How to Write a Two Weeks Notice Letter to Properly Resign from Your Job
A two weeks notice letter is one of the more professional ways to go about resigning from your job. It is also universally recognized as standard procedure when it comes to how to resign from your job. In many employee handbooks, it is stated as a workplace rule that one must give a two weeks notice letter before leaving. This way the employer has proper time to make arrangements to prepare for your absence. And even if it is not required, it is professional, responsible and simply polite to give a two weeks notice letter. However, in workplaces where it is required, you must be sure to give your two weeks notice letter, for the employers are often not required to pay you for your last few days on the job without one. In other words, if you don’t give your formal two weeks notice letter, or even simply a verbal notice, and you just ditch the job without warning, some employers do not have to give you the pay you worked for during the days between your last received paycheck and the day of your sudden departure.
So do you need to know how to write your two weeks notice letter? It is fairly simple to write, but there are ways to go about writing and giving the two weeks notice letter that are not only more appropriate in the professional workplace, but also may help to benefit you in the future.
Here are a couple things to keep in mind when you write and give your two weeks notice letter:
1) Unless you have a million dollar opportunity elsewhere that demands your attendance right away, give your employer at least two weeks notice. Or if you absolutely cannot guarantee your employee presence for two more weeks, do as best as you can; give a one weeks notice letter if necessary. But don’t just up and leave the job. The company is obviously going to have to find someone to take over your work tasks and that’s not always easy. At least by giving your two weeks notice letter, you are giving them ample time, at least the required time dictate by standard employment policies, to hire someone in your place. Not giving your two weeks notice letter when you resign from your job looks irresponsible and spiteful. If you do give your two weeks notice letter, the rest of your work community will see you as a professional, responsible -person and should you need a referral or ever run into them again they will be more likely to serve you well.
2) When you give your two weeks notice letter, write out a formal resignation and give it to your direct boss as well as the HR department, if applicable. Try to write something cordial and positive even though such a letter seems to be somewhat cold in tone naturally. But along with a simple statement that you, (name), are officially “putting in your two weeks”, as they say, see if you can find something to say that is [positive about the company and your experience there. Do Some professionals might urge you to write the bare minimum to maintain a level of professionalism but let’s face it, you’ve worked with this group for who knows how long and likely you’ve developed relationships. It softens the blow a lot better to leave on a positive note, not to mention the fact that it might make people feel good. Just as importantly though, and this could be debatable by any given professional when discussing the two week notice letter, but if you’ve been with the company long enough it might be beneficial to transcribe (note; carefully and tactfully)_ the reasons for your resignation. If the reason is simply a matter of a change in residential location or something that the company can’t help it also makes them feel better. But at the same time, perhaps you are leaving due to something more personal and subjective. In some cases (I reiterate, some- use your discretion) writing a brief, professional statement about your reason for leaving might help the company see where they stand in the eyes of employees, how they compare to other similar places and of employment and also what things they need to work on to improve.
3) Be sure in your two weeks notice letter that you include your current contact information (or if you are moving, the future info) in case they need to get a hold of you regarding anything at all. While this allows them the opportunity to call you about past documents you’ve turned in, the location of objects that were under your control or even how to use a certain program you were adept at, it also is to your benefit as this way they can send you your final paycheck. Also, you never know what will happen with your next position and it is not unheard of for one’s past employer to call to offer quick and easy contract jobs or little projects for money that the company doesn’t have anybody to do and that they know you are capable of. You never know when you will need a little extra money.
4) Finally, your two weeks notice letter should really include an offer to assist in your departure as much as possible. You should let them know that you will help to train any new employee that comes in to take your place and that if they should need anything at all regarding work you’ve done previously, or even (if you want to go the extra mile) if they have questions about how to do tasks that you are especially proficient at, they can contact you anytime.
Try to stick to this list as best as you can when constructing your final two weeks notice letter, implementing it as you see appropriate for your specific situation. It may seem like a lot but just remember, you never know where the future may take you and should you need to use these people for anything ever again, you want to know you left on a good note.
