by Glenn Magas

Created on: August 25, 2009   Last Updated: March 15, 2011

The two-weeks notice may be a stressful letter to write. Knowing that it is just a simple document for the employee's file, writing a two-weeks notice or resignation letter should be simple, easy, and should relieve stress instead of cause it.

The key to writing the letter is to maintain professionalism throughout.

Most people feel their two-weeks notice needs to be overwhelming personal, with tons of gratitude: due to the guilt they feel for leaving the company. The company will survive without you. So the goal for a two-weeks notice is simple: to provide a letter of resignation that they put in your file to make your resignation 'official.' That is all the letter is, and anything more is a waste of time and effort.

If you start going into personal detail on the reasons you are leaving, then you are saying too much. This should be voiced in person, and not in a letter. Still, the main emphasis is to leave your current place of employment in good terms and to make sure to maintain that professional relationship for future opportunities that may arise.

The following template is one of many different ways to write a two-weeks letter. It conforms to all of the above: simple, easy and maintains professionalism. It is effective, to the point, and fulfills everything a resignation letter needs to fulfill.

Date (the day you are submitting the letter)

Name of Your Boss
Company
Street Address
City, State Zip

Dear (Name of Boss),

I am writing to announce my resignation from (Company Name), effective (date: generally two weeks from date of letter).

This was an extremely difficult decision to make. The past (number of years) years have been very rewarding. I have enjoyed working for you and with everyone in the (name of department).

Thank you for the opportunities and knowledge you shared with me throughout my employment.

I wish you and the future of the company all the best.

Sincerely,

(4 spaces)

Your Name

Remember: keep it short, to the point, and as professional as possible.

A hand delivered letter is recommended over an emailed resignation.

Maintain the level of professionalism throughout your last two weeks of employment. Nothing should change. They are still paying you for your current employment and 'slacking off' could jeopardize your reputation and good standing in the company.

Maintain accountability and 'ownership' of your job. These are the core habits on continuing your career at your next place of employment.

Good luck on your next venture.

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