Two weeks notice letter, with templates and examples
The short answer
A two weeks notice letter is a short, professional note that tells your employer you are resigning and names your last day. Say clearly that you are resigning from your position, give your last day, offer to help with the handover, thank your manager, and keep any reason brief or leave it out. Tell your manager in person or on a call before you send the letter, then send it by email and keep a copy. Check your offer letter, employment agreement or employee handbook for the notice your employer asks for, because it may differ from two weeks.
What to include
- The date.
- The person the letter is addressed to.
- One clear sentence that you are resigning from your position.
- Your proposed last day.
- Your offer to help with the handover.
- Thanks for the opportunity.
- A request to confirm the next steps for your final paperwork.
- Your name.
How much notice to give
Check your offer letter, employment agreement or employee handbook first, rather than assuming two weeks fits your situation. If the requested notice or the process is unclear, ask your manager for clarification before choosing your proposed last day.
For a senior role, a longer handover may be sensible. Say what you can offer and let your employer respond. Do not promise dates that your new employer has not agreed.
Present your last day as your proposal, rather than a date everyone has already accepted. Ask for the agreed date to be confirmed in writing and keep a copy of the response.
Four templates
Replace the bracketed placeholders with your own accurate details. Remove any line that does not fit your situation.
Standard two weeks notice letter
Subject: Resignation from [Position]
Date: [Date]
To: [Manager name]
Dear [Manager name],
I am writing to resign from my position as [Position] at [Organization]. My proposed last day is [Date, two weeks from the date of this letter]. Please confirm the agreed date in writing.
Thank you for the opportunity to work with the team. I offer to help hand over [Responsibilities] and prepare [Documents] before my last day.
Please let me know the next steps for my final paperwork.
Best,
[Your name]
Short two weeks notice email
Subject: Resignation from [Position]
Dear [Manager name],
I am resigning from my position as [Position]. My proposed last day is [Date, two weeks from today]. Please confirm the agreed date and the next steps for my final paperwork.
Thank you for the opportunity. I offer to help with the handover of [Responsibilities] before my last day.
Best,
[Your name]
Two weeks notice letter that offers a longer transition
Subject: Resignation and transition from [Position]
Date: [Date]
To: [Manager name]
Dear [Manager name],
I am resigning from my position as [Position]. My proposed last day is [Date, two weeks from the date of this letter].
If a longer transition would help, I can offer [Additional handover time already agreed with your new employer]. Please let me know whether that would be useful and confirm the agreed last day in writing.
Thank you for the opportunity. I propose handing over [Responsibilities] and documenting [Open work]. Please confirm the next steps for my final paperwork.
Best,
[Your name]
Two weeks notice letter for a senior leadership role
Subject: Resignation from [Leadership position]
Date: [Date]
To: [Manager name]
Dear [Manager name],
I am writing to resign from my position as [Leadership position]. My proposed last day is [Date, two weeks from the date of this letter]. Please confirm the agreed date in writing.
Thank you for the opportunity to lead [Function or team]. I offer to work with [Transition lead] to hand over [Responsibilities], document [Open decisions], and prepare a communication plan for [Teams or stakeholders].
Please let me know the next steps for my final paperwork and how you would like to coordinate the handover.
Best,
[Your name]
How to give notice well
- Tell your manager in person or on a call before sending the letter.
- Keep the tone positive and the letter focused on your resignation.
- Keep any conversation about a counter offer out of the letter; see how to decline a job offer for deciding how to respond.
- Finish your handover and record where the documents are stored.
- Stay professional until your last day.
Common mistakes
- Leaving out your position or proposed last day.
- Using the letter to criticize your manager or colleagues.
- Assuming two weeks is the notice your employer asks for without checking your documents.
- Promising a longer transition before agreeing dates with your new employer.
- Forgetting to keep a copy or confirm the next steps for final paperwork.
FAQ
How do I write a two weeks notice letter?
State clearly that you are resigning from your position and give your proposed last day. Thank your manager, offer to help with the handover, and ask about final paperwork. Tell your manager first, then send the letter and keep a copy.
What should a two weeks notice letter say?
Include the date, the person addressed, your position and your proposed last day. Add a handover offer, brief thanks and a request to confirm next steps. End with your name and keep the note focused.
Should I give a reason in my two weeks notice?
You can leave the reason out or include a short, neutral explanation if you wish. Keep detailed feedback and any counter offer conversation separate. Your resignation, proposed last day and handover offer are the main points.
How much notice should I give when I resign?
Check your offer letter, employment agreement or employee handbook for the notice your employer asks for. A longer handover may make sense in a senior role, but only offer dates you can honor. Propose your last day and ask for the agreed date in writing.
Can I send my two weeks notice by email?
Yes, you can send a clear, professional resignation email. Tell your manager in person or on a call first, then include your position, proposed last day and handover offer in writing. Keep a copy and ask for confirmation of next steps.
For related guidance, see how to explain your reason for leaving a job, how to accept a job offer by email, and how to decline a job offer; readers in India can use the resignation letter guide.
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