Tips for writing a two weeks notice letter

Career Builder

When the time comes to leave your job, it's important to take certain steps to inform your current employer. One of those steps is writing a letter to give notice of your plan to leave. It's a normal part of a career to move on, whether it's to take a new position or simply because the current job just isn't the right fit personally or professionally. If you're still looking for a better role, visit CareerBuilder and create a profile so employers can find you.

We've put together a detailed guide on how to write a two weeks notice letter, including a free template. Feel free to use this to write your letter the right way and part ways with your employer without burning any bridges. If you're not ready to leave your current job because you don't have a new position waiting, check out all our latest jobs and use these tips to draft your letter when the time comes.

What is a two weeks notice letter?

When you leave a job, it's considered respectful and customary to inform your employer at least two weeks in advance in the form of a resignation letter. This document is also known as a two weeks notice letter because it gives notice of your plan to resign and when your last day will be in your current role. Providing this letter gives your company time to fill your role and gives you time to complete any outstanding work and hand over your responsibilities.

You should let your manager know you're leaving as soon as you accept the job offer from your new employer. If you wait too long, you extend the resignation period in your current role, which means you could be putting off new business. Before you submit a resignation letter, check your employment contract (if you have one). Some companies require employees to provide a longer notice period or to complete certain tasks.

How to deliver a two weeks notice letter

In today's digital world, employees often wonder whether a two weeks notice letter should be emailed or delivered to their manager as a hard copy. We recommend that you draft a standard letter and print a hard copy to give to your boss in person. To create a digital paper trail, you can also attach the letter to a follow-up email, but giving your notice in person first helps show your respect for your manager and the position.

Although it might feel nerve-wracking to talk to your manager about your plan to leave, taking a direct approach is best. If you or your boss work remotely and an in-person meeting isn't an option, schedule a video call to chat face-to-face.

Why should you write a two weeks notice letter?

The two main reasons to write a two weeks notice letter to resign from your job are:

To let your employer know you're leaving, and
To provide a legal record of your decision to move on

Letting your employer know you're leaving

A two weeks notice letter gives your employer a formal resignation with all the details they need about when you plan to leave. This allows them to start looking for your replacement, so business can carry on smoothly with minimal disruption.

Providing ample notice can also keep you on good terms with your employer, whom you may want to use as a reference in the future. Simply leaving without any warning could burn an important bridge. A notice letter is the professional and courteous thing to provide.

Providing a legal record of your decision to move on

The legal part of your notice relates to your final paycheck and the freedom to work elsewhere. The information you provide in your notice letter helps your employer work out your official last day, sort out final payment details, and stop your benefits after you leave. You can also use the letter to confirm to any future employers that you resigned from your previous job. Without proof of notice, your old boss could say you were fired.

Our free two weeks notice letter template

Use our free resignation letter example to let your manager know you're headed on a new adventure. You can even copy and paste our version and fill in your own details. Your employer doesn't need to know exactly why you're leaving – that part is purely optional.

Start with a clear starting line that includes your name and the date
- Example: Notice of resignation, Joe Bloggs, April 15, 2022
State your plan to resign and the date of your last day of work
- Example: This letter is to inform you of my intention to leave my position in two weeks' time. My last day in this role will be April 29, 2022.
Express your gratitude
- Example: I appreciate all that I have learned in this role and am especially grateful to you for the support and help you have given me since I joined the team.
Make your next steps clear
- Example: I will continue to provide the same high standard of work until my final day and am happy to assist in any handover protocols or candidate sourcing you plan to undertake prior to me leaving.
Sign off
- Example: Sincerely, Joe Bloggs