A two weeks notice letter (resignation letter) formally documents that you’re leaving and your final day. Keep it short, positive and professional.
What to include
- Date A two weeks notice letter creates a clear record of your last day.
- Your manager’s name
- A clear statement that you’re resigning
- Your last day of work
- A brief thank-you (optional but recommended)
- An offer to help with the transition
- Your signature
Template 1: Simple and professional
[Date] Use a two weeks notice letter even if you've already told your manager in person.
Dear [Manager’s Name],
Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as [Job Title] at [Company]. My last day will be [Date, two weeks from today].
Thank you for the opportunities I’ve had here. I’m happy to help ensure a smooth transition over the next two weeks.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 2: Grateful
Dear [Manager’s Name], Choose the two weeks notice letter template that best fits your situation.
I’m writing to formally resign from my role as [Job Title], with my final day on [Date].
I’m incredibly grateful for your mentorship and the chance to work on [project]. I’ve grown a great deal professionally and will miss the team.
Over the next two weeks, I’ll document my responsibilities and support the handoff in any way I can.
With appreciation,
[Your Name]
Template 3: Email resignation
Subject: Resignation — [Your Name] Deliver your two weeks notice letter right after the conversation with your manager.
Hi [Manager’s Name],
As discussed, I’m submitting my formal resignation from my position as [Job Title]. My last day will be [Date].
Thank you for your support. Please let me know how I can help with the transition.
Best,
[Your Name]
Template 4: Short tenure
…While my time here has been brief, I appreciate the opportunity and the team’s support. I’m committed to wrapping up my work responsibly before my last day on [Date]. A well-written two weeks notice letter leaves a lasting positive impression.
Tips
- Tell your manager in person first, then send the letter
- Don’t include complaints or negative reasons
- Keep a copy for your records
- Check your contract for required notice periods
See the full process for how to quit a job professionally.
Can you give less than two weeks’ notice?
In the U.S., most employment is at-will, so two weeks is a professional courtesy rather than a legal requirement in many cases — but check your contract. Giving less notice may be necessary in situations involving safety, harassment or health. When possible, give at least two weeks to protect your reputation and references.
What if they ask you to leave immediately?
Some employers end employment as soon as notice is given, especially in competitive industries. Be prepared financially, and confirm with HR whether you’ll be paid for the notice period.
More two weeks notice letter templates
Template 5: Leaving for a career change
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I’m writing to let you know that I’m resigning from my position as [Job Title], effective [Date]. I’ve decided to pursue a new career path in [field], and this was not an easy decision.
Thank you for your support and for the opportunities to grow during my time here. I’ll make sure my projects are documented and handed off smoothly before I leave.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Template 6: Relocating
Dear [Manager’s Name],
Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from [Company]. My family is relocating to [City], and my last day will be [Date].
I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned here. If it would help, I’m happy to assist with recruiting or training my replacement before I go.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 7: Returning to school
…I’ve been accepted into a full-time [program] at [school], so my last day will be [Date]. Thank you for the experience and encouragement that helped me take this step.
Template 8: Giving more than two weeks’ notice
…To support a smooth transition during our busy season, I’m happy to make my last day [Date], four weeks from today.
Template 9: Part-time or hourly role
Hi [Manager’s Name], I’m writing to give my two weeks’ notice. My last shift will be [Date]. Thank you for the flexibility and support while I worked here — I’ve really enjoyed being part of the team.
How to deliver your notice
- Schedule a private meeting with your manager (in person or video).
- Tell them first — before coworkers or social media.
- Keep the conversation short and positive. You don’t owe a detailed explanation.
- Hand over or email the letter immediately afterward so there’s a written record.
- Copy HR if that’s your company’s practice.
- Ask about next steps: final paycheck, benefits, equipment return and how to announce your departure to the team.
What to do during your final two weeks
- Create a handover document listing projects, status, key contacts, passwords handled through proper channels, recurring tasks and where files live.
- Finish what you can and clearly hand off what you can’t.
- Train your replacement or a teammate if asked.
- Say thank you to colleagues and mentors.
- Stay professional — avoid complaining or slacking off.
- Collect personal items and contacts, but never company data.
- Connect on LinkedIn with colleagues you’d like to stay in touch with.
Resignation letter mistakes
- Including complaints, criticism or emotional language
- Forgetting the last day of work
- Over-explaining your reasons or new salary
- Sending it before telling your manager in person
- Promising help you can’t deliver after you leave
Do you need a resignation letter at all?
Not always legally, but it’s strongly recommended. It creates a clear record of your notice date and last day, helps HR process your departure correctly, and leaves a professional final impression. Keep a copy for your own records.
After you’ve resigned
Prepare for the possibility of a counteroffer, make sure your new offer is fully confirmed, and start planning your first 90 days at the new job.
Two weeks notice FAQ
Should I sign my resignation letter? If you deliver a printed copy, sign it by hand above your typed name. For email, your typed name is enough.
Who should receive the letter? Your direct manager, with HR copied if that’s company practice.
Can my employer refuse my resignation? In at-will employment, no — they can only accept it. Contracts may include specific notice requirements, so check yours.
Should I mention my new employer? It’s optional. Many people keep it private until their last day.
Writing tips for a professional tone
- Use a clear first sentence that states your resignation and last day.
- Keep it to three short paragraphs or fewer.
- Choose warm but neutral words — “grateful,” “appreciate,” “smooth transition.”
- Avoid emotional language, even if you’re leaving a difficult situation.
- Proofread carefully, especially names and dates.
- Match your company’s formality — a startup email can be more relaxed than a letter at a law firm.
Sample “notice period” calculation
If you give notice on Monday, March 3, a two-week notice period typically ends on Friday, March 14. Confirm the exact date with your manager and HR, since some employers count calendar days and others count business days, and holidays can affect scheduling. Writing the specific date in your letter removes any ambiguity.
Example of a complete, polished letter
March 3, 2026
Dear Ms. Johnson,
Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as Marketing Coordinator at Lakeside Retail. My last day of work will be Friday, March 14, 2026.
I’m sincerely grateful for the opportunities I’ve had over the past three years, especially the chance to lead our spring campaign and grow our email program. I’ve learned a great deal from you and the team.
Over the next two weeks, I’ll document my ongoing projects, update the campaign calendar and help train whoever will take over my responsibilities.
Thank you again for your support. I wish you and the team continued success.
Sincerely,
Jordan Lee
Final reminders
Tell your manager first, put the date in writing, stay positive and leave a thorough handover. A thoughtful two weeks notice letter is a small step that protects your references and reputation for years to come.
Two weeks notice letter: key takeaways
Here is a quick recap of two weeks notice letter to save or share:
- A two weeks notice letter states your resignation and last day clearly.
- Keep it short, positive and professional.
- Tell your manager in person first.
- Keep a copy for your records.
For official labor-market data and more career research, see the U.S. Department of Labor and CareerOneStop career resources. Ready to put this into practice? Make sure your resume matches every job you apply for with the HiReXL ATS Resume Optimizer.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to give a reason in my two weeks notice?
No. A reason is optional. Keep the letter brief and positive.
Can I give my two weeks notice by email?
Yes, email is common, ideally after telling your manager in person or on a call.
Does two weeks notice include the day I submit it?
Typically, count two weeks from the date you give notice; confirm the exact last day with your manager and HR.
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