How to Write a Two Weeks' Notice - A Complete Guide

Like joining, resigning can be a hectic process as Goodbyes are never easy but you cannot do anything when time has come. However, it is always good to leave on a positive note as you head to your final task at hand – writing a two week notice.

When you leave your job, it is typical to take time to type a 2 weeks’ notice and send it to your employer so that he can have time to find a replacement. It is a common practice to write your resignation intent two weeks prior to leaving but if you have never written one before it can be a bit tricky to create your first draft.

Whether you have a new job lined up or you want to take some time off, submitting a resignation letter with a minimum of two week’s notice will benefit you and your employer equally.

Here’s where we will step in and guide you through the process of writing your first 2 week’s notice. Whether it’s about showing gratitude or offering help during the transition phase, this guide will not only answer your questions and offer templates to follow but also make sure you have a graceful exit.

Understanding the reasons for Two-Week Notice

A 2 week’s notice can be defined as a heads-up to your manager or HR executive that you will be moving on to another employment in two weeks’ time or at least quitting the current one.  

Giving a 2 week notice to your employer is a common practice and a formal way to start a smooth exit. While not legally required, it has become customary in corporate culture to provide one when preparing to leave your job. It prepares your employer to plan around your departure meticulously so that your responsibilities can be taken care of as soon as you leave.

In most workplaces the two weeks’ notice period will begin from the date you submit this formal document, unless specified otherwise by your employer.

Leaving Without Notice – Hard Exit!

While you may feel free to quit at will without serving a notice, it can result in serious consequences. You may end up damaging your professional repute and make it harder to find a job in future. Employers may get tentative to onboard you if you have a track record of leaving abruptly. In addition to that, leaving without notice can burn bridges and harm your established rapport with your former employer and colleagues. As they say: “What goes around, comes around” and you never know when you will cross each other’s path in the future. A hard exit will definitely close doors for you in future.

In some cases, leaving without notice can result in legal implications, especially when you have entered a contract with your employer that is legally binding and requires a certain notice. Dishonoring the contract could prompt legal action or financial penalties.

Is a Two Week Notice 10 or 14 days?

Generally, a 2 week notice refers to two working weeks or 10 business days. Although 2 weeks is usually 14 days, working days are counted without weekends. Even though you are free to leave after 10 days, you can include the date of your departure in the notice to avoid any confusion. 

Which is better: Two or Three Weeks’ Notice?

For most employers, a 2 weeks’ notice is sufficient but if you have fostered a close relationship with your bosses and colleagues and want to end it on more amicable terms you can always opt for another week to make it a three weeks’ notice. It is totally your discretion to do what feels right.

Can your Boss fire you for tendering a resignation?

Some people worry that they will immediately lose their job after notifying their managers or supervisors. Yes, there is always a possibility that your boss can fire you straight away without further ado and unfortunately in at-will employment your employer cannot be stopped from issuing a termination. So, you should always be prepared for this situation.

Can a Company Reject Your 2 week Notice?

A workplace can certainly deny your 2 week notice by refusing to accept it. However, this time around you will be the one to call shots. If you gave you notice and the boss didn’t accept it, it doesn’t matter. Tendering a notice is a formal courtesy and goodwill on your part and if your choice to leave is not accepted you still have the right to not work past your intended last day. No matter how your employer takes your decision to leave, handling resignation letters with grace, professionalism and subtleties is always recommended.

How to Write a 2 Weeks’ Notice Letter?

Whatever your reasons for leaving employment are, once you have made up your mind to step aside, it is time to start drafting your notice. If you are daunted by the idea of penning a resignation notice, the following tips should help you get started.

1. Decide Your Last Day at Work Place

The first step in writing any two week notice is deciding when you will end your presence in the office. You can calculate 10 business days and mention them in your resignation letter or depending on your relationship with the employer make necessary amends. For example, if you have decided to leave but suddenly there is an important project pending or a major event has come, you might want to change your mind and extend the deadline.

Another factor that may affect your decision to leave is whether or not you have entered into an agreement with the new employer or verbally accepted the new charge. Still, it is your discretion to let your employer know what will be your last working day at the company.

2. You Notice Letter Format

Although you must have verbally communicated to your boss or manager about your decision to resign, you should still bring that in writing. The most used formats nowadays are email or brief letter formats. Email is the most common form while letters are generally viewed as old school and more formal.

3. Create a draft using a 2 Week Notice Template

Once you have organized your thoughts and intent and hammered out all the details, it is time to put everything to your paper or digital worksheet. These types of notices consist of three to four components which include an introduction, a statement of gratitude, a statement about transition, and a closing.

In the introduction part, you will inform your employer about your intent to leave the organization while also mentioning the exact date as your last working day. After this you will express your gratitude for having worked there and can highlight any specific experiences that were worthwhile. You can also offer to extend your services to the company during the transition in the form of an off-site/remote engagement until they find a new resource.

At last, you can close the letter by thanking your employer for giving you the privilege to work with them and could express willingness to keep in touch if that feels realistic to you.

To conclude, the notice can be served in the form of an email, a short letter, or a verbal note. But even if you have given the notice verbally it is always good to put it in writing for the record. Like any resignation letter, you should keep your notice short as few is more. Confirm your departure by adding the necessary details as you make your going official and hand it in person or send it by email.

Two Week Notice Template

To write your two week notice without much time or effort, here is a template for a two-week notice to give you a better idea. This can simplify the process and guide you on professional correspondence involving resignation.

 

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

City, State, ZIP Code

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

[Date]

 

[Recipient’s Name]

[Recipient’s Title]

[Company Name]

[Company Address]

City, State, ZIP Code

 

Subject: Two-Week Notice of Resignation

 

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

 

I am writing to formally resign from my position as [Your Position] at [Company Name], effective two weeks from today, [Last Working Day, e.g., September 5, 2024].

I want to thank you for the opportunity to work at [Company Name]. I have enjoyed my time here and appreciate the support and guidance you have provided.

I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition. Please let me know how I can help during this period, whether it’s training a replacement or completing any outstanding tasks.

Thank you again for the opportunity. I look forward to staying in touch and wish the company continued success.

 

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

 

Make sure to adjust the details according to your specific situation and maintain a professional tone throughout.