When you're ready to leave your job, giving a two weeks notice letter is a polite and professional way to let your employer know.
While you might not always have to write a two weeks notice letter, it's become a bit of a tradition in many workplaces. Most people do it as a way to show respect and keep things on good terms with their boss.
The best part? Writing one is super easy. In this article, we'll walk you through how to do it and even throw in some templates to make it a breeze.
So, if you want to know how to move on with respect and grace, continue reading this article and find out:
- What is a 2 week notice letter;
- Why you shouldn't forget to hand it in;
- How to write 2 weeks notice letter in 7 steps;
- And, 4 neat two weeks notice letter templates to download.
What is a 2 week notice letter?
A two weeks notice letter is a formal notification (in the form of a letter or even an email) you give to your employer to let them know you plan to leave your job in two weeks.
It’s a simple, straightforward notification that lets your boss and HR know you’re on your way out, usually giving them a two-week heads-up before you officially leave.
Even though the name itself contains the word “letter”, you're most likely going to hand the document in as an email.
Two week notice letter vs. resignation letter
Additionally, your two week notice letter can also include a resignation letter. Although these two terms are often used interchangeably, there are slight differences:
- Amount of detail. Basically, the resignation letter talks more about your reasons for leaving and the circumstance of the departure. On the other hand, the two weeks notice letter is all about the timeframe.
- Length. As a consequence, a resignation letter might be longer, while a two weeks notice letter is usually brief and to the point.
In a nutshell: All two weeks notice letters are resignation letters, but not all resignation letters are two weeks notice letters. The two weeks notice letter is a specific type of resignation letter that gives a two-week advance notice before you leave.
Honestly, these two documents are so similar that they simply merge into one. Because, when you submit your two weeks notice letter, you're essentially doing both — formally announcing your resignation and giving your employer a heads-up about your departure date.
Why a two weeks notice letter is a MUST
Despite what it may look like, handing in your 2 week notice letter isn't just a convention. There are actually pretty good practical reasons why you should always write one.
Here they come:
- It's a polite thing to do. Giving a two weeks notice shows respect for your employer and colleagues alike. It shows that you value your professional relationships and are considerate of how your departure might impact the team/employer.
- It can impact your professional reputation. Quitting your job cold turkey without letting anyone know can seriously damage your reputation. Plus, it can cause you troubles during your subsequent job search — vetting potential job candidates before inviting them to an interview is not uncommon.
- It gives your employer time to deal with the situation. Two weeks' notice gives your employer time to plan for your departure. For example, they can start looking for a replacement or redistribute your tasks.
- It creates an opportunity for feedback. Also, submitting a formal notice often leads to an exit interview. Here, you can receive feedback (constructive, hopefully) about your own performance.
- It can help you secure positive references. Finally, leaving on a good note can provide you with valuable references for your future employer. After all, you want someone to vouch for your work ethic and reliability, don't you?
How you leave a job can be just as important as how you performed while there. So, before you empty your cubicle and slam the door behind you dramatically, think twice about the potential consequences of not handing in your notice.
Is a two weeks notice legally binding?
Sure, it's tempting to just pack your stuff one day and leave — especially when you've had a terrible boss. But would that even be legal?
Well, it would. And it wouldn't — depending on your company's policies and state laws.
For example, in the U.S., employment is "at-will." This means that either you or your employer can end the employment relationship at any time, for any reason (or even no reason at all), without legal consequences. So technically, you could leave without giving any notice, and your employer could let you go without notice too.
However, some companies may have policies that request or require you to give a two weeks notice. Still, these aren't enforceable by law. So, while ignoring these policies could definitively burn bridges, it won't land you in legal trouble.
On the other hand, if you’re part of a union, there might be specific rules about notice periods in your collective bargaining agreement. And these rules can be more binding than typical company policies!
So, as you can see, it's always better to sit down and dedicate a few minutes of your time to write a polite 2 weeks notice letter. Because, whatever your situation may be, the benefits will far outweigh any minor inconvenience.
Pro Tip
Before handing in your two week notice letter, talk about your resignation face-to-face with your employer. It shows respect and allows for an open, honest conversation.
How to write two weeks notice letter in 7 steps
Now that we've covered the basics, let's have a closer look at how you can craft a two week notice letter that is both courteous and professional in just 7 easy steps:
- Start by stating your credentials in a header.
Apart from the usual — your contact information (name, email address, phone number) and the contact information of your boss/HR department — you'll also need to add a date when you're submitting your notice.
- Greet the recipient politely.
If you're sending your notice to a single person, go with the classic “Dear Mr./Mrs [Last Name].” And if you're sending a copy to the HR department as a whole, you can start with “Dear HR Team.”
- State your intention to resign with the date of your departure.
In the first paragraph, state your intention to resign from your position at the company. And don't forget to also state the date of your departure (2 business weeks from the day you send the notice).
- (Optional) Provide reasons for your departure.
If you choose to wrap your two weeks notice into a resignation letter, this is the place where you justify your decision. But it's not necessary to go into too much detail. Besides, it's better to discuss the reason of your resignation with your boss in-person.
- Express your gratitude.
Next, you can briefly touch on the positive experiences and opportunities you’ve had at the company. You can either keep it general, or mention specific projects or learning experiences that were particularly meaningful to you.
- Offer to help with the transition.
Before you sign off for good, let them know that you intend to complete all your tasks and duties as usual. As a sign of goodwill and professionalism, you can also say that you're willing to train a new hire or another employee to make the transition as smooth as possible.
- Close with an appropriate sign-off.
And lastly, it's time to put down your signature. If it's a printed letter, sign right above your typed name. And for an email, simply type your name below the sign-off ("Sincerely," "Best regards," or "Thank you.").
Two weeks notice letter templates
Let’s face it, not everyone finds it easy to write formal documents, especially something like a two weeks notice letter.
But don’t worry, we’ve got your back!
To make things easier for you, we've prepared these 4 templates you can copy and paste to your word processor of choice. All you need to do next is fill in your information.
Two weeks notice letter template (simple)
In case you want to submit a 2 week notice letter only — a.k.a. not providing reasons for your resignation in this particular document, here's a simple template for you:
#1 Two weeks notice letter template
Two weeks notice letter template (warm and personal)
Sometimes, leaving your old job feels like relief. But other times, it’s genuinely hard to say goodbye. Whether it's because of an exceptional team or a great boss, those connections make it tough to leave.
In cases like these, you want to give your two weeks notice letter a bit more warmth:
#2 Two weeks notice letter template
2 week notice letter template (part of a resignation letter)
Alternatively, if you decide to combine your 2 weeks notice letter with a resignation letter, your final document can look something like this:
#3 Two weeks notice letter template
2 weeks notice letter template (email)
Of course, any of the previous notices can be submitted either printed or via email. But if you choose the electronic version, don't forget to create a relevant subject line.
This makes it easier for the recipient to see what the email is all about as soon as it lands in their inbox.
#4 Two weeks notice letter template (email)
Key takeaways
A two weeks notice letter is simply your formal way of saying you're resigning and specifying your departure date. It’s a straightforward notification to let your boss and HR know you’re leaving, typically with a two-week advance notice.
Here are 5 main reasons why you should always consider handing in your 2 week notice letter:
- It's a polite thing to do.
- It can impact your professional reputation.
- It gives your employer time to deal with the situation.
- It creates an opportunity for feedback.
- It can help you secure positive references.
Additionally, your two weeks notice letter can include elements of a resignation letter. The main difference is that a resignation letter also provides the reasons for your departure, while the notice letter focuses on your departure timeline only.
More often than not, these two documents merge into one. Here's how to craft yours in 7 steps:
- Start by stating your credentials in a header.
- Greet the recipient politely.
- Clearly state your intention to resign.
- (Optional) Provide reasons for your departure.
- Express your gratitude.
- Offer to help with the transition.
- Close with an appropriate sign-off.
- Career Writer
Julia is an experienced career writer at Kickresume, who brings you expert tips on how to score big in the job market. From helping people improve their English to gain admission to their dream university, to guiding them on how to advance professionally, it would seem that her own career is also on a steadfast trajectory. Julia holds a degree in Anglophone studies from Metropolitan University in Prague, where she also resides. Apart from creative writing and languages, she takes a keen interest in literature and theatre.
