In professional business life, giving two weeks’ notice when resigning has become a standard. You must notify your boss in writing. It is easy to leave immediately, but you will have trouble when you ask for references from that company the next day. Also, if you work in a small market, you need to be careful.
Writing a proper two weeks notice letter shows the value you give to companies. Especially when you find a new job, share this with your boss. Although the company has the right to let you go immediately, most managers prefer to complete this period with you. It is essential to properly transfer your job and leave a good mark behind you.
Two Weeks Notice Letters Templates
What is the purpose of a two-week resignation notice?
When you decide to start a new chapter in your career, you need to give two weeks’ notice of resignation(two weeks notice letter). Although verbal notice is sufficient in some companies Although verbal notification is sufficient in some companies, written notification has a different weight. It is important to write the letter on the computer, sign it and give a copy to human resources. After all, this document documents an important transition period in your business life.
Of course, the rules are different in every sector. Banks, financial institutions, and places where company secrets are important may immediately dismiss you as soon as they receive this notice. They may even have you pack up your desk. This is quite normal – after all, you have access to sensitive information, and it is better this way for security.
Why is a Two-Week Resignation Notice Important?
Whether it is common in the sector or not, presenting a proper resignation notice will benefit you. This detail is important if you want to return to the same company one day or if you want to show it as a reference. Moreover, this period has almost become standard in the business world.
Some companies do not wait two weeks, they say one week is enough. Then you write your two weeks notice letter accordingly. Some workplaces want three weeks, some one month. The important thing is to act according to the rules of the company. Human resources will tell you this period anyway.
Writing a proper two weeks notice letter opens many doors for you in your professional life. It is important not only for references but also for your reputation in the business world. After all, no one wants to have problems when leaving their job. Therefore, no matter which company you are leaving, you should definitely give written notice.
Can I Write a Resignation Letter Myself?
There is no need to look for an expert to write a two weeks notice letter. Most people turn to lawyers or professional writers, but it is simple. In plain and simple language, state when you will be leaving. Thank your boss, and indicate how you will complete your ongoing work, if any.
Do not look for fancy sentences in your two weeks notice letter. Most importantly, write the date clearly and also state to whom you will be assigning the work. Some write pages, but there is no need – keep it short and concise. After all, this is not a farewell letter; it is an official notification.
Information That Should Be Included in Your Resignation Letter
There are essential things in your resignation letter. First of all, you should clearly state your last day of work. Are you leaving in two weeks or three weeks? Give a clear date. Also, write to whom and how you will transfer your work. You do not have to explain the reason for your departure – that is up to you.
According to labor law, no company can ask you to explain why you are leaving. Of course, your boss may be curious and ask, but if you do not want to answer, you will not. It is enough to say, “I will consider a new opportunity.” The important thing is to transfer your work properly and clearly state your last day. The rest is too much detail.
Essential Parts of a Two Weeks Notice Letter
There are certain rules in a resignation letter. Different details may be requested from each company, but the basic structure is always the same. Some companies write special clauses in the employment contract – “When you leave, you must write the following.” So take a look at your company’s rules first.
More detailed information is requested, especially in special sectors such as banking and finance. If you have signed a confidentiality agreement, mention this as well. If you need more time, ask HR.
The resignation letter should have the following sections:
State to who you are writing the letter. You usually write directly to your manager. Include the company’s address at the beginning. Don’t forget to give HR a copy.
Look at your last day on your calendar and write it down in a specific way. Instead of saying, “I’ll be leaving in two weeks,” say, “I’ll deliver the table on May 24.” Have HR mark it on their calendar.
Thank the company. Be polite, even if everything is not perfect. You can ask for a reference tomorrow. Don’t overdo it – a short thank you will suffice.
Write clearly when you will be leaving work. Don’t say things like “the middle of next month.” Put a period like “my last day of work is Friday, May 24.” Human resources will see this and start the process accordingly.
Write “Sincerely” at the bottom and sign your name. Leave space for your signature, so it goes in the middle of the letter. Don’t forget to include your contact information.
Should You Send Your Two Weeks Notice by Email?
Although it may seem easy to resign by email, it could be better received in the business world. Of course, if you are working remotely, you may have to. In such a case, at least arrange an online meeting with your boss. Talking face-to-face on Zoom shows the value you give to the company. You will also show that you have done your job properly in the last two weeks.
Resignation by email is now common, but in the past, this was considered a great disrespect. Still, check your company’s rules. Some places still require a wet-signed two weeks notice letter letter. But it is better to notify by email than to leave without giving any notice.
Resignation by email is accepted in the following cases:
- If you have serious problems with your manager and do not want to meet face-to-face
- If you are working remotely and cannot go to the office
- If the company policy prefers email
How to Draft Your Two Weeks Notice Letter Successfully
Be professional and polite when resigning. You may have had problems with your boss or coworkers, but putting them in a letter will hurt you. Be concise and clear. You may ask for references from this company tomorrow; don’t burn bridges.
Write simply, do not prolong it. Provide basic information such as “I am leaving on June 15, I will hand over my work to this person”. You can discuss the details face-to-face later. This letter is just a formal notification, not a novel.
Some companies say “Leave immediately” as soon as you receive the letter. This is especially common in the finance sector. So be prepared in case they clean up your desk.
If HR gives you a procedure, definitely follow it. This is important so that you can receive your final salary and ask for references in the future.
Briefly state the reason for leaving. General expressions such as “A new opportunity” or “In line with my career goals” will suffice.
Provide your offer of assistance if necessary. Saying “I can train my replacement” is a nice gesture.
Why Two Weeks Notice is a Professional Standard
No matter what sector you work in, giving two weeks notice letter notice when leaving your job is now a standard. Although it is not legally required, it is important in professional life. Because you can ask for a reference from this company the day after tomorrow, you should also make this notification properly in order to receive your last salary without any problems.
Yes, the company can let you go immediately if they want. But most bosses give you this time to find a replacement. This act of kindness will earn you respect in the business world.
Moreover, a proper resignation notice will leave a good mark on you. The business world is small; you may encounter the company you left today in another project tomorrow.
