2 Weeks Notice Email Writing Guide
If you plan to leave your job soon or in the nearest future, you are going to need a 2 weeks notice email.
Two weeks‘ notice is a courtesy that allows your company to plan for your departure and begin the process of replacing you.
Keep in mind that if you have an employment contract or a union agreement that specifies how much notice you must give, you must follow it. If this is not the case, two weeks’ notice is appropriate but not essential.
You can choose to stay longer than two weeks (or the time period specified in your contract) if your current employer requests it, but you are under no duty to do so unless your work contract states otherwise.
What is 2 Week Notice Email?
Your employer is not obligated to accept your two-week notice (unless it is stipulated in your contract) and can terminate your employment at any time.
As a result, be ready to quit your work as soon as you provide your notice. Make sure you have all of the information you’ll need from your work computer. a weeks notice templates, as well as any additional information you’ll need, ready to go.
How to Write a 2 Week Notice Email
Most employers need you to file an official letter of resignation when you decide to leave your employment. Ideally, you should inform your supervisor in person of your decision to resign, and then follow up with a written resignation letter.
However, in some cases, such as when you need to inform your boss of your choice immediately away and don’t have enough time to write a formal letter, a two-weeks’ notice email may be appropriate.
Below is a step-by-step procedure for writing a two-week notice email, including what to include in your resignation email, how to structure it, and some specific examples you might want to include.
What to Put in Your 2 Week Notice Email
When you quit a job, you may have bad thoughts about your supervisor, company, or coworkers, which influenced your decision.
It’s advisable to leave certain facts out of your letter, regardless of whether you’re unhappy about what happened at work. Instead, concentrate on delivering the following three crucial points regarding your departure that your employer will require:
- A written statement confirming your intention to quit from your employment at the organization.
- The day on which you will leave the company.
- In terms of handing off large projects to other staff members, transition information is important.
How to Write an Email Giving Two Weeks’ Notice
Begin by filling out the subject line of your resignation email with a clear indication that you are providing notice. In the subject line, simply write “Two Weeks’ Notice” or “Notice of Resignation.”
Start with a typical salutation to your immediate supervisor in your email. You can write this opening more professionally as “Dear Ms. Jones,” or you can start with “Hi Sally” if you have a tighter working relationship with your supervisor.
Then, if you’re giving your employer the normal period of short notice, indicate that you’re leaving the company and that this email serves as your two-week notice.
Share transition specifics, such as naming backup colleagues to whom you plan to hand off current projects and assignments. Before your last day of work, you could offer to give your boss a status update on each of your projects.
Give your contact information if you want the company to contact you if they have any questions in the future.
Express your appreciation for your time at the company and your boss’s help during your time there. Even if you’re leaving due to workplace issues, it’s always crucial to include a thank-you statement in your resignation letter.
Finish with a formal phrase like “Sincerely” or “Best regards.”
What Happens After You Give Your Notice?
Generally, the two-week period is one of transition. You may have lots of meetings with co-workers to review the status of projects and walk through your day-to-day routine and tasks.
You may be asked to prepare documents, email clients to introduce a new contact at the company, or share where you keep important files.
Do your part to ensure that everyone who should know that you’re departing the company is properly informed.
It can be tempting to slack off during this period but resist the urge. Just as you worked hard to make a good first impression during interviews, it’s also important to make a strong last impression on your way out of the job.
This will help ensure that colleagues and managers think of you positively, which will come in handy if you ever need a recommendation or if you work together in the future.
How to Hand in Your 2 Week Notice Email
It’s time for you to hand in your two-week notice. It may be both terrifying and thrilling.
You can gracefully resign, work your final two weeks, and feel pleased leaving the office on your last day of work if you follow these five steps.
1. Make a List of Topics
You don’t have to explain why you’re going or where you expect to work when you quit to your manager. Unless you desire to reveal more, any circumstances surrounding your next relocation are your business.
Instead of bragging about the new benefits or salary rise you’ve been provided with a new position, it’s probably preferable to prepare good takeaways from your time there.
Take some time to think about what you’re comfortable sharing with your employer about your new role, and come up with a tale you can sell to both your boss and other coworkers about your leave.
Keep it vague, instead emphasizing your desire to collaborate on a transition plan and inquiring about any additional HR measures you may need to take.
2. Set Up a Face-to-Face Meeting With Your Boss
It’s finally time to tell your supervisor. Make a time for a face-to-face or video chat with them to go over your prepared remarks.
It’s ideal to do this in person or via video rather than over the phone so you can measure their reaction and highlight your sincerity.
After you’ve informed your boss, double-check that you’re both on the same page about your official last day, how your coworkers and other colleagues will be informed, and any other transition period processes like writing a formal resignation letter or scheduling an exit interview.
Even if you have a face-to-face or video conference to announce your departure, draft a resignation letter that includes your last date and any other specifics agreed. Maintain a paper trail at all times.
3. Make a Transition Strategy
You should have a clearer understanding of what needs to be done in your final two weeks after consulting with your employer. Take the initiative to establish this transition plan so that you may be as useful to the team as possible, even on your last day.
Your manager and coworkers will have a strong opinion of your work ethic and how you handled the move as a result of this.
You never know when you might need a former colleague’s reference, so instead of burning bridges, it’s essential to keep these relationships with a sound transition plan.
4. Be Respectful When You Tell Colleagues
While it may be tempting to brag or persuade your coworkers to join you in your departure, be respectful of your colleagues as you communicate your news.
Inform close mentors and friends in person or by video so that they are prepared for the loss of a close coworker as well as an expected increase in workload.
Encourage people closest to you to keep in touch as well. Share your contact information so you may keep the connections you’ve made and count on them for future assistance if needed.
You never know when the opportunity to collaborate with a colleague will arise, so it’s always best not to burn bridges.
5. Finish on a High Note
Finally, it’s preferable to have a pleasant attitude throughout your last days at a job. You want to be remembered as a helpful, friendly, and collaborative team member by your supervisor and previous coworkers.
Be adaptable and up to the effort of shifting off your job. If you’re requested to conduct a departure interview, don’t criticize specific team members or supervisors.
While it’s easy to fake it by just focusing on the positives, pick one or two jobs that the company as a whole (if you’re comfortable) can improve on without singling out specific people.
You want to keep your relationships intact, and you never know when you’ll need a reference, so it’s better to leave on a high note and avoid saying something you’ll regret later.
6. Deliver the News in Person First
Prior to delivering your two weeks’ notice email or alerting coworkers, schedule time to meet with your supervisor face to face and inform them that you are departing.
If you’re a remote worker, you can do this over the phone or via Skype, but basic etiquette dictates that you meet in person. Consider this an opportunity to have a one-on-one talk with your boss to express gratitude for the possibilities you’ve been given.
This should, for the most part, be a meeting with your immediate line manager. However, some employers have certain protocols that you must follow, which you will discover in your employment contract.
It is standard practice to resign from your job, and your boss will be aware of this.
It is critical that they hear the news from you, and they will appreciate you for informing them before they learn of your departure elsewhere; this will allow you and your manager to collaborate on an exit strategy.
2 Week Notice Email Dos and Don’ts
When writing a two-weeks notice letter, there are several do’s and don’ts to bear in mind.
Dos
1. Directness is key: In the first paragraph of your two-week notice letter, state your intention to leave. This area should include your last date of employment as well as your job title.
2. Date of last employment: To the two-week notice letter, explicitly state your end date of employment.
3. Thank You Section: You never know when or where you will run across your current boss. As a result, it’s preferable to terminate the relationship on a high note.
At the end of the two-week notice letter, include a thank-you part in which you express how much you loved working with your present manager and how he helped you grow as a professional.
4. Mention the time you spent with the company: If you have the opportunity, please describe some of your major achievements during your tenure at the organization. It is, however, optional.
5. Offer assistance: Offering assistance in the transition for a new hire is the finest approach to leave the workplace on a positive note. You can make a plan for how you will train a new employee.
Please provide your personal contact information: At the end of the two-week notice letter, include your personal contact information. This is useful, especially if there is an urgent need at work for which you are the only one who knows the solution.
Don’ts
1. Don’t Complain: Even if you’re leaving because of a poor work culture, don’t mention it in your 2-week notice letter. In your letter, try to be upbeat and professional.
2. Don’t Write a Long Letter: While you want to express your gratitude to the company, don’t write a letter that is too long. In your two-week notice letter, try to be as succinct as possible.
3. Don’t Make Mistakes: The two-week notice letter should be free of typos and grammatical faults. Before submitting the letter to your boss, double-check the spelling and grammar.
Risks of Not Giving a 2 Week Notice Email
If you’re considering not giving notice, there are some risks to be aware of. There aren’t a ton of serious repercussions, assuming you don’t have something in your contract legally requiring it.
However, it can leave your employer with a bad impression. Word can travel fast within certain industries, so this reputation could spread to other companies as employees leave this company and move around in their careers. You’ll almost certainly never be hired by this employer again, either.
Most employers now keep a record of how/when all past employees resigned. And finally, you’ll struggle to get a good reference from your past manager if you leave them in a tough spot by resigning without giving a two week notice.
You Might Need it in the Future
If you’re considering not giving a 2 week notice email to please your future employer by being able to start sooner, that’s a bad idea.
Any good employer will want you to conduct yourself the right way and leave on good terms with your past company.
You’re not going to impress them or get on their good side by telling them you left your last company without a notice period. If anything, it’ll cast doubt on what type of person they’ve hired.
And beware of any employer that pressures you to leave your current job without giving a proper notice period.
This is your decision, and you may have some specific, good reasons for not being able to give a 2 week notice email. But pressure from your future employer should NOT be one of those reasons.
When You Need to Resign Right Away
Under normal circumstances, providing two weeks’ notice is standard practice. However, there may be times when you just can’t stay that long.
Whether it’s because of issues at work or personal circumstances, you may need to move on immediately. Resigning without a two-week notice might be necessary for a number of reasons, such as:
- You’ve been asked to do something illegal.
- Your employer is withholding wages.
- You’ve been the victim of harassment or abuse.
- If that’s the case, it’s still a good idea to stay professional in your dealings with the company. Talk to your human resources department, and have a support system in place as you leave your job.
How Not to Do It
The internet is brimming with examples of how to leave from a job — and how not to. While putting your resignation on top of a cake may sound like a good idea, it’s not the proper manner to send your notice.
You shouldn’t try to replicate the actions of a flight attendant who announced his resignation over the cabin intercom before activating the emergency slides and departing in a dramatic and quick manner.
If you decide not to provide your notice at all, keep in mind that your employer may pursue you in court for breach of contract.
Taking the time to do things properly and leave in a professional manner is always the right thing to do, no matter how much you despise your boss or how tempting it may be. No matter how eager you are to flee, your goal is to make a peaceful, good, and well-planned exit.
How to Format the Message
Subject Line: In the subject line of your 2 week notice email, mention that you’re resigning. It is critical that your message be opened and read.
Greeting: Your letter should be addressed to your boss. You may also want to copy Human Resources so that your resignation is documented.
Resignation Notice: Inform your employer of your intention to leave the company and the date of your final day of work.
Optional information: After you’ve mentioned that you’re retiring, you can offer help throughout the transition or thank your employer for the chance.
Signature: Include your contact information (email and phone number) in the message or in your signature so it’s easy for the recipient to follow up.
2 Week Notice Email Template
Dear Mr. Smith!
I’m writing to let you know that I’ll be departing from my work as a Customer Service Representative with ABCD Company after two weeks’ notice. The 15th of January will be my last day of work.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help with the transition. During my remaining time with the organization, I would be happy to assist in any way I can.
You can also email me at [email protected] or call me at 555-555-5555 if you have any questions.
Please accept my wishes. I wish you and your organization continued success. Thank you very much for all of your help and support during my time at the company.
Best wishes,
Jane Doe
What Should You Do with a Counteroffer?
When an employee wants to leave, most employers strive to provide a counteroffer if they are experienced and useful. The company has invested a lot of time and money in training you, and they don’t want you to go.
Based on the following scenarios, you can accept or reject the counteroffer: If you’re a high-level employee trying to make more money, a counteroffer of a pay increase can be worth considering. It is more beneficial.
A counteroffer will be of little use to you if you are leaving for personal reasons, such as a disagreement with management, work-life balance, or another issue.
1. Immediate Resignation Letter
Many employers want employees to give 2 week notice email before quitting, so if you need to leave suddenly, you should know how to do so professionally to prevent any potential repercussions.
Your employer may, for example, refuse to send you a reference letter or bring up your abrupt departure when other employers contact them about jobs you apply for in the future.
You have a few choices for dealing with these scenarios to avoid them:
2. Examine Your Contract
Find out what your employment contract says about working for competitors, how long you have to wait before you can work for a competitor, and how much notice your employer considers adequate.
3. Speak With Someone From Your Current Workplace
More information about your options can be obtained from a human resources professional. They may suggest that you work from home for the remainder of your time off or take a sabbatical if you are experiencing a health or family crisis.
They can provide you with all of your alternatives and assist you in selecting the best one for your needs, but make sure they realize that they are not permitted to discuss your resignation with anybody until you have notified your employer on your own.
4. Speak With Someone From Your New Workplace
You can chat with an HR representative from that employer if you are unable to offer notice because your new employment requires you to start sooner.
If your employer files a claim, the new firm may offer to pay your notice period, or they may give another kind of compensation to prevent your employer from delaying you from starting your new position.
5. Speak With Your Boss
You might also go to your employer and explain your issue straight. Be open and honest about your leave while maintaining a professional demeanor.
How to Write a Resignation Letter Right Away
It’s critical to submit a formal resignation letter so that you, your employer, and the human resources department may all have a documented record of your meeting. When to write a resignation letter, keep the following points in mind:
Start With the Date
You should include the specific date on which you intend to leave the company in your letter. Because you are leaving right away, your departure date should be indicated at the top of your letter.
Explain Only What is Absolutely Necessary
While you should provide your employer with a detailed explanation of why you are leaving, you are not required to do so. If your reason for leaving is due to illness, for example, you can write “due to illness” in your letter.
You can tell your boss more about the health condition during your meeting, but you shouldn’t include this information in your letter. It’s also a good method to show your boss that you’re serious about your job.
Maintain Your Professionalism
You should stay professional in your letter of resignation, regardless of your reason for leaving or your time working for your present employer. Throughout the note, try to keep a positive and professional tone.
Include Inquiries
You can address any queries you have about your last paycheck, your departure, or any other concerns in your resignation letter.
If your employer does not respond, you can address these questions during your exit interview, if you have one, or send a reminder email.
Show Appreciation
Expressing gratitude in your resignation letter is always a good idea. Thank your employer for the opportunity to work for them and apologise for leaving so abruptly.
When thanking your employer, if your time there wasn’t very pleasant, focus on one or two aspects of your job that you did love.
Include Your Contact Details
Include a relevant email address and phone numbers so that your company can respond to your queries and send you your last salary.
Make Sure Your Mail is Error-Free
Your resignation letter is your last opportunity to create a good first impression, so make it professional and well-written. Examine your work for any grammatical or spelling problems.
You can use several built-in browser capabilities to quickly identify any errors. It can also be beneficial to have a trustworthy buddy go through it and double-check that you haven’t missed anything.
Hand Deliver Copies
Print copies of your letter after you’ve completed writing it and sign each one. Your resignation letter should be delivered in person so that your employer and HR representative can ask any queries they may have.
Remember to print, sign, and file a copy for yourself.
Immediate Resignation Letter Template
When writing your immediate resignation letter, it’s usually best to follow a standard business letter format. The following is a template that you can use when writing your immediate resignation letter:
[Your name]
[Your address]
[Your personal phone number]
[Your personal email address]
[The date]
[Name of employer]
[Company address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mrs. Surname],
I’m writing to offer formal notice of my impending resignation from [business name] as of [departure date]. I apologize for not being able to provide notice, but I am forced to resign immediately due to [reason for leaving].
Please advice on the best method for processing my last paycheck and the balance due. I may either pick up my paycheck from human resources or have it mailed to me. Please let me know which option is most convenient for you.
Thank you for providing me with opportunities and support during my time here. I appreciate the advice you gave me as I progressed in my job.
Kind regards,
[Handwritten signature]
[Typed name]
CSN Team.