How to Write a Two Weeks’ Notice (+5 Popular Questions Answered)
As a part of the workforce, one of the vital things you should know is how to write a two weeks’ notice. It’ll help you leave your current position without getting a bad reputation at the company.
Keep reading to find answers to five important questions about it.
How to Put In Your Two Weeks’ Notice
You can give your two weeks’ notice however you want. You could set up a meeting, call your employer, or send them an email, but the best way is in person. It’ll show your boss that you respect them and value the company.
Furthermore, that way you’ll maintain a good reputation at the office. As a result, your supervisors will be more likely to offer you work opportunities in the future or recommend you to potential employers.
1. What Is a Two Weeks’ Notice?
(Money-Zine)
A two weeks’ notice is the process of notifying an employer of your resignation in advance. This period allows the company to find a replacement and let you get your affairs in order before leaving.
It represents the fairest way to resign from a position, as you won’t leave abruptly, which could cause problems in the company’s workflow. The two weeks’ notice letter or conversation is customary for all positions.
While your boss could ask you to stay longer, you don’t have to keep working for the company unless you’re legally obligated to do so. Alternatively, your employer might ask you to stop working immediately if they don’t need time to find a replacement.
That’s why you should get everything in order and be prepared to go as soon as you give your notice.
2. What to Write In a Two Weeks’ Notice?
(Bit.ai, Employment Law Handbook)
It’s always best to give your notice in person, so we advise you to only opt for a written one as a last resort. For instance, if your employer is unavailable in the next few weeks, you can write them an email.
Furthermore, in case the company’s offices are closed due to a pandemic or any other circumstance, you probably won’t have another way to reach your boss. Still, you should try to schedule a call or a video chat to give the notice to your employer, as it’s more polite and personal than an email.
If you decide that a written notice is the best idea, you could follow a few simple tips. Firstly, the statement should be in a business letter format and include your contact information and the date. Furthermore, the style has to be clear and concise, and you could briefly state the reasons for leaving and note your last day of work.
It’s a bad idea to state negative feelings towards your employers, as you might need them again. You should keep the tone of the two weeks’ notice email friendly. That way, you’ll avoid losing the possibility of your employer contacting you for future job opportunities.
If you want to, you can also offer to help find a replacement and get everything in order before you leave. Proofread the email and send it directly to your boss as well as any other supervisors you have. Someone from the HR team should have a copy too.
3. How to Give a Two Weeks’ Notice
(The Wall Street Journal)
As we said before, the best way to give a two weeks’ notice is in person. You should schedule a meeting with your supervisors and the HR team and prepare what you want to say. Consider the tips we gave for the written notice to set the tone and the flow of the meeting.
If you worked the most with one supervisor, it’s wise first to inform them about your decision. That way, they’ll have a bit more time to consider the situation and come up with suggestions on making the transition smoother.
You should be respectful and keep the conversation positive. Even if you don’t plan on working at the company again, quitting without notice will likely anger your supervisors, making them unwilling to recommend you for future positions.
After that, you should reach out to your co-workers. No matter how close you are, they’ll probably be logistically affected by your decision. Thus, it’s polite to let them know of your departure a few weeks in advance.
In addition, you can inform important clients about the change in the company with your boss’s permission. Costing the firm a crucial client ensures a bad exit from your position. Hence, your main goal would be to say goodbye and reassure those clients that you’re leaving them in good hands.
4. How to Calculate the Two Weeks’ Notice
(Employment Law Handbook)
There are no official rules on calculating the two weeks’ notice. It could mean 14 calendar or business days from the date you gave your notice. In the latter case, you’ll have to stay at the company a few days longer.
Hence, the interpretation is up to you. To avoid any confusion, you should state the exact date of your departure when you’re giving the notice.
5. Is the Two Weeks’ Notice Required?
(L&E Global)
The US law doesn’t regulate the exact length of a notice period. The rules depend on each state and the union agreement between employers and employees. Therefore, you should look at the regulations for your specific state.
If you’ve been working at a company for at least a month, notice will be required in most states. You should also consider your contractual obligations, as they’ll likely include a minimum notice period. As you’ve signed it, you’re legally obligated to honor all of the stipulations.
Aside from legal obligations, another reason to give notice is to avoid burning bridges. People quitting a job without notice are usually deemed unhireable by a company. In addition, your company’s policy and state law might allow your employer to forfeit some of your benefits.
Conclusion
As you can see, it’s important to give at least two weeks’ notice when resigning from a company. No matter how uncomfortable it might make you feel to talk about it or send an email, you should think about the benefits it’ll bring.
You’ll get a chance to leave on good terms without creating problems for the company and receive a good recommendation. If you follow our tips, you’ll make the process of writing a two weeks notice and leaving your position as smooth as possible.
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