Two Week Notice Resignation Letter Template

When you quit your job, it is customary to give two weeks’ notice. However, no state requires at-will employees to provide a resignation letter before quitting. Thus, your letter can simply let your employer know that you are leaving and offer to assist in the transition.

This letter can smooth your exit so your employer will feel comfortable providing a reference in the future.

What Is a Two Weeks’ Notice?

A two weeks’ notice communication informs your employer that you will leave your employment in two weeks. If you are an at-will employee, you have the legal right to quit at any time and for any reason. Thus, this notice is a courtesy to your employer rather than a legal requirement.

If you have an employment contract, you may not be an at-will employee. If your agreement addresses resignation and termination, you must follow those clauses instead of sending a two-week notice resignation letter.

Why Giving Notice Matters

Since notice is a courtesy for at-will employees, your letter can garner goodwill with your employer if you need a reference or if you return someday. However, it will not have any legal effect.

Specifically, your employer does not need to accept your two weeks’ notice. They could ask you to leave immediately rather than keep you until the end date.

Preparing Before You Resign

Before you give two weeks’ notice, verify that you are an at-will employee. If you have an employment contract, you are an independent contractor and must follow the termination process in your agreement.

However, if you have no employment contract, the law in every state except Montana presumes that you are an at-will employee.

What to Include in the Letter

Since your letter has no legal effect, you should focus on being courteous and professional. Consider thanking your employer and offering to help train your replacement.

You do not need to give a reason for quitting. You may wish to do so, particularly if you plan to draft a retirement resignation letter. However, if you are leaving to join a competitor, you may wish to keep your plans unstated.

How to Deliver Your Notice

The normal rule under contract law is called the “mailbox rule.” Under this rule, communications are effective when mailed rather than received. However, an at-will employee’s resignation is not a contractual communication. Thus, you can only count on it being effective when your boss receives it.

Consequently, you should deliver your notice in person. If you wish to avoid a confrontation, deliver your notice through an intermediary, such as a co-worker or your supervisor’s administrative assistant.

Find the Right Two Weeks’ Notice Letter

The right resignation letter can help you maintain cordial relations with an ex-employer. Use ConsumerShield’s guides and templates to find a letter that meets your needs.