Two weeks’ notice letter
Give notice the right way. Pick a design, fill in your details, and download your two weeks’ notice letter in Word or PDF. It’s free, and there’s no sign-up.
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- A two weeks’ notice letter tells your employer you are resigning and that your last day is two weeks away.
- Two weeks is the standard notice in the United States, counted in working days.
- Tell your manager in person first, then hand over this letter as the written record.
- Keep it short, professional, and positive. You do not need to explain why you are leaving.
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What is a two weeks’ notice letter?
A two weeks’ notice letter is a short, formal letter telling your employer that you are resigning and that your final day will be two weeks from now. It is the most common way people leave a job in the United States, because two weeks is the notice period employers expect. The letter puts your resignation and your last day in writing, which protects both you and the company and starts the clock on your notice period.
It is a specific kind of resignation letter, the standard one. If your situation is different, for example you need to leave immediately, you are retiring, or you want to give more than two weeks, see the broader resignation letter guide, which covers every notice situation. This page is focused on the standard two-week notice that most people need.
Why two weeks, and when it applies
Two weeks became the norm because it gives an employer enough time to plan for your departure, reassign your work, and begin finding a replacement, without holding you in a role you have decided to leave. It is a courtesy rather than a law in most US states, but skipping it can burn a bridge and cost you a future reference.
- It applies to most jobs. For the majority of roles, two weeks is exactly right and expected.
- Check your contract. Some senior or specialized positions ask for three or four weeks. Your offer letter or handbook will say.
- Give more if you can. If you manage a team or hold critical knowledge, a longer notice is the generous, professional move.
- Sometimes you cannot. If health, safety, or a start date makes two weeks impossible, use the immediate option in the resignation letter guide instead.
How to count your last day
Two weeks’ notice means your last day is two weeks, or ten business days, from the day you give notice. Count from the date you actually hand over the letter, not from when you first decided to leave. If you give notice on a Monday, your last day is usually the Friday of the following week.
Whatever you work out, put the exact date in the letter. Writing “my last day will be Friday, July 18, 2026” removes any doubt and makes the handover easy to plan. The generator above puts your last working day right into the letter for you.
What to include in a two weeks’ notice letter
Keep it brief. Four short elements are all you need.
- A clear statement of resignation. Say plainly that you are resigning and giving two weeks’ notice.
- Your last working day. The exact date, two weeks out.
- A brief thank-you. One warm line about the opportunity.
- An offer to help. Say you will help hand over your work during the two weeks.
How to write a two weeks’ notice letter, step by step
With the generator above this takes about two minutes: choose a tone, fill in the boxes, and download. To write it yourself:
- Put your name and contact details at the top, then the date.
- Address your manager by name.
- State that you are giving two weeks’ notice of your resignation, and name your role.
- Give your exact last working day, two weeks out.
- Add a short line of thanks, and offer to help with the handover.
- Sign off with “Sincerely,” and your name.
The Word file stays editable in Microsoft Word or Google Docs. The PDF is print ready if your employer wants a signed copy for your file.
Giving notice the right way
The letter is only half of it. The professional move is to tell your manager in person, or on a call, before you hand over anything in writing. A quiet, direct conversation, “I wanted to let you know I’ve decided to move on, and I’m giving my two weeks’ notice,” lands far better than a manager finding a letter on their desk. Follow that conversation immediately with this letter as the formal record.
Then spend the two weeks well. Finish what you can, document what you cannot, and be gracious on your way out. How you leave is often what people remember, and it is what a future reference will be based on.
Download in Word, PDF, or copy the text
The generator gives you three ways to take your letter with you:
Word (.doc)
Editable in Word or Google Docs. Add a letterhead if you like.
Print ready to sign and hand to your manager or HR.
Copy text
Paste into Gmail, Outlook, or your HR system.
📥 Also available: a blank two weeks’ notice letter (PDF) to print and fill in by hand.
Mistakes to avoid
- Leaving out the last day. The whole point is the date. Always state your exact last working day.
- Venting. Keep complaints out of it. This letter goes in your file and can reach a future reference.
- Sending it before telling your manager. Have the conversation first, then hand over the letter.
- Making it long. A two weeks’ notice letter is a few short lines, not an essay.
- Miscounting the two weeks. Count business days from the day you give notice, and double-check the date.
Ready-to-use examples
Read one for tone, copy it as a starting point, then swap in your details. For an editable version, use the generator at the top.
Frequently asked questions
How do I count two weeks’ notice?
Count two weeks, or ten business days, from the day you actually give notice, not from when you decided to leave. If you hand over your letter on a Monday, your last day is usually the Friday of the following week. Always write the exact date in the letter.
Do I legally have to give two weeks’ notice?
In most US states, no, because employment is at-will. But two weeks is the professional standard, and giving it protects your reputation and your references. Check your contract or handbook, since some roles ask for more.
Should I give notice in person or in writing?
Both. Tell your manager in person or on a call first, as a courtesy, then hand over this letter as the written record. Springing a letter on a manager with no conversation first can sour an otherwise clean exit.
Do I have to say why I am leaving?
No. A two weeks’ notice letter does not need a reason. A simple statement that you are resigning, plus your last day, is enough. If you want to mention it briefly you can, but it is never required.
What if I need to leave sooner than two weeks?
Then a standard two weeks’ notice is not the right letter. Use the immediate resignation option in our broader resignation letter guide, keep the tone calm, and acknowledge the short notice.
Can I give my two weeks’ notice by email?
Yes, especially in remote roles or to timestamp your notice. Use the Email tab above, keep it professional, put your last day in the first line, and consider copying HR.
How do I download my letter in Word or PDF?
Fill in the fields, choose a design, then use the Word, PDF or Copy buttons above the preview. The Word file opens in Microsoft Word or Google Docs and stays editable. No account or email is required.
Is this two weeks’ notice letter template really free?
Yes. Every template, design and download on this page is free, with no sign-up and no watermark. Make as many versions as you need.