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Free two weeks notice letter template

A two weeks notice letter tells your employer you are resigning and gives the exact date of your last day, two weeks from when you hand it in. Fill in the form and your letter is written for you, ready to email or print as a free PDF.

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Your two weeks notice letter

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You
Your employer

Leave blank to address the letter generally.

Dates

Usually two weeks after you hand in the letter.

Reason (optional)

You never have to give a reason. Keep it short if you do.

Handover
Tone

Formal suits most workplaces. Warm is for a manager you know well. Brief says only what is needed.

Wording

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Design: Classic

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What to put in a two weeks notice letter

Your manager needs three facts: that you are resigning, from which position, and your last day. Everything else is courtesy. A good letter fits in four short paragraphs:

  1. The notice. "Please accept this letter as my two weeks' notice of resignation from my position as..."
  2. Your last day, written as a full date with the weekday, such as Friday, October 23, 2026.
  3. A handover offer. Name one or two concrete things you will finish or train someone on.
  4. Thanks. One sentence is enough, then "Sincerely" and your name.

Put the date at the top. HR uses it to work out your final paycheck and the end of your benefits, so check it is right before you send.

When to hand it in

Count back ten working days from the day you want to leave. Many people resign at the start of the week so the two weeks end on a Friday. If your new job has a fixed start date, leave a few days between the two if you can afford to: it gives you time to rest, finish paperwork and handle anything that runs over.

Tell your manager first, in a short private conversation, then send the letter the same day. Do not let them hear it from a coworker. If your manager is away, send the letter and ask for a quick call.

Rules on notice, final pay and paid time off vary by state and employer. This is general information, not legal advice. Check your employee handbook or ask HR if you are unsure.

Formal, warm or brief?

Use the tone buttons in the form to switch. Formal suits most jobs and anyone you do not know well. Warm is for a manager who has supported you; it thanks them by name and says you hope to stay in touch. Brief gives only the facts, which is the right choice when things have been difficult. Whatever you choose, keep complaints out of the letter. It stays in your file and may be read when a future employer checks your dates of employment.

After you give notice

  • Ask HR when your final paycheck arrives and whether unused paid time off is paid out.
  • Ask how your health insurance ends and when you can expect COBRA or other continuation information.
  • Make a list of your open tasks, passwords that need handing over and files others will need.
  • Update your resume while your achievements are fresh, and ask a colleague for a LinkedIn recommendation.

Two weeks notice letter examples

Six common situations. Click "Use this example" to load it into the form above, then make it yours.

Two weeks notice for a new job

The standard letter: date, thanks, and a clear offer to help with the transition.

Resignation: Marcus Reed

Dear Diane Torres,

Please accept this letter as my two weeks' notice of resignation from my position as Junior Accountant at Halvorsen & Clark CPAs. My last day of work will be Friday, October 23, 2026.

I have accepted a new position that will take my career in a direction I have been working towards.

Before I leave, I will finish the September reconciliations and walk Kevin through my open client files.

Thank you for the opportunities I have had during my time at Halvorsen & Clark CPAs. I wish you and the team every success.

Sincerely,
Marcus Reed

Retail or hourly job

Short and friendly, for a store manager you see every shift.

Resignation: Kayla Nguyen

Dear Rob,

Please accept this letter as my two weeks' notice of resignation from my position as Sales Associate at Summit Outdoor Supply. My last day of work will be Saturday, October 17, 2026.

I am starting nursing school this fall and need to focus on my clinical hours.

Before I leave, I will cover my scheduled shifts through my last day and help train whoever takes my weekend slot.

Thank you for your support and guidance. I have learned a great deal at Summit Outdoor Supply, and I will miss working with you and the team. I hope we stay in touch.

Best wishes,
Kayla Nguyen

Brief two weeks notice

Just the facts. Good when the relationship is strained or you want to keep it simple.

Resignation: Jordan Ellis

Dear Steve,

Please accept this letter as my two weeks' notice. My last day as Warehouse Associate at Midline Distribution will be Friday, October 16, 2026.

I will do what I can to hand over my work smoothly before I go.

Thank you for the opportunities I have had here.

Regards,
Jordan Ellis

Moving to another state

Explains the move and offers to stay reachable after the last day.

Resignation: Priya Desai

Dear Dr. Brooks,

Please accept this letter as my two weeks' notice of resignation from my position as Medical Receptionist at Lakeside Family Medicine. My last day of work will be Friday, October 30, 2026.

My husband has been transferred to Denver, and we are moving at the end of the month.

Before I leave, I will update the front desk procedures binder and stay reachable by email if questions come up about patient scheduling.

Thank you for your support and guidance. I have learned a great deal at Lakeside Family Medicine, and I will miss working with you and the team. I hope we stay in touch.

Best wishes,
Priya Desai

Leaving to start your own business

Professional and positive, without details that could worry the employer.

Resignation: Luis Herrera

Dear Mike Brennan,

Please accept this letter as my two weeks' notice of resignation from my position as Electrician at Brennan Electrical Services. My last day of work will be Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

I have decided to start my own small contracting business, which has been a goal of mine for several years.

Before I leave, I will finish the wiring on the Oakmont Street job and make sure all permits and inspection notes are filed.

Thank you for the opportunities I have had during my time at Brennan Electrical Services. I wish you and the team every success.

Sincerely,
Luis Herrera

Two weeks notice at a school

For non-contract or mid-year roles. Puts the students first.

Resignation: Rachel Kim

Dear Principal Haynes,

Please accept this letter as my two weeks' notice of resignation from my position as Teaching Assistant at Westview Elementary School. My last day of work will be Friday, November 6, 2026.

I have accepted a full-time position as a speech therapy aide, which fits the career path I am training for.

Before I leave, I will write up notes on each student I support so the next assistant can pick up where I left off.

Thank you for your support and guidance. I have learned a great deal at Westview Elementary School, and I will miss working with you and the team. I hope we stay in touch.

Best wishes,
Rachel Kim

Frequently asked questions

Is two weeks notice required by law?

In most US states, no. Most jobs are "at will", which means either side can end the job at any time. Two weeks is a common courtesy, and some employment contracts, union agreements or company policies require it. Check your offer letter and employee handbook. This is general information, not legal advice.

Do the two weeks include weekends?

Two weeks usually means ten working days. If you hand in your notice on a Monday, your last day is normally the Friday of the following week. Write the exact date in your letter so there is no confusion.

Can I give my two weeks notice by email?

Yes, email is common and gives you a time-stamped record. Tell your manager in person or on a call first if you can, then send the letter. Use "Copy as text" to paste it into the email body or attach the PDF.

What if my employer tells me to leave right away?

Some employers end the job on the day you give notice, especially in sales or roles with access to sensitive data. Whether you are paid for the two weeks depends on company policy and state law. Ask HR about your final paycheck and any unused paid time off.

Should I say why I am leaving?

It is optional. A short, positive reason such as a new job, a move or going back to school is fine. You can always leave it out and say more in person or in an exit interview.

Is this two weeks notice template free?

Yes. Fill it in, download a PDF or copy the text, all free. No watermark; you just need a free account to download.