Updated on April 19th, 2023

Two-Week Notice Letter: 9 Tips and 2 Templates

By: Brad Nakase, Attorney

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Jonas has been working at an office in Huntington Beach for the past three years and has learned a lot about sales. That said, he is ready to move onto greener pastures. When he decides that it is time to quit his job, he drafts a letter giving his employer two-week’s notice. He sends this letter to both his manager and the head of HR. Jonas continues to work for his boss for another two weeks, giving them ample time to search for a replacement and prepare for Jonas’ absence. Jonas’ colleague, Maria, offers to take over his workload until a new employee is hired. When Jonas leaves his job, everyone is sad to see him go and is appreciative of his professionalism in providing a two-week notice letter. Shortly after he leaves, his boss hires someone new to replace him, and there is barely a disruption in workflow.

Two-Week Notice Letter

If an employee decides to resign from his or her job, it is normal and expected to provide their employer with two weeks’ notice. Regardless of why a person is leaving their job, it is considered professional to give their employer enough time to make plans to cover the absence. The employer may use that time to search for a replacement or to divide the departing employee’s tasks among coworkers.

When to Give Two-Weeks’ Notice

As the name implies, it is normally appropriate to submit one’s two weeks’ notice letter two weeks before one’s planned last day at work. On occasion, it may not be possible to provide two weeks’ notice or any notice at all. And sometimes, an employer may not wish for an employee to stay for the notice period. Some companies may request that an employee leave immediately upon receiving resignation.

Still, most companies appreciate when an employee offers to stay on for a couple more weeks to help with the transitional period. In terms of an employee’s career, it can benefit them by offering an opportunity to show professionalism and to leave the job with a positive impression.

When it comes to writing a letter giving two weeks’ notice, there is a proper format and tone to use. Again, writing a two-week’s notice letter is a way of showing one’s professionalism, which can result in an employer giving a good reference down the road. This is a powerful tool to advance one’s career.

Tips for Writing a Two Weeks’ Notice Letter

Use Business Letter Format

By using a business letter format, such as is used for cover letters, one may look professional. At the top of the letter should be the date, one’s contact information, and the employee’s contact information.

Remember the Date

It is essential that an employee write the date that he or she will be resigning in the letter. An employee can either write the current date and say that he or she will be leaving two weeks from that date, or they may simply write the specific date they will be leaving.

Keep It Brief

It is not necessary to include any further information in a two weeks’ notice letter other than stating that one will be leaving and when the last day of work will be. There is no reason to go in depth about the reasons one is leaving or their future plans.

Say Thank You

While it is not necessary, an employee may wish to thank his or her employer for the opportunities provided at the company, as well as the experience they attained in their time working for the company.

Be Positive

When writing a two-week notice letter, it is best to avoid saying anything negative about one’s manager of colleagues. Even if one is leaving the company because of a negative reason (toxic environment, bad boss, mean coworkers), it is still not a good idea to mention any of this in the letter. For the sake of one’s career, it is best not to burn any bridges. One never knows when next they will bump into a former boss or colleague, or need their reference.

Offer Help

A departing employee can consider offering to help with the transition process. Perhaps he or she can help train the new employee, help organize files, or give advice and instructions to teammates or coworkers.

Choose the Right Recipients

A two-weeks’ notice letter should be sent to both one’s manager and the human resources (HR) department so that HR can keep a copy on file.

Send a Resignation Email

It is also permissible to send a resignation letter, or a two-weeks’ notice letter, via email rather than as a formal printed letter. The content of the email will resemble that of the letter. The subject line of the email should be: “Resignation.”

Review Samples

Looking at samples of resignation letters and emails before writing one’s own can be helpful. Before sending to your manager or HR, do you research to make sure you write a pitch-perfect, professional letter.

Below are some examples.

Two Weeks’ Notice Letter Sample

Marina Lowe
1489 Peachtree Street
Los Angeles, CA 90402

February 5, 2022

Gregory Davis
Manager
ABC Company
123 Washington Road
Los Angeles, CA 90302

Dear Mr. Davis,

I am writing to declare my resignation from ABC Company, effective two weeks from this date. My last day at work will be February 19, 2022.

This was a difficult decision to make, because the last four years have been a very rewarding period of my life, and for that I am grateful. I have enjoyed working for you and leading my team, and I am proud of the work we have accomplished over the years.

Thank you for all the opportunities you have provided me. I wish you and the company the absolute best. Please let me know if I can be of any help during the transition.

Sincerely,

Signature (hard copy letter)
Marina Lowe

Two Weeks’ Notice Email Sample

Subject: Resignation – Marina Lowe

Dear Mr. Davis,

Please accept this as my formal notice of resignation from ABC Company. My last day at work will be two weeks from today, February 19, 2022.

I appreciate all your help and support during my time here, as well as all the opportunities you have generously provided me. Over the last four years, I have gained invaluable experience that will without doubt serve me well in the future. It has been a joy working with you and the team, and I am proud to have achieved what I have with such kind, hard-working individuals.

Please let me know if there is any way I can help during the transition process. I wish you and the company all the best in the future.

Best regards,

 Marina Lowe

We want to hear your story.

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What Is A Hostile Work Environment?

The law defines an unlawful hostile work environment to mean when a superior or coworker communication or behavior that is offensive, intimating, or discriminate on the basis of gender, religion, race, ethnicity, etc.

Can you take unpaid time off in California?

There is no legal requirement in California that an employer provide its employees with either paid or unpaid vacation time. However, the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) gives eligible employees the right to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year.

DFEH Right to Sue

To file a lawsuit for discrimination, you must file a complaint with DFEH and obtain a Right-to-Sue notice.

Is It Illegal To Not Pay Overtime?

Yes, it is illegal for employer to not pay overtime because California law requires that employers pay overtime, whether authorized or not.

What Is Rate Pay Meaning?

The meaning of pay rate is the average hourly rate an employee is paid calculated by dividing the total pay for employment in a work week by the total number of hours actually worked.

California Break Laws

Under California law, non-exempt workers are entitled to two paid 10-minute rest breaks and one unpaid meal break during their eight-hour shift. 

Not Getting Paid for Work I Have Done

Workers who have not been paid for work have the right to file a claim with the federal and state Department of Labor for unpaid wages.

California Overtime Law

Under California overtime law, an employee who works over eight hours a day or over forty hours per week is entitled to overtime pay at one and one-half times the regular rate of pay.

Who is exempt from overtime pay?

As of 2023, to be exempt from overtime pay, any employees who are paid at least $62,400 per year and work are primarily professional, executive, creative, managerial, or intellectual and require the exercise of independent judgment.

Can Previous Employers Talk Bad About You?

There are no state or federal laws prohibiting what a previous employer can or cannot say about a former employee. However, previous employers are not permitted to make up lies to damage your reputation and make it difficult for you to get another job.

Can An Employer Cut Your Pay as Punishment?

Employers cannot cut hours to retaliate against employees. Cutting the hours of an employee should never be used as discipline or in an attempt to make an employee quit. 

California Random Drug Testing Law

Random drug testing is not permitted in California, and employers must give their employees notice before a drug test is given.

What happens if you get caught working under the table?

Generally, it is not illegal for your employer to pay you in cash. However, if the employer paid you under the table and did not report your earnings, you may be entitled to money damages under California Labor Code 226.

ADA Proof of Disability

An employer has no right to ask an employee to provide proof of disability unless the employee requests a reasonable accommodation and the employer does not believe disability exists.

FMLA Retaliation and Wrongful Discharge

An employer is prohibited from retaliating, interfering with, restraining, or denying an employee’s exercise of any FMLA right. If an employer wrongfully terminates an employee for FLMA taking medical leave, the worker could have a lawsuit against the employer.

Per Diem Employee Rights

A per diem employee is a worker who work on an as needed basis. A per diem employee does not have a regular schedule or shift but instead works hours as assigned.

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