Whether you’ve found a new role, or have opted for a career break, delivering a notice of resignation can be an intimidating task. While some people choose a face-to-face conversation, everyone will need to share a 2 week notice letter to confirm the details of their resignation and make sure nothing is misunderstood. This article covers what to consider before starting a draft, the templates for writing a clear and concise letter, and tips for smoothly ending your employment.
What to consider before drafting a resignation letter
Two weeks' notice is such a common phrase that you'd think it's legally required. In reality, there's no federal law mandating employees give their employer fourteen days warning before leaving. Instead, there’s something called the ‘at-will’ employment doctrine. This principle allows the employee, or the employer, to end the employment relationship at any time without notice.
While at-will employment forms the basic framework, many employees will have individual contracts with specific notice clauses. This could be two weeks, but could equally be three or even four, depending on your employer.
Employees will be legally bound by the length of notice outlined in the contract and can lose benefits if they don’t comply. For example, this could be sacrificing accrued but unused PTO.
Here’s a short checklist to review before you give notice:
1. Read your employment contract - including your original offer letter and the company handbook to confirm your notice.
2. Confirm your state’s final pay check rules - every state has different requirements.
3. Be prepared for a hard stop - In their 'Guide to Quitting Your Job', The New York Times warns that you may be asked to leave right away, whether you’re going to a close competitor or not. So be prepared for that possibility well before you give notice.
Formal two weeks’ notice letter template
This is the moment to (temporarily) park your dream of becoming a novelist and keep your writing clear, concise and direct. Use our standard template below to easily create your own two week notice letter.
Subject: Notice of Resignation – [Your Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to formally resign from my position as [Job Title] at [Company], effective [two weeks from today], on [Final Working Day]. I appreciate the opportunities I’ve had to learn and develop my career during my time here. I’m grateful for the support from you and the team.
I am committed to making this a smooth transition. Please let me know how I can best help with handing over my responsibilities.
Please confirm receipt of this resignation letter and confirm that my final working day will be [Final Working Day].
Thank you again for the experience and guidance.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name and Contact Information]
Four core components of a two weeks' notice letter
One: Intention to resign
Make this clear in the subject line to avoid any ambiguity and to guarantee that the email is read as a priority. Repeat this information in the opening sentence of the letter to re-confirm your intent.
Two: Job title and company name
This might feel like stating the obvious, but these details are essential if your manager shares the letter with HR or other stakeholders.
Three: Final working day
Once you’ve read your employment contract to confirm the length of your notice, calculate your final working day. Including this in the letter clearly sets out your resignation timeline and requires your manager to confirm the date is correct.
Four: Contact information
Your employer is able to immediately end your employment when you give notice. This doesn’t mean you forfeit your pay, but it does mean they may withdraw your access to company systems and offices. Including your contact information allows for smooth communication if you lose access to your work email.
Informal letter template
Depending on the workplace culture of your organization, and the relationship you have with your manager, you may prefer to write a less formal resignation letter. Here’s a two weeks’ notice letter template that includes all the essential information, with a more casual tone.
Subject: Notice of Resignation – [Your Name]
Hi [Manager’s First Name],
I wanted to let you know that I’m resigning from my role as [Job Title]. My last day will be [Final Working Day], [two weeks] from today. I’ve truly enjoyed being part of the team and appreciate the opportunity to contribute. I’ll do everything I can over the next two weeks to ensure a smooth handover.
Thanks again,
[Your First Name and Phone Number]
Leaving on difficult terms letter template
Leaving a role can be a complicated process and you may have experienced challenging conversations - or situations - ahead of handing in your notice. Use the difficult terms letter template below to resign confidently and politely, regardless of the circumstances.
Subject: Notice of Resignation – [Your Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am resigning from my position as [Job Title] at [Company], effective two weeks from today, on [Final Working Day].
I will do my best to ensure a smooth transition and hand over my responsibilities before my departure. Please confirm receipt of this notice and that my final working day will be [Final Working Day].
Best regards,
[Your Full Name and Contact Information]
Wrapping up: Final tips for a smooth departure
1. Read your contract
We said it at the beginning, and we’ll say it again. Review your employment contract before submitting your resignation letter. This prevents unpleasant surprises about longer notice periods or missed benefits you were counting on.
2. Find the right tone
While there's no need to write your two week notice letter in a way that feels rigid or unemotional, it's important to maintain a clear and direct tone. Most important is to keep it brief. Avoid lengthy explanations about why you're resigning and stick to the basic details. You can share your reasons later if your manager asks, or discuss them in an exit interview.
To maintain a good working relationship during your notice period, keep your tone polite and professional. It can help to express gratitude (without overdoing it) and confirm your availability to help with the transition.
3. Share the news with your manager first
Make sure your manager is the first to know about your resignation. You may want to tell close colleagues, but wait until your manager receives your notice letter. Office rumors can quickly damage your professional reputation and create unnecessary tension during your remaining weeks of work.
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Frequently asked questions: How to put in your two weeks’ notice
Am I legally required to give two weeks’ notice?
No. In the U.S. the ‘at-will’ employment doctrine means that either you or your employer can end the relationship at any time without notice. However, many employees still give two weeks’ notice as a professional courtesy. If you have an employment contract, offer letter, or union agreement, check it carefully for a required notice period. It may be two weeks, but it could be more.
Can my employer make me leave immediately after I give notice?
Yes. Your employer can decide to accept your resignation effective immediately (this could be for security or business reasons). You should be prepared financially if you don’t have a contractual two week notice and your employment ends immediately.
Will I still get paid if I give two weeks’ notice?
Yes. You are entitled to wages for all hours you actually work. State law governs when your final paycheck is due (for example, on your last day in California vs. the next payday in many other states). Employers generally cannot withhold earned pay because you resigned. Many states also require payout of unused vacation or PTO.
How should I deliver my notice?
If you have a good working relationship with your manager, it’s best to start by telling them in person (or via video/phone if remote) and then follow up with a formal resignation email or letter. This creates a written record of your resignation and your final working day, which helps avoid misunderstandings. If you’re leaving on difficult terms, you can simply send the formal resignation email or letter.
What should I say in my resignation letter?
Keep it short, clear, and professional. State that you are resigning, include the date of your final working day, offer to help with the transition and, if appropriate, thank the company.
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How to write a professional resignation email
Farewell email to coworkers: templates & tips for a professional goodbye