How to write a two weeks' notice

How to Write a Two Weeks Notice (Examples & Templates)

A two weeks’ notice is a formal way of telling your employer you plan to leave your job in 14 days. It should be short, polite, and professional. Your letter or email should include the date, your last day of work, a clear resignation statement, and a brief thank you. Use a professional tone and follow your company’s resignation process.

Leaving for a new job or stepping away to recharge, the same rule holds. A proper two-week notice is how you leave on good terms. This guide explains how to write a two-week notice letter, shares two weeks’ notice samples, and gives you templates that make the process easier.


Why should you give a two-week notice

Leaving a job gracefully takes more than walking out the door. A two-week notice shows professionalism and respect for the people you are leaving behind. By giving advance notice, you give your employer time to find a replacement, hand off your work, and keep the team running. It also protects the relationships with colleagues and managers that often become future references or networking connections.

How to write a two-week notice

Follow these steps, and your two-week notice will read as professional and respectful, which leaves the positive final impression you want.

Format as a business letter

Start by formatting your notice as a formal business letter. Put your contact information and the date at the top, followed by the recipient’s name, title, and company address. That ensures your resignation reaches the right person and is documented in company records.

State your resignation clearly

Say plainly that you are resigning in the opening paragraph. Keep it concise and to the point. Name your last day of work, which should fall two weeks from the date of the letter to meet the standard notice period.

Express your gratitude

Thank the company for the opportunities and experiences you had while you were there. Acknowledge the skills you gained, the people you worked with, and the support you received. A short, sincere thank you leaves a positive impression as you go.

Offer to help with the transition

Offer to help with the handover. That might mean training your replacement, documenting your tasks, or briefing colleagues. Being proactive about a smooth transition signals professionalism and leaves the company in good standing.

Close politely

End with a courteous closing. Reiterate your thanks and wish the company well. Sign with your full name, and add a handwritten signature for a personal touch when you can.

2 weeks’ notice letter template for Word

View our library of resignation letter examples for different occasions.

2 week notice letter template for Word

Download this template (docx)

2 weeks’ notice letter example copy and paste

Copy and paste a two-week notice example that contains details necessary to resign. It can be tailored to your specifics by including your personal information and adjusting it according to your situation.

Date

Supervisor’s Name
Title
Company Name
Address

Dear (Supervisor’s Name),

I am writing to formally resign from my position as (Your Position) at (Company Name), effective two weeks from the date of this letter. My last day of work will be (Date, typically two weeks from the date of the letter).

Grateful for the opportunities I have had during my time at (Company Name), I’ve learned a great deal and relished collaborating with such a talented team. The support and guidance from you and my colleagues throughout my tenure here are deeply appreciated.

In order to facilitate a smooth transition, I am willing to assist in any way I can during my remaining time. This may include training a replacement, documenting processes, or completing any outstanding tasks to the best of my ability.

Please let me know how I can help to ensure a seamless handover of my responsibilities. I am committed to ensuring that my departure causes minimal disruption to the team and the company as a whole.

Thank you again for the opportunity to be a part of (Company Name). I wish the company continued success in the future.

Sincerely,
(Your Name)

Two weeks’ notice sample 2

Two weeks' notice letter
Download this template (docx)

Two weeks’ notice sample 2 – copy-paste

Your Name
Email | Phone | City, State

Today’s Date

To:
Supervisor’s Name
Company Name
Address
City, State, ZIP

Dear [Supervisor’s Name],

I hope this letter serves as formal notice of my decision to resign from my position as [Position Name] at [Company Name]. My last day of work will be on [Last Day], giving a notice period of two weeks as per the company’s guidelines.

I want to express my sincere appreciation for the incredible experiences and opportunities I have had during my tenure at [Company Name]. The support and encouragement from you and my colleagues have played a crucial role in my professional growth and development.

As I move forward to explore new avenues, I am committed to ensuring a seamless transition of my responsibilities. I am more than willing to collaborate with the team and provide any assistance necessary to ensure the continuity of ongoing projects and a smooth handover of my tasks.

I would also like to extend my gratitude to the entire team at [Company Name]. The camaraderie and positive work environment have made my time here truly enjoyable.

Please feel free to contact me for any assistance required during the handover process. I am dedicated to ensuring that this transition is as smooth as possible for everyone involved.

Thank you once again for the wonderful experiences and memories I will carry with me. I wish [Company Name] continued success and growth in the future.

Sincerely,
Your Name

Two weeks’ notice email example

If you’re unable to resign in person, consider sending a resignation email instead. Ensure the subject line is clear, keep the message body concise and upbeat, and attach your resignation notice as a file. Here is a template to help you structure your two weeks notice email:

Subject: Resignation Letter – (Your Name)

Dear (Supervisor’s Name),

Please consider this as my official resignation from (company name). I’ll be wrapping up my duties on (date), which marks two weeks from today. I’m grateful for the support and the enriching experiences I’ve had during my time here. Working with you and the team has been a joy.

If there’s anything I can do to assist in this transition and ensure it goes smoothly, please don’t hesitate to let me know. Wishing you all the best moving forward.

Sincerely,
(Your Name)

You might also be interested in these examples:

How and when to deliver your two-week notice

The most respectful way to give a two-week notice is in person. Ask your manager for a short private meeting, tell them directly, and hand over a printed, dated, and signed copy. If an in person meeting is not possible because you work remotely, a clear email with your notice attached is an acceptable substitute.

Timing matters too. Tell your manager as soon as you have firmly decided and your next step is set, ideally early in the week and early in the day. The cleaner the timing, the smoother the handover. For the bigger picture on stepping away well, see this guide on how to resign from your position.

Tips for writing a two-week notice

  • Follow company resignation guidelines. Stick to any procedures in your employee handbook or contract.
  • Prepare for an immediate departure. Your employer might ask you to leave the day you resign, and in some cases you will not be paid beyond that day. Back up personal files and gather work samples for your portfolio ahead of time, and review company protocols so nothing catches you off guard.
  • Prepare for reactions. Anticipate how your manager and colleagues might respond, and be ready to handle questions calmly.
  • Keep a positive tone. Approach the whole process with goodwill and focus on what is ahead.
  • Time your notice well. Submit it at a sensible moment, ideally in a one on one meeting with your supervisor or through an official email.
  • Keep your plans confidential until notice is given. Hold off on telling coworkers until you have formally submitted your notice.

Frequently asked questions

Is two weeks’ notice required?
Not always. U.S. law doesn’t require notice, but many employers expect it. Some contracts do require notice, so check your agreement before you resign.

Can I just quit with 2 weeks’ notice?
Yes, but keep it professional. When possible, speak with your boss first and then hand over your written notice.

Can I email a 2-week notice?
Yes. A two-week notice email is acceptable when you cannot resign in person. Use a clear subject line and attach a formal resignation letter.

How do I tell my boss I’m leaving in 2 weeks?
Arrange a private meeting, explain your decision politely, and then hand over or email your two-week notice letter.

What should I avoid putting in a two-week notice?
Leave out criticism of colleagues, complaints about the company, and any negativity about why you are leaving. Keep the letter short and factual. Save any feedback for an exit interview if you choose to give it.

Final words

A two-week notice is a small document that protects a big thing, your professional reputation. State your last day clearly, thank the team, offer to help with the handover, and deliver it in person when you can. Use one of the templates above as your starting point, adjust the details to your situation, and you will leave on terms that keep the door open for references and future opportunities.

With your notice handled, turn to the next role. Grab our free Word resume templates or resume templates for Google Docs and start tailoring your resume for the jobs ahead.