Two Weeks’ Notice – Format and Examples

There will be times in your life where a job is not working out, you received a better offer, or you simply want to make a change in your life. The reason doesn’t matter. What does matter is that you give proper notice to your employer, whether you think they deserve it or not.

The standard time frame for giving notice is two weeks. Sometimes, your employer may not want you to stay the entire two weeks, but that does not mean you do not give notice. Keep reading to find out how to write the best two-week notice possible.

Why it is important to Give the Notice?

The first reason for giving proper notice is to show respect to your employer. Leaving your job is a normal part of life, and if you want a good recommendation from him or her, you give proper notice. A bad word from your employer to your new one may change the latter’s attitude about hiring you.

The second reason you give a two-week notice is so that you have official documentation that you made the decision to resign. This document can be used for legal or other purposes.

When to Give Two Weeks Notice

The secure time to tender your resignation is after you have signed a new contract with another company or have signed the offer letter your new employer has given you. If you act too soon, you may find that something went wrong with the new job and will be left without employment.

Once you have a new position, you should give your old employer 10 business days’ notice or 14 days in total. After giving your notice, you may find that your employer does not want you to remain for the full two weeks.

But no matter what, you should turn in a two-week notice to show your professionalism and leave your current position on a positive note.

How to Write a Two Weeks Notice Letter

The actual writing of the notice should not take a lot of time. Maybe up to an hour at best, unless you do not know what to say. Here are some steps to take to help guide you:

• Header- this includes your name, date, the person you are addressing, and any pertinent company details
• First paragraph- this section provides your intent to quit and when your last day will be with the company. Don’t beat around the bush and use the very first sentence to make this statement
• The second paragraph- be grateful and say thank you for the opportunity to work for the company, etc.
• Third paragraph- State your reasons for leaving and be polite
• The last paragraph- offer your help to make their transition to your replacement go smoother and offer to train the new employee
• The end-use the word ‘sincerely’, then print and sign your name underneath it

Tips for Writing a Two Weeks’ Notice Letter

Believe it or not, your resignation may follow you to your next job. That is why you want to be professional and give proper notice. You do not need any black marks against you before you start your new employment. Here are some tips when writing your resignation letter:

1. Be honest, but you do not have to go into a lot of detail
2. Be gracious as the company did not have to hire you in the first place
3. Use the standard business letter format
4. Keep it short and sweet
5. Send the letter to the appropriate people at the company
6. Stay away from any negativity

Sample Two Weeks Notice Letter

ABC Toy Co.

June 20th, 2021

Dear Ms. Smith,

I am writing this letter to inform you that my last day of work will be July 4th, 2021. I am resigning from being office manager at ABC Toys. I have found my work experience with this company to be fulfilling, enjoyable and thank you for letting me work at this company.

During the next two weeks, I will continue to perform my duties up to your expectations and am willing to train my replacement if you see fit. I will do what I can do to facilitate a smooth transition for you.

Sincerely

Bob Jones Jr.

Two Weeks Notice (Templates & Examples)

Mistakes to Avoid When Giving Two Weeks’ Notice

There are different mistakes to avoid when quitting your job, and the most important one is to quit without giving notice. Even though there are no federal or state laws governing giving notice, you should always do so to remain professional.

Another mistake to avoid is being negative in the letter. If you had problems or complaints, you should have brought those to the attention of your supervisor before you decided to quit.

Also, mentioning your low salary is another topic to omit from the notice. This too should have been mentioned prior to your decision to quit. Then stay professional and do not boast, be sarcastic, condescending, or insulting.

Finally, you should tell your boss before telling your co-workers. They do not need to know until later that you quit.

What if your employer provides a counteroffer?

This is a judgment call, and your response will depend on your reasons why you are quitting. If you have had trouble with management, a counteroffer may not solve that problem. Or, if you want more time at home or other family issues, rejecting the counteroffer may be best.

However, if you like the company but not the pay or lack of promotions, the counteroffer may rectify those issues. That is worth considering. In the end, it is up to you to decide what is best in this situation.

When is it ok not to give any notice?

There are times that it may not be ok to hand in your two-week notice. Here are a few of those situations to help guide you:

• If your health or safety is at risk
• You are being bullied or emotionally abused by co-workers or your supervisor, etc.
• If your boss wants you to act n an unethical way
• The new employer needs you to start right away or you lose that opportunity if you don’t move quick enough

It is always best to leave your job on the best note possible. Future employers do check with former employers when you turn in your resume or application form. If you leave in a bad way, that may influence the new company to not hire you.

Be professional and positive at all times when leaving your employer.