by Cody Hodge

Created on: March 26, 2009

In the world of hopping from one job to the next, it has become very common for employees to give a two week notice. The two week notice is standard etiquette and it allows for a company to begin looking for a replacement. While not all employers expect an employee to actually work the two weeks, it gives an employer a chance to fill some shifts, and makes an employee look more professional, and thankful for the opportunity given.

How do you go about writing a two week notice? Well first let me stress that you do have to put something into writing, and that a verbal notice isn't going to fly usually. It gives a company documented evidence that you in fact left the company, and it makes it clear that your intention is to quit, and terminate your employment with the company. It is easier to go back on your plan to quit if you merely say you are going to leave.

When you are writing a two week notice, just state that you have the intention of leaving the company. Just be very plain in going about it too, and don't say anything you may regret later. Thank your boss, or the organization for giving you the opportunity to work for the company, and say you appreciated the time you spent there.

You can state whatever reasons you have for leaving the company in your letter too, and it is a good idea to do so as well. If your new job doesn't work out, and you want to come back, it will work out better for you if you tell them exactly why you are leaving. Say something like you want more time with your family, you outgrew the job, or just that you needed a change of scenery. An employer will appreciate your honesty, and respect you for it.

I left a job shortly after being hired, and while I thought my boss was going to be angry with me for quitting, she appreciated the fact that I had been honest. While it wasn't a job that I really wanted after starting out, I knew that being direct with a person is appreciated, and makes you look better as a professional.

When you write a two week notice, make sure you express your gratitude for the chance you had. If you really want to make yourself look good, include a point or two that you liked about the company. Wish them luck in the future, and express an interest in one day working with them again. While this is all hyperbole, and your boss won't expect you to ever think about them again, you never know when you might run into an old co-worker. The connection to the old company could help you out when you need a contact.

Basically just be nice when you write your two week notice. Express gratitude for the chance to work for the organization, and tell them how much you enjoyed working there. Express your appreciation for all the people there, and all the good times you may or may not have had. It isn't about being totally honest, just about not leaving on bad terms. Make sure you don't burn your bridges, because you never know who you may need in the future.

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