A two weeks notice email says you are resigning, gives your last day, offers to help with the handover, and says thank you. A few lines are enough. Do not explain or complain.
4 emails you can copy
Four emails for four situations, written for readers in the US. Send one after you have told your manager, in person or on a call if you can. Replace every [BRACKET] with a real fact.
- Standard noticeSubject: Resignation: [YOUR NAME]Hi [MANAGER NAME], I am resigning from my role as [JOB TITLE]. My last day will be [DATE], two weeks from today. Thank you for [ONE REAL THING, FOR EXAMPLE THE CHANCE TO WORK ON A PROJECT]. I will hand over my work before I go. Tell me how you would like to do that. [YOUR NAME]
- With a handover listSubject: Notice and handover planHi [MANAGER NAME], This is my notice. My last day will be [DATE]. Before then I will: write up where [PROJECT 1] and [PROJECT 2] stand by [DATE], show [NAME] how to do [TASK], and move my files to [PLACE]. Please tell me if you want anything else. Thank you for [ONE REAL THING]. [YOUR NAME]
- Short and neutralSubject: ResignationHi [MANAGER NAME], Please take this as my notice. My last day will be [DATE]. I will finish [WHAT YOU CAN FINISH] and hand over the rest. Please tell me what you need from me and who I should send it to. [YOUR NAME]
- Shorter than two weeksSubject: Resignation: [YOUR NAME]Hi [MANAGER NAME], I am resigning from my role as [JOB TITLE]. My last day would be [DATE]. I know that is less than two weeks, and I am sorry. If you need me for longer, I can work until [DATE]. Please tell me what works for you. I will help with the handover either way. [YOUR NAME]
What to avoid
- Do not send the email before you have told your manager, if you can speak to them first. Nobody likes to hear it from an inbox.
- Do not say what was wrong with the job. A resignation email stays in a file for years.
- Do not give a long reason, or say where you are going unless you want to.
- Do not send work files to your own email on the way out. Ask what you may take.
- Check your contract or offer letter for a notice period before you pick a date.
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What the free kit adds
It is free. It has the standard letter, a shorter notice letter and a neutral one for leaving after a difficult time.
Resign well
Three short letters to fill in: a standard resignation, short notice, and leaving on bad terms. Read the free guide first.
Free. Gumroad asks for an email to send the files. Or download now without email.
Questions people ask
Do I have to give two weeks notice?
In many US jobs it is a custom, not a law, unless your contract or offer letter says otherwise. Check yours. Rules differ by state. This is not legal advice.
Should I say why I am leaving?
You do not have to. A short thank-you is enough. Leave out complaints.
Should I send an email or tell them in person?
Tell your manager in person or by call first if you can. Then send the email, so there is a record of the date.
What if they ask me to leave straight away?
Some employers do. Check your contract and ask your HR team what happens to your pay and benefits.
What goes in the subject line?
"Resignation: [YOUR NAME]" is clear. Keep it plain.