Two Weeks Notice Letter

How do I write a two weeks notice letter?

Address the letter to your manager and say in the first sentence that you are resigning from your position. Name your last day, which falls two weeks after the day you hand the letter in. Add a short thank-you and an offer to help with the handover, then sign. Keep it brief and positive.

1. Pick a situation and a design.
2. Type your name, your manager and the company on the letter.
3. Check the date. The last day updates beside the page, in words and numbers.
4. Tick thanks and handover if you want them.
5. Download the PDF or Word file, or press Copy as email.

If you resign by writing a letter first, this page is the quick version. For longer wording, six tones and a retirement letter, use the resignation letter maker: a two weeks notice letter is a short resignation letter with the last day fixed two weeks out.

What should a two weeks notice letter include?

Include five things: the date, your manager's name and company, one sentence that says you are resigning from your position, your last day, and a closing with your name. A thank-you and an offer to help with the handover are polite extras. Leave out complaints and long reasons.

• The date you hand the letter in, and your manager's name, title and company.
• A subject line, such as Two weeks notice followed by your name.
• One sentence that says you are resigning, from which position, with your last day.
• An optional thank-you, and an offer to finish current work and help train a replacement.
• A closing, room for a signature, and your typed name.

The standard letter opens like this for a cashier handing it in on October 13, 2026: "Please accept this letter as formal notice that I am resigning from my position as cashier at Green Street Market. In keeping with two weeks of notice, my last day of work will be October 27, 2026."

When is my last day if I give two weeks notice?

Count 14 calendar days from the day you hand the letter in. A letter handed in on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 gives a last day of October 27, 2026. If you count only Monday to Friday, the same letter needs 10 work days and lands on the same day.

The two ways of counting only differ when you hand the letter in on a weekend or when the 14th day falls on one. The table comes from the same code the letter maker uses.

Neither count removes holidays. Your employer may start counting the next day or the next pay period, so confirm the date with your manager and type it in the optional last day box if it differs.

What does a two weeks notice letter say in each situation?

The wording changes with your situation, and the structure stays the same: you resign, you name a last day, you thank them and you offer help. Six templates follow, each written by the letter maker with made-up names. Change any line on the page, or choose the situation that fits you.

Standard two weeks notice

The default: formal, short and complete.

Subject: Two weeks notice, Sam Ortiz

Dear Pat Kim,

Please accept this letter as formal notice that I am resigning from my position as cashier at Green Street Market. In keeping with two weeks of notice, my last day of work will be October 27, 2026.

Thank you for the opportunities I have had during my time here.

During my remaining time, I will do what I can to make the handover smooth, including finishing my current work and helping to train my replacement.

Please let me know what you need from me before I leave.

Sincerely,
Sam Ortiz

Grateful and warm

Warmer thanks for a manager you want to stay on good terms with.

Subject: Two weeks notice, Sam Ortiz

Dear Dr. Reyes,

Please accept this letter as formal notice that I am resigning from my position as dental assistant at Lakeview Dental Group. This gives you two weeks of notice, and my last day of work will be October 27, 2026.

Thank you for the support and the chances to grow that I have had here. I am grateful to have worked with you and the team, and I will take a great deal with me.

During my remaining time, I will do what I can to make the handover smooth, including finishing my current work and helping to train my replacement.

Please let me know what you need from me before I leave.

Sincerely,
Sam Ortiz

Leaving for a new job

Says you have another job without naming the employer.

Subject: Two weeks notice, Sam Ortiz

Dear Maria Lopez,

Please accept this letter as formal notice that I am resigning from my position as account coordinator at Northside Accounting. I have accepted a position with another employer, and my last day will be October 27, 2026, which gives you two weeks of notice.

Thank you for the opportunities I have had during my time here.

During my remaining time, I will do what I can to make the handover smooth, including finishing my current work and helping to train my replacement.

Please let me know what you need from me before I leave.

Sincerely,
Sam Ortiz

Brief (for an email)

Three sentences, written to paste into an email body.

Subject: Two weeks notice, Sam Ortiz

Dear Pat Kim,

I am writing to give two weeks notice that I am resigning from my position as cashier at Green Street Market. My last day will be October 27, 2026.

Thank you for the opportunity to work here. I am glad to help with the handover.

Regards,
Sam Ortiz

Retail or hourly shift work

Names your last scheduled shift and offers to work until then.

Subject: Two weeks notice, Sam Ortiz

Dear Pat Kim,

Please accept this letter as two weeks notice that I am resigning from my position as sales associate at Maple Outfitters. My last scheduled shift will be October 27, 2026.

I am available for my regular shifts through that day. If you need a shift covered or help training a new hire, please tell me and I will do what I can.

Thank you for the hours and for working with me.

Please let me know what you need from me before I leave.

Sincerely,
Sam Ortiz

Less than two weeks

Gives the real number of days and apologizes once, without a long explanation.

Subject: Resignation, Sam Ortiz

Dear Pat Kim,

Please accept this letter as notice that I am resigning from my position as cashier at Green Street Market. My last day will be October 23, 2026.

I know this gives you 10 days of notice, which is shorter than the usual two weeks, and I am sorry for the short notice. A family matter means I need to leave sooner.

Thank you for the opportunities I have had here.

Until then, I will finish what I can and write down where my work stands so the handover is easy.

Please let me know what you need from me before I leave.

Sincerely,
Sam Ortiz

Should I send a two weeks notice by email or on paper?

Follow how your workplace communicates. A printed letter, handed over in person, leaves a dated copy. An email is quicker and also leaves a record, so it suits remote jobs and managers you cannot reach. Tell your manager in person or by phone first when you can, then send the letter.

For email, press Copy as email on the page. It copies the subject line and the letter without the address blocks. These subject lines work for the letter above:

• Two weeks notice, Sam Ortiz
• Resignation, Sam Ortiz, last day October 27, 2026
• My two weeks notice
• Resignation from cashier, Sam Ortiz

Attach the PDF if you want a signed copy on file. Send it from your work address if you have one, and keep a copy for yourself.

The letter follows the block layout; the business letter format page shows the other two layouts.

Is two weeks notice required?

Usually not by law. The US Department of Labor says that, apart from protections such as anti-discrimination law, ending a job is subject only to any contract between you and your employer or a union contract. In an at-will job with no contract, two weeks is a courtesy. Check your contract and handbook.

Your employment contract, union agreement or employee handbook can set a notice period, and state law differs, so read yours before you pick a last day. A handbook may also tie rehire eligibility or the payout of unused paid time off to notice, so it is worth a look before you hand the letter in. This page gives general information, not legal advice. For a question about your state, ask your state labor department.

Can I give less than two weeks notice?

Yes, if your contract does not require more. Say so honestly: state your last day, say how many days of notice you are giving, apologize once, and offer to write down where your work stands. A short reason is optional. Pick the Less than two weeks situation and the letter does the counting.

The shorter the notice, the more it helps to be specific about the handover. A one-sentence reason, such as a family matter or a start date at a new job, is enough. You do not owe a longer explanation. If you can offer a part-time schedule or remote help for a few days after your last day, say so in your own words on the page.