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:
- The notice. "Please accept this letter as my two weeks' notice of resignation from my position as..."
- Your last day, written as a full date with the weekday, such as Friday, October 23, 2026.
- A handover offer. Name one or two concrete things you will finish or train someone on.
- 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.