Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from my position as content manager with Green Company. My last day of employment will be November 8, 2024, two weeks from today. I have enjoyed working with you and the content team, however for personal reasons I need to resign.
Thank you for the opportunities and the professional development. I appreciate your guidance and support. Please let me know what I can do to help with the transition in the next two weeks.
I appreciate your understanding.
Sincerely,
Jean Davis
555-1234-567
jean.davis@email.com
Example #3: Basic two-weeks’-notice letter
A basic two-weeks’-notice letter is ideal when you don't have much proximity to your supervisor or didn't spend much time at the company. This letter format is more neutral and concise than the others, as you don't want to sound phony or overly apologetic.
Subject: Two weeks’ notice
Dear Kathryn,
I am writing to inform you of my intention to resign from my position as customer care associate at Blue Company, effective two weeks from today, November 1, 2024. I am pursuing a new opportunity.
I appreciate the time I’ve spent here, and am happy to help with the transition process. Please let me know what you need.
Thank you,
Vincent Lopez
555-1234-567
vincent.lopez@email.com
Example #4: Two-weeks’-notice letter short and sweet
A short and sweet two-weeks’-notice letter works when you don't feel the need to include an explanation or express your regret in the letter. This could be because you had a previous conversation with the team and have already personally explained the situation, or on the other hand you might be leaving a troubled work environment where you aren't close with your teammates.
Subject: Two weeks’ notice - Formal resignation letter
Dear Amber,
Please accept this letter as my formal two weeks’ notice. I am resigning from my role as administrative assistant with Yellow Company, effective November 14, 2024.
As we discussed in person, I am available to help with the transition process and will finish my assignments before my departure date.
Thank you for the opportunity,
Evelyn Williams
555-1234-567
evelyn.williams@email.com
Example #5: Detailed two-weeks’-notice letter
A detailed two-weeks’-notice letter is ideal when you have a warm, close relationship with your supervisor and colleagues, and want to express your appreciation for them. This format also works when you already have a transition plan outlined and want to lay it out to the supervisor.
Subject: Two weeks’ notice - Resignation from Purple Company
Dear Debra,
Please accept this letter as notice of my resignation from my position as lead project manager at Purple Company to pursue a new challenge. My last day of employment will be November 15, 2024.
I want to thank you for the opportunity and partnership in these four years. I was fortunate to work with an amazing team and clients. Your professional guidance definitely helped my development as project manager. I will be forever grateful.
I already started developing a transition roadmap with the handover of my tasks to Bruce and Carolyn—please see the attached file. Let me know if you have any questions and need anything else.
Sincerely,
Nicole Martin
555-1234-567
nicole.martin@email.com
Two-weeks’-notice letter template
Not quite there yet? Use this template as a guide to start writing your own two-weeks’-notice letter.
Subject: Two weeks’ notice - Resignation from [company name]
Dear [supervisor's name],
I would like to inform you of my resignation from my position as [job title] with [company name], effective two weeks from today, [current date]. I am resigning due to [brief explanation].
Thank you for the opportunity to get to work with the [team's title] team. I am happy to help with the transition process in the two weeks ahead.
I appreciate your understanding.
Sincerely,
[your name]
[phone number]
[personal email address]
Key takeaways
Two weeks notice letters are simple and straightforward documents. You must inform your resignation, last day of employment, say your thanks, and offer help with the transition and unfinished tasks. Don't make it longer or more complicated than it should be and the process will be pleasant for all involved.