Sample Two Week Notice Letter

Writing Your Letter

When you write a letter letting your present employer know that you have decided to resign, there are some standard items that should be included.

Address the Letter to the Right Person

You may be thinking that you should address your letter to your immediate supervisor, but this is not the case. The letter should be addressed to the company itself, since it's the company that actually pays you. If the company is a small one, the letter should go to the owner; in a situation where the company is large enough to have a personnel department, then address it to the personnel manager. As a courtesy, copy it to your immediate supervisor.

Break it to Them Gently

In the first paragraph, tell the recipient what the purpose of your letter is. Let the reader know that you are resigning from your position as of a certain date and that the letter is to give the employer official notice of your decision.

End on a Positive Note

The last thing you want to do when writing your notice letter is burn bridges. You may want to ask your current employer for a reference at in the future. Often people resign from one job to pursue what they think is a better opportunity only to find that it isn't. If you submit your resignation in a professional manner, you leave the door open to return to the company later.

Another reason why it's better to leave on good terms is that the people you currently work with may also leave the company at some point and end up working with you again placing them in a position to hire you in the future. When tendering your resignation, it may seem like a good idea to take the opportunity to tell the boss exactly what you think of him or her before you go, but don't do this. If you behave professionally, you will be remembered as a reputable employee.

A Sample Two Week Notice Letter

Here is a sample two week notice letter for your consideration:

Dear [Name of Owner or Personnel Manager]

Re: My Resignation

Please be advised that I am resigning from my position at [name of company] effective [date]. This letter is my official two week notice of my intention.

I have decided to resign due to [here is the place where you explain your reasons for leaving. You can say that you have decided to return to school, to move, or to pursue an opportunity at another company, etc. If the reason you are leaving is due to a personality conflict with a coworker or supervisor, this is not the place to discuss it. Don't forget, this letter will be placed in your personnel file and will stay there long after you have left the company].

I learned a lot during my time at [name of company] and I want to thank you for the wonderful opportunity you have given me.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Delivering Your Letter

You will need to share the news that you are leaving in person. As a courtesy, do tell your immediate supervisor first and then contact the personnel department of your company to let them know that you are planning to resign.

Once you have told your current employer that you intend to leave, you can focus on trying to wrap up outstanding projects or provide assistance to the person who will take over for you. During the notice period, you are still an employee of the company and you need to behave in a professional manner.