A two weeks notice letter is the professional standard for resigning in most industries. It gives your employer time to prepare for your departure, protects your professional reputation, and often determines whether you get a positive reference in the future. These templates make the process simple.
Quick tip: Always tell your manager verbally before sending this letter. The letter is the formal record — the conversation is the human courtesy that keeps the relationship intact.
What to Include in a Two Weeks Notice Letter
| Element | What to Write | Status |
| Your Contact Details | Name, address, email, phone at the top | Required |
| Date | The exact date you’re submitting the letter | Required |
| Manager’s Details | Full name, job title, company name and address | Required |
| Formal Resignation Statement | Clearly state you are resigning and from which role | Required |
| Last Working Day | The exact date — always count from submission, not verbal notice | Required |
| Gratitude Statement | Brief, genuine thank you — keeps the relationship intact | Recommended |
| Transition Offer | Offer to help with handover, documentation, or training | Recommended |
| Reason for Leaving | Not required — keep it vague or omit entirely | Optional |
| Professional Closing | “Sincerely,” “Yours faithfully,” or “With gratitude,” | Required |
The 2 Templates (Preview)
Template 1 — Standard Formal Two Weeks Notice
Best for: most situations. Works regardless of how long you’ve been at the company or what your relationship with your manager is like.
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address, City, State, ZIP]
[Your Email] | [Your Phone]
[Today’s Date]
[Manager’s Full Name], [Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Re: Two Weeks Notice of Resignation — [Your Job Title]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
Please accept this letter as my formal notice of resignation from my position as [Your Job Title] at [Company Name]. In accordance with my notice period, my last day of employment will be [Date — exactly two weeks from today].
This has not been an easy decision. I have truly enjoyed working at [Company Name] and am grateful for everything I have learned and the relationships I have built during my time here.
Over the next two weeks, I am fully committed to ensuring the smoothest possible transition. I am happy to help hire and train my replacement, complete any outstanding work, and document my responsibilities in detail.
Thank you sincerely for the opportunity and support throughout my tenure. I hope to maintain our professional relationship and stay in touch.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
[Your Job Title]
Template 2 — Warm & Grateful Two Weeks Notice
Best for: when you’ve had a genuinely positive experience and want to leave an especially warm impression — great relationships, long tenures, close-knit teams.
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address] [Today’s Date]
[Manager’s Name], [Company Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to let you know that I will be resigning from my role as [Job Title] at [Company Name], with my last working day being [Date — two weeks from today].
I want to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude. My time here has been genuinely meaningful — the projects I worked on, the team I was part of, and the mentorship you provided have all shaped me professionally in ways I will carry forward throughout my career.
Leaving was not a decision I made lightly, and it is bittersweet. I am moving on to [a new opportunity / pursue a personal goal — optional] but I am deeply thankful for everything [Company Name] has given me.
Please know that I will give my full commitment for every remaining day. I will ensure all my projects are properly documented and handed over, and I am happy to assist with training whoever steps into this role.
I truly hope we stay connected. Working with you and the team has been one of the highlights of my career.
With gratitude,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
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How to Hand In Your Two Weeks Notice
The letter is only one part. Here’s the full process to do it right:
Tell your manager first
Schedule a private meeting. Never resign via email or through a colleague. The conversation should happen before the letter.
Submit the letter
Hand it over in person or send by email immediately after the conversation. Don’t leave a gap between the verbal notice and the written letter.
Send a copy to HR
Email HR the same letter on the same day. This creates an official record and starts your notice period formally.
Keep your own copy
Save the email or take a photo of the printed letter. Your last working day date must be documented in case of any disputes.
Start your handover
Begin writing up your processes, contacts, and pending work. The more thorough, the better your exit impression.
Confirm your exit details
Ask HR about final pay, unused holiday, reference letters, and return of company equipment before your last day.
Two Weeks Notice Do’s and Don’ts
✓ Do This
- Tell your manager verbally first
- Submit the letter the same day
- Specify your exact last working day
- Offer to help with handover
- Keep a professional, positive tone
- Send a copy to HR immediately
- Stay fully committed your final two weeks
✗ Avoid This
- Resigning via text or social media
- Badmouthing colleagues or leadership
- Oversharing your reason for leaving
- Slacking off during your notice period
- Accepting a counteroffer impulsively
- Leaving projects incomplete
- Burning any bridges — industries are small
Frequently Asked Questions
Is two weeks notice legally required?
In most US states, employment is “at-will,” so two weeks notice is professional courtesy, not a legal requirement. However, your employment contract may specify a required notice period. Always check your contract first. In the UK, the statutory minimum is one week after one month of service.
What if my employer asks me to leave immediately after I hand in my notice?
This is called “garden leave” and is common. If they let you go before your notice period ends, in most jurisdictions they are still obligated to pay you for the full notice period. Check your contract and local employment law to confirm your rights.
Should I accept a counteroffer?
Statistics suggest that over 80% of people who accept a counteroffer still leave within 12 months. The underlying reasons for leaving rarely change. If you’ve reached the point of resigning, the decision has usually already been made emotionally — be cautious about counteroffers.
Can I submit my two weeks notice by email?
Yes — email is widely accepted and creates a timestamped paper trail. For formal documentation purposes, follow up with a printed copy to HR if your company is larger. Always have the verbal conversation with your manager first before sending any written notice.
Do I have to give a reason in my two weeks notice letter?
No. You are not legally required to state a reason. Most employment lawyers recommend keeping it vague — “I have decided to pursue a new opportunity” is sufficient. Detailed reasons can create complications and are rarely beneficial.
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Make sure it’s word-perfect before you send
Run your letter through Grammarly before submitting — it catches tone, grammar, and awkward phrasing that spell-check misses. Your last impression matters.
Check with Grammarly Free →