Leaving a job can be an easy or difficult thing to do, depending on the reason for leaving. Generally though, it is good to leave your present place of employment on a good note. Here, we will talk about how to write a two weeks’ letter of resignation, and why you should write it in the first place.
You should strive to leave your job as cordially as possible, even if your employment period was not particularly comfortable. It is good to note the necessary rules for disengaging from your place of employment and ensure to follow them as much as possible, unless the employer-employee relationship had deteriorated so badly. This is so you can avoid unnecessary issues that may come up later because of your lack of following proper procedure.
One major requirement nearly all jobs, particularly corporate ones will ask for before you leave them is a letter of resignation.
What is a letter of resignation?
A resignation letter is a formal written communication to your employer informing him of your decision to leave his employment, along with any other details necessary to include in relation to your leaving.
Why give two weeks’ notice of resignation?
Generally, there is no law mandating you to give notice before you quit your job but common workplace ethics entail you should give some kind of notice before leaving your employment. Two weeks’ notice is standard notice for most workplaces. It is good to give a two weeks’ notice letter of resignation for the following reasons-
- It gives the employer a chance to digest the news and start making the necessary arrangements for your replacement.
- An employer specifically requires it in your employment contract. That is to say that in your letter of employment, it was stated clearly that at least two (2) weeks’ notice should be given in the event of your leaving the organization. Also, your employment contract may require you to forfeit certain benefits like unused vacation leave or pay if you do not provide sufficient notice.
- If there are any legal issues surrounding your departure that could affect you negatively, it is best to avoid them by simply giving the required notice.
- Where your prospective employers decide to contact your former employers, it will do well to know that you left the organization on amicable terms. Unless of course that was not possible, with good reason.
Most states in the U.S have at-will employment, which means that either the employer or the employee can sever the relationship with no notice and for no stated cause. However, in cases where your employment contract stipulates that a notice should be given, you are obliged to give notice.
How to write a two weeks’ notice letter of resignation
- Like all letters, your letter should be addressed properly, include your address and that of your employer’s.
- The letter should also be dated appropriately.
- Ensure you state a specific date for your departure in your letter, to avoid any confusion. If the date is not different, simply state that you are leaving two weeks from the date of the letter.
- The heading of your letter should be exactly what it’s for: “Two Weeks’ Notice Letter of Resignation” or simply “Letter of Resignation”.
- You may choose to include your reason for leaving. That is up to you.
- If there were problems with your employment, which is the reason or part of the reasons why you are leaving the organization, it is best to let it be water under the bridge. Try not to bring up negative things in your resignation letter. However, if you feel it is particularly important to address a grievance, remove heated emotion from your expression. State the problem as objectively as possible and be careful not to drag on. Be direct.
- Alternatively, if there are things or people you would like to appreciate, you may include it in the letter. Keep in mind, the organization may be contacted further down the line when you are seeking other jobs or opportunities. They will be more inclined to speak positively about you if you left with a good impression.
- Be cordial in tone. Sign off with your name typed at the end of the letter. Append your handwritten signature if necessary.
- Keep it brief.
- Be sure to proofread your letter before handing it in. Just as it is good to make a good first impression, it is also good to make a good last impression.
What does one look like?
Here is a sample of a two weeks’ notice letter of resignation.
Edith James
445 Nile Street,
Newark, New Jersey, 235431
(555) 781 264
July 6, 2018.
Jennifer Lee,
Human Resources Manager,
ACD Network
4181 Princeton Drive,
Princeton, New Jersey, 31100
LETTER OF RESIGNATION
Dear Ms. Lee,
I would like to tender my resignation from ACD Network, effective two weeks from the date of this letter.
I have enjoyed working here for the past five years, and have seen how the efforts of all the teams have contributed to the growth of the company.
Thank you for the opportunities for growth that you have provided me. I wish you and the company all the best. I will arrange my files and prepare a handover memo for my successor. If there is anything else I can do to make the transition smoother, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Edith James.
Yes that’s true there are lots of employees at some point in time want to leave their job for various reasons for which they need to submit their resignation letter. and this article gives them a clear idea about resignation letter so thank you.