Resignation Letter Example, Template & How to Write One
Planning to leave your current company to start elsewhere? Learn how to write a resignation letter and leave your company on good terms.
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2 weeks notice template
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What is a resignation letter
A resignation letter is a document authored by an employee of an organization or company to their employer, expressing their intention to leave their current workplace. When you tender your resignation letter, the hard copy is filed and becomes part of your employee records.
A professional resignation letter is very important when leaving your current job since it gives your current employer formal notice that you’re leaving the position you’ve previously held. This also allows human resources managers to start interviewing for a replacement to take on your roles and responsibilities by the time you leave.
You can think of this formal notification as the last chapter of your story at the organization or company before you close that book and move on to new ventures.
Two weeks notice example: text
You can copy, paste and adapt this two-weeks notice letter template to make it into your own letter. If you want to take it to the next level, paste this letter onto one of our cover letter templates!
Build my cover letterHow to write a resignation letter
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1
Start with your name and contact information
Start with your name and contact information
You must adhere to a business letter format when writing a formal resignation letter since you have a professional relationship with the company. This means having your name and contact details — such as your address and phone number — at the top of the page.It’s important to note that putting your contact details at the top only applies if you submit a hard copy of your resignation letter. If you’re emailing your resignation notice, you’ll typically write your contact information at the bottom after your signature.
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2
Align the date
You’ll need to write down the date of the letter just below your name and contact information.
Including the date in your resignation letter is important since your company’s human resource department will use it to start your notice period formally.
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3
Write the company name and address
As part of adhering to the business letter format, you’ll list the company name and address. Start by writing the company name, followed by its street address, city, state and zip code.
Pro tip:Use professional and easily legible fonts, like Times New Roman, Calibri or Arial, and keep your font size between 10 and 12 points. -
4
Greetings
You’ll typically address the resignation letter to your boss or manager. However, in certain cases, you may need to address it to a whole unit, department or company.
If you’re on a first-name basis with your employer, you can address them by their first name. But if this isn’t the case, you should address them using their formal title (Mr./Mrs./Ms.) and last name. For instance, if your manager’s name is Kennedy Brown, your salutation should read “Dear Mr. Brown.” -
5
Give a statement of resignation
When tendering a resignation letter, it’s always best to be as straightforward and concise as possible.
In your opening statement, state clearly that you’re choosing to resign from your current position and provide the date of your last day of employment.
In most organizations, providing a two-week notice period before your end date is standard practice. However, this may or may not be the case at your company. So, find out about this beforehand and use the information to devise a date for your final day at work.
Pro tip:Check your company’s employee handbook to see their resignation policy. -
6
State your reason for leaving (Optional)
Once you’ve expressed your wish to leave the company, you can provide your employer with your reasons for that decision in the body of the letter. For instance, you might be leaving the organization to embark on a new challenge, take up a new position at another company, take care of your family or further your education. Whatever your reasons are, make sure to provide them concisely.
It’s worth noting that this step is not necessary. So, if you don’t feel like sharing your reasons for leaving the company, you don’t have to. As long as you maintain a positive tone throughout the notice letter, chances are your former employer will understand and accept your decision.
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7
Express your gratitude
Whatever your reasons for leaving your current company, it’s never a bad idea to thank your employer for the opportunity you’ve had working with them. Not only does it show grace and professionalism, but it also leaves the company and your coworkers with a positive impression of you.
It would be a good idea to share some positive experiences you’ve had at the organization, what you’ve learned and any positive relationships you’ve enjoyed during your tenure at the company.
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8
Offer to help with a smooth transition
When leaving your current job, you want your departure to be as smooth and non-disruptive to the company as possible. For this reason, you should keep the lines of communication open and volunteer any support you can during the transition period. Commit to wrapping up any unfinished tasks before your departure and ensure your employer knows you’re ready for a smooth handover when the time comes.
Pro tip:Keep the letter within one page. Adhere to single-spaced sentencing and leave a space between each paragraph.
Two weeks notice sample: email
Sometimes, sending a hard copy of your resignation letter isn’t possible. So, here’s a professional resignation letter template you can copy and paste onto the body of your email.
Build my cover letterFAQ: Two weeks notice template
How do you write a proper 2 week notice?
Writing a professional two weeks’ notice is easier than you think. You just need to be clear, courteous and concise. You don’t need to go into detail about where you’re going or what you’ll be doing — you’re simply informing your employer that after a certain date, you’ll no longer work there.
- Include the basic information like your name, your position and the date you’re writing the letter.
- Use a professional salutation such as “Dear [Supervisor’s Name]”.
- Right away, clearly mention that you’re resigning from your position and specify your last working day, typically two weeks from the date you’re submitting the notice.
- Express gratitude for the opportunity, experiences and professional growth. You don’t have to be too flowery with your wording, a simple sentence or two will suffice.
- While giving your reason for resigning isn’t mandatory, you can write a brief and positive note about why you’re leaving if you feel comfortable (e.g. “I’m leaving to pursue new challenges” or “I received an offer I couldn’t refuse”).
- Offer assistance to make the transition seamless.
- Once again, thank them for the opportunities and use a professional closing like “Sincerely” or “Best Regards,” followed by your name.
How do you tell your boss you're putting your two weeks notice in?
It’s important to tell your boss you’re resigning before handing them your resignation letter, even if you don’t have the best relationship.
- We suggest scheduling a private meeting to notify them of your decision properly; choose a time when you know they might not be too busy or stressed.
- Be direct and clear as you start the conversation. For example, “I wanted to talk to you today because I’ve decided to resign from my position” or “I wanted to talk to you today because I got an offer I couldn’t refuse and I’m submitting my resignation.”
- Express appreciation for the opportunities and experiences you’ve had at the company, letting them know that you’re grateful for the lessons learned.
- Remain professional as you listen to their response. They may have questions or want to discuss the transition plan.
Once you’ve formally told them, you can submit your resignation letter.
How do I resign and give a 2 weeks notice?
Resigning and giving a two weeks’ notice is a professional courtesy. First, schedule a meeting with your supervisor or manager to let them know of your decision. You can personally thank them for the opportunities and discuss a possible transition plan. Once they know what’s happening, you should submit your resignation letter.
How do you send a 2 week notice via email?
Sending a two weeks notice via email is a common practice that’s more widely accepted nowadays.
- Choose a subject line that clearly communicates the purpose of your email (e.g. “Resignation Notice – [Your Full Name]”
- Start the email with a professional greeting, such as “Dear Mr. Smith.”
- Clearly state you are resigning from your position right away. For example, “I am writing to formally resign from my position as [Your Position] at [Company Name], effective two weeks from today, [Last Working Day – typically two weeks from the date of the email].”
- Express gratitude for the professional growth, opportunities and experiences you’ve had at the company.
- Optionally, you can provide a brief and positive reason for your resignation. You don’t have to include it in your letter if you don’t feel comfortable sharing why you’re leaving.
- Offer to help during the transition process by training your replacement or finishing your ongoing tasks.
- Include your contact information at the end of the email after your signature.
If you have a hard copy of your two weeks notice letter, you can attach it as a separate document.
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