With what many have been calling “The Great Resignation” upon us, it’s become more critical than ever to brush off your letter of resignation writing skills. Whether you’ve scored a higher-paying position, plan to relocate, or need some time off to pursue other projects, leaving a job is never easy.
It’s essential to try your best to leave your current job in good standing, and as a courtesy, present a professional resignation letter. Generally, the rule of thumb is you provide your employer with a resignation letter at least two weeks before you plan to leave.
What’s the Purpose of a Two Weeks’ Notice?
Typically, the reason most employers expect two weeks' notice is to give them sufficient time to cover your absence. They may need to assign your duties to another employee or begin hiring your replacement. Two weeks also give you some time to brief or train the employee on the tasks you’ll be handing off.
In some cases, you may not be able to give a full two weeks' notice, and in others, you may not be required to at all. Still, leaving your current job abruptly is less than ideal and may deter your employer from giving you a good reference if you ever need one in the future.
Should a Resignation Notice Be Shorter/Longer than Two Weeks?
The standard etiquette among most workplaces is two weeks' notice. However, depending on the company or your personal circumstances, it could be more or less than that. For instance, if you’re beginning a new position immediately, two weeks' notice may not be an option for you. In some cases, your employer might save you the awkwardness and allow you to forgo the notice.
If you don’t have a prior commitment, such as a new job or moving date awaiting you, giving an extra week or two might be helpful and keep you in good graces with your employer. Assess this based on how much your departure might affect your team, how many accounts you’re currently managing, and how your work relationships stand.
Tips for Writing a Resignation Letter
A resignation letter can be hard to start, so here are some tips to get you started.
1. Read Sample Letters
You can find a plethora of resignation letter templates online. Read through a few and determine which aligns best with your industry.
2. Consider Using a Business Letter Format
A business letter format is the standard for any professional document. At the top of your letter, include your contact information, the date, as well as your employer’s contact information. However, some companies are not as formal and will accept an email as well. Consider what type of business you work for when choosing the format.
3. Keep It Short
Your letter should concisely explain your resignation and from what date it will be effective. You can directly relay anything else relating to your resignation to your employer if you want to, but the letter itself should get straight to the point.
4. Be Polite and Professional
Avoid mentioning anything negative about your current company or colleagues. Close the letter by thanking your employer for the opportunity.
5. Offer Assistance
Consider offering to help with the transition process, such as training or briefing your replacement.
Common Mistakes Made in Resignation Letters
While it may be tempting to include detailed information, it’s best to avoid that and these other common mistakes.
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Disclosing your reason for leaving in detail. It’s not mandatory to express the reason for your resignation. However, it might be worth mentioning that you’ve found a position that better aligns with your personal goals, particularly if you’ve had an encouraging relationship with your employer. Apart from that, it’s not recommended that you disclose which company you will be working for or the salary they offered.
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Using informal language. It’s important you write your letter professionally and in a formal manner. Even if your relationship with your employer has been friendly and informal, your resignation letter must maintain a level of professionalism, especially for HR purposes.
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Including offensive or rude comments. Even if your experience at your current job has been unpleasant, you should refrain from expressing this information in your resignation letter. If you feel so compelled, it would be ideal to communicate your concerns face-to-face and in a professional manner.
Two Weeks Notice Resignation Letter Template [1]
This first resignation letter example would be best for printed, formal letters.
Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State Zip Code
Your Phone Number
Your Email
Date
Name
Title
Company Name
Address
_City, State Zip Code
_
_Dear [employer name],
_
I regret to inform you that I will no longer be able to work for XYZ company. Please accept this letter as my formal resignation and two weeks' notice.
I appreciate the opportunities and guidance I have received as [your position]. Thank you for letting me be a part of the [company name] for so long. I wish you and the company all the best. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help prepare for my departure.
Kind regards,
[your signature]
[your printed name]
Two Weeks Notice Resignation Letter Template [2]
Some companies accept informal letters of resignation or even an email. The format below, without the addresses and signature, would work well in such situations.
_Dear [employer name],
_
I am writing to inform you of my resignation from [company name], effective two weeks from today.
My time here has been enriching, making this a challenging decision for me. I’ve grown professionally and enjoyed forming part of a dedicated team.
_Thank you for all the professional opportunities you have given me. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you need anything from me for the transition. I wish you and the team all the best.
_
_Sincerely,
_
[your name]
Moving Forward
If you want to know how to write a two weeks' notice letter, it would be a good idea to find a template to follow such as the two above. As long as your letter is professional, includes the date you will be leaving, and politely thanks the employer for the opportunity, you’ll be good to go. Good luck with the new job!