Two weeks' notice letter: short, formal and done in the right order.
A two weeks' notice letter is a short, written resignation that sets your last day. It is not the place for grievances or long explanations. Here are three versions and how to deliver them.
A two weeks' notice letter says you are resigning, names your position and gives your last day, about two weeks from the date you give notice. Add a line of thanks and an offer to help with the handover. Tell your manager in person or on a call first, then send the letter the same day. Check your contract or handbook for a different notice period.
3 copy-ready templates
Illustrative: names, companies, dates and numbers in these templates and examples are fictional. Replace every bracket with your own true details before you send anything.
Short and simple
When to use: Works for almost any job.
[Date] Dear [Manager], Please accept this letter as my two weeks' notice of resignation from my position as [title]. My last day will be [date]. Thank you for the opportunity to work here. I'll do everything I can to make the transition smooth. Sincerely, [Your name]
Formal letter
When to use: For traditional employers or when HR asks for a signed letter.
[Your name] [Address] [Date] [Manager name] [Title] [Company] Dear [Manager], I am writing to formally resign from my position as [title] at [Company], effective [last day], two weeks from today. I am grateful for the opportunities I've had to [specific experience]. Over the next two weeks I will complete [current tasks] and prepare a handover for [colleague or team]. Sincerely, [Signature] [Your name]
Warm version for a good manager
When to use: When you want to say a real thank-you.
Dear [Manager], Please accept this as my two weeks' notice; my last day will be [date]. Working with you on [project] taught me [something genuine], and I'm grateful for your support. I'll make sure [handover item] is documented before I go. With thanks, [Your name]
Disclosure: TryHired makes HIRED, a paid job-search program, so we have a conflict of interest when we mention it. Every template on this page is free to use without buying anything.
Giving notice, step by step
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Before | Confirm your next role in writing. |
| Day 0 | Tell your manager privately, then send the letter. |
| Days 1-10 | Handover document, training, wrap up tasks. |
| Last days | Return equipment, confirm final pay and benefits with HR. |
| After | Connect with colleagues on LinkedIn. |
The same message, rewritten
Illustrative example with fictional details.
| Version | Example |
|---|---|
| Weak | I quit. Friday is my last day. This place has been a nightmare. |
| Strong | Please accept this letter as my two weeks' notice of resignation from my position as Office Coordinator. My last day will be Friday 21 March. I'll do everything I can to make the transition smooth. |
Why it matters: Your resignation letter may stay in your personnel file and can be read by future reference checkers. Neutral and short is always the safer choice.
Mistakes to avoid
- Sending the letter before telling your manager.
- Including complaints or criticism.
- Getting the last day wrong.
- Giving notice before your new offer is signed.
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Questions people ask
Do you have to give two weeks' notice?
When does two weeks' notice start?
What if my employer tells me to leave immediately?
Should a two weeks' notice letter be emailed or printed?
How this page is built
Written by Maid Dizdarevic, a career coach and 8x LinkedIn Top Voice. The templates and timing guides are practical advice, labelled as advice. We do not publish response rates or success rates, and every example uses fictional details.
- How a specific employer or recruiter will respond: practices vary by company, industry and person.
- Legal advice: for contracts, severance releases or disputes, talk to an employment attorney or the relevant agency.
- Outcomes: no message, template or program can promise an interview or a job.
- TryHired editorial guidance by Maid Dizdarevic, career coach, Nov 2, 2026.