The Great Resignation was a wild ride that saw countless people waving goodbye to their old jobs in search of something new and more fulfilling.
Once you build your resume and land a new job, knowing how to write a 2 weeks notice letter remains as crucial as ever to put your current chapter to a close.
Why? Whether you’re chasing a dream job, heading back to school, or just ready for a change of scenery, how you say “I’m outta here” in your written notice can leave a lasting impression.
This article is your go-to guide for navigating the goodbyes with class, ensuring you leave doors open rather than slamming them shut.
Here’s a sneak peek at the contents of this guide on how to write a notice letter for work:
- What is a letter of notice?
- Why write a notice letter?
- How do you resign gracefully in a letter?
- How do you write a good resignation letter?
- Examples of resignation letters
Ready to learn the art of the elegant exit? We’ll guide you step by step on how to write a letter of notice.
What Is a Notice Letter?
At its core, a notice letter is a formal and official document that serves as a declaration of your intention to resign from your current position. Think of it as a professional courtesy, a way to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your employer by giving them a heads-up on your departure.
But it’s more than just an “I’m leaving” heads-up; it’s a carefully crafted message that informs all affected parties—your manager, HR, and perhaps even your team—of your decision to move on. It might even form part of your work agreement and may be an obligatory document that triggers the resignation process at your workplace.
The essence of a letter giving notice lies in its ability to convey your message clearly and concisely without delving into unnecessary details. Here’s what you need to nail:
- Purpose: The primary goal of your written notice is to announce your resignation and the effective date of your departure, ensuring everyone involved is on the same page.
- The tone of voice: Professionalism is key. Even if you’re leaving on less-than-ideal terms, a respectful and neutral tone can preserve relationships and your professional reputation.
- Notice letter format: While traditional paper letters were the norm, digital formats have taken the lead in today’s workplace. Whether you’re drafting an email or a printed letter, the structure remains largely the same.
- Conciseness: Get straight to the point. Your notice letter isn’t the place for a lengthy career reflection or detailed reasons for your departure.
- Politeness: A touch of gratitude goes a long way. Acknowledge the opportunity and experiences you’ve gained, regardless of your reasons for leaving.
In this digital age, the method of delivery might lean more towards email, but the essence of a well-crafted notice letter remains unchanged.
We’ll guide you through crafting both a traditional letter and an email format, ensuring you’re prepared to handle this professional milestone with grace and poise.
Things to Consider When Giving Your Notice
When contemplating what things to consider when resigning, it’s crucial to start by reviewing your employee handbook, intranet, or contract. These resources can provide specific guidelines on what is expected of you when you decide to leave your position.
Understanding these requirements is crucial to ensure compliance with company policy and maintain professionalism throughout the resignation process. Remember, the goal is to leave a positive impression and preserve relationships that could be beneficial in the future.
- Notifying your manager in person, if possible, is a respectful approach and allows for a more personal and appreciative conversation about your decision to leave. This direct communication can help mitigate any potential surprise or confusion and sets the stage for a professional departure.
- Be prepared for an in-depth discussion with your supervisor about your decision to resign. While you’re not obligated to disclose every detail about your reasons for leaving, being ready to share some insights—framed positively—can help maintain a good rapport.
- Be ready and try to express it positively. Make a list of all the things you’ve learned at the position, say thank you for the opportunity, and praise the company and management for the things that you consider they do well.
If your professional relationship was exceptionally good, you may be given the opportunity to stay. Think about how to decline the job offer politely if you are not willing to accept it under any circumstances.
How to Write a Resignation Letter in 7 Easy Steps
The ideal resignation letter format consists of seven sections. Let’s take a look at each one in detail to help you finalize your notice letter format.
1. Contact information and the date
A basic element of any letter is not to forget to add the contact details of the person you are addressing (usually your manager or HR representative) in your resignation letter. Include the date, the person’s name, the company name, and the address.
2. Your greeting
Quite obvious, but often forgotten, include a greeting to start the notice letter. Don’t forget that it is a formal document. Use the appropriate tone.
3. Inform them of your resignation and last day of work
It’s in this part that you go straight into the most relevant information. Use your organizational skills here to formulate your ideas. There is no need for a long introduction. Plainly state the fact that you are leaving the company and inform them what you think should be your last day of work. A notice letter must include this section.
Take a look at this notice letter sample for inspiration.
I am writing to formally announce my resignation from my position as Graphic Designer at Creative Solutions, effective two weeks from today’s date, which makes my last day April 25, 2025. This decision has not been easy and took a lot of consideration. However, I believe it is the right step for me at this time in my career.
4. The reason you are resigning (optional)
Another good section to include in a notice letter is where you mention the reason (s) why you have decided to leave the company. Remember to keep it constructive.
5. Thank your employer for the opportunity
A resignation letter is also a good opportunity to express your gratitude and say goodbye. Use this section to thank the employer for the opportunities they provided you and the relevant experience you gained in the position. There’s always something good to take from your experience, even if it didn’t work out as planned.
I want to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunities I’ve had to grow and learn during my time at Tech Innovations. It has been a pleasure working with such a talented team and contributing to the company’s goals.
6. Offer support for the changes ahead
This section is specifically tailored to notice letters and provides an opportunity to demonstrate your professionalism.
As we mentioned, the company may have difficulties in finding your replacement. Or they might need your help in training a colleague to take over some of the responsibilities that you have held within the company.
To be remembered as a professional, offer them your assistance.
I am committed to making this transition as smooth as possible. I am happy to assist in training my replacement or to ensure that my projects are completed or transitioned appropriately.
7. Sign the resignation letter
Lastly, don’t forget to sign your letter. Without a signature, the document might not be considered legally valid.
Examples of Resignation Letters
If you are looking for some inspiration to write yours, here are some notice letter templates and written notice examples in email format to assist you.
Two weeks notice by email
Keep the email brief and ensure the subject is clear so it doesn’t go unnoticed in your manager’s inbox. Here is a resignation email example:
Subject: Resignation Letter – [Your Name]
Dear [Manager Name],
Please accept this as my resignation from [Company Name].
My last day will be [Date], two weeks from today. I appreciate the valuable experience I have gained here. It has been a pleasure working with everyone on the team.
While the position has allowed me to gain valuable experience, I have decided to move my career in a direction that [Company Name] cannot offer.
Please let me know how I can help during this transition and make it as smooth as possible. I wish you and the company all the best.
Yours truly,
[Your Name]
A formal resignation email
As email is today’s most widely used medium, here is another slightly more formal resignation email to guide you.
Subject: Notice of Resignation – [Your Name]
Dear [Manager Name],
I am writing to provide you with two weeks’ notice that I will be resigning from my position as [Position Name]. My last day of employment will be [Last Day of Work].
My experience as a [Position Name] has been invaluable to me. However, I have decided to accept an offer from another company that is too interesting to refuse at this point in my career.
Please let me know if I can provide any assistance with the transition.
I wish you and the company all the success in the future. Thank you so much for all the support you have given me during my time here.
Faithfully,
[Your Name]
A two weeks resignation letter
A resignation letter is often considered more official, and it tends to provide a more detailed explanation of why the employee is leaving.
Here’s our example of an official notice letter for you to use as a template.
[Date]
[Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Manager Name],
Please accept this letter as my notice of formal resignation from [Company Name]. My final day as a [Position] will be [Last Day of Work].
My reason for resigning is [Reason for Resignation].
It has been a pleasure working with [Company Name]. The position has been highly rewarding, and I appreciate the time and effort my team has invested in me in this role to enhance my skills.
I will continue to provide support to [Company Name] and my colleagues until my final day. If there’s anything else I can do to ensure a smooth transition, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name]
[Contact Information]
Final Words on Writing Your Resignation Letter
As we’ve navigated through the nuances of crafting a thoughtful resignation letter, it’s clear that this document plays a pivotal role in your professional journey.
Whether you’re moving on to new opportunities, returning to school, or simply seeking a change, the way you exit your current role can significantly impact your professional reputation and future opportunities.
Here are our main pointers for writing an impactful resignation letter, reflecting all the insights provided in this article:
- Use a positive tone: Regardless of the circumstances leading to your departure, maintaining a positive and professional tone in your resignation letter fosters goodwill and leaves a lasting positive impression.
- Keep your notice letter concise: Your resignation letter should be straightforward and to the point, covering all necessary details without unnecessary elaboration.
- Include the final date of employment: Clearly state your last day of work, typically two weeks from the date of your letter, to comply with standard professional courtesy and any contractual obligations.
- Thank your employer for the opportunities you had: Expressing gratitude for the experiences and growth opportunities you’ve had during your tenure shows professionalism and appreciation.
- Offer support in your resignation letter: Indicating your willingness to assist with the transition demonstrates your commitment to ensuring a smooth handover, reflecting positively on your professional character.
Remember, knowing how to write notice letters effectively and politely not only marks the end of your current job but also paves the way for future opportunities.
Good luck with your transition! Check out the Resume Giants’ career blog for more career tips and resources to help you shape your job search and make your resume stand out.
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