How to Write a Two Weeks’ Notice (Template Included!)

So, after a long job hunt and weeks—if not months—of interviewing, you’ve finally landed a new job. Congratulations are in order! But before you can fully focus on the new chapter ahead, you know you need to give your current employer two weeks’ notice, the typical amount of time employees give their company to transition out of the role and leave their responsibilities in good hands.

Wondering about the best way to do it? Let’s delve into everything you need to know—including why giving two weeks’ notice matters, and how to write an effective letter.

Why is it important to give two weeks’ notice?

“While there are several reasons to give proper notice to an employer, they start and end with professionalism,” says career coach Adriana Cowdin. “This is the most professional way to leave a current employer—and any new employer should respect your decision to give appropriate notice.”

Giving two weeks’ notice allows you to leave your current position on a high note. It provides your company, manager, and team with the time needed for a smooth transition. This not only helps maintain valuable relationships but can also be beneficial in the future—whether you need a reference from a manager, a referral from a former colleague, or even the option to return to your old job.

“You want to consider what’s in your best interest as well as what impression you want to leave your employer with upon resigning,” says Cowdin. “It’s not unheard of for a former employer to recruit a high performance previous employee back to their company—even years after that employee resigns.”

So, while it may be tempting to walk away from a job as soon as you have another lined up (or when you decide to move or whatever reason you’re leaving your position), “providing adequate notice will make everyone’s lives easier—including your own,” says Sophie Bryan, founder and Chief Workplace Culture Consultant at workplace culture consultancy Ordinarily Different. 

Is two weeks’ notice required?

It’s important to note that, while giving two weeks’ notice is generally the professional thing to do, unless it’s stipulated in your employment agreement, in the U.S., you’re not required by law to give notice.

“There is no federal or state law that requires employees to provide notice of resignation to their employers,” says Peter Rahbar, employment attorney, workplace issues expert, and founder of The Rahbar Group. “Any notice requirement for employees would originate from their own employment contract, offer letter, or a company policy or plan.”

As such, if you ever find yourself in a harmful or dangerous situation at work, it might be better to just walk away. “If at any time you are being discriminated against, harassed, being asked to do something illegal, or your physical or mental health is at risk, you may want to consider leaving without notice,” says Cowdin. 

Two weeks’ notice letter: What to include

Clearly, giving two weeks’ notice is (in most situations) a must—and the best way to do that is with a two weeks’ notice letter. “Notice should be provided in writing,” says Rahbar. “If provided orally, it should also be reiterated in writing afterwards.”

There are a few different elements that you’ll want to incorporate in your two weeks’ notice letter, including:

• A professional, concise tone. Your two weeks’ notice letter should be written in a professional tone—and it should avoid unnecessary details (no need to write a novel!). “When providing notice, it is important to maintain professionalism, while keeping the notice short and to the point,” says Rahbar.

• The facts of your resignation. It’s also important to include key details, like a notification of your resignation and the last day of your employment. “Stick to the simple facts and information in your resignation letter,” says Cowdin. “For example, make sure to include that you are resigning and your last date of employment, providing appropriate two weeks’ notice.”

• Gratitude for the opportunity. Regardless of why you’re leaving your job, you’ll want to say some version of “thank you for the opportunity” in your two weeks’ notice letter. “Thank your employer for the experience and opportunities they provided to you,” says Rahbar.

One more thing to keep in mind: your two weeks’ notice letter isn't just about what you say, but also what you don't.

“Avoid making any negative remarks in the letter of notice,” says Bryan. “Not only is it in pen and on a permanent record, but it’ll serve little purpose and nothing good will come of it.”

This includes “sharing negative feedback or criticism of your manager or colleagues—and never using any inappropriate language,” says Cowdin.

How to write a two weeks’ notice letter: Template

The good thing about writing a two weeks’ notice letter is that there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. If you’re not sure what to include in your letter, feel free to use this template to help you get started:

[Insert date]

Dear [addressee name],

I am sending this letter to inform you of my resignation from [job role] at [company name]. My last day of employment will be [last date of employment].

I’d also like to thank you for my time at [company name]. I’m grateful for the opportunity and hope to keep in touch in the future.

Please confirm receipt of this letter and let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you,

[Sender name]

Bonus tips for effectively giving two weeks’ notice

Think you've covered everything for a smooth two weeks notice? Hold on just a sec! Here are some extra tips to help you with the process:

Let important people know directly

Many companies have resignation procedures that may have you resign to HR, your department head, or your CEO. But regardless of who you actually submit your formal two weeks’ notice letter to, it’s important to let any important people—for example, a mentor or a close colleague—that you’re leaving directly. 

They’ll appreciate hearing it from you—and being direct can go a long way in helping you preserve those relationships after you leave the company. 

Create a transition plan

A resignation—particularly from a top performer and/or key team member—can throw a wrench in workflows. So, if you can, offer to help create a plan to effectively transition yourself out of your role and set your colleagues and/or team up for success. 

“If you feel able to, you could even offer some assistance for the transition, such as training the replacement or documenting your responsibilities,” says Bryan.

Do what’s asked

Different companies handle resignations in different ways—and to keep things as professional as possible on your way out, you’ll want to handle your resignation in whatever way the company deems fit. 

For example, “if your employer asks that you keep news of your departure private for a certain period of time, you should do your best to comply and work together towards an amicable parting of ways,” says Rahbar. 

On the flip side, if your employer asks you to break the news to your team, you should aim to do that as well. (Although it’s important to remember that you never have to do anything that makes you uncomfortable—as you’re leaving your job or otherwise.)