Quitting a job at some point in your career is a natural part of the circle of professional life. Whether it’s in the interest of advancing your career, earning more money, or pivoting in a new direction, there’s no shame or guilt in leaving a job, especially if you can bow out gracefully and on your own terms. In most cases, that means giving your employer two weeks’ notice so you can tie up loose ends and they can begin looking for your replacement.
So, if you’re on the brink of quitting and want to leave in the most professional way possible—i.e. not burn any bridges—here’s how to put in two weeks’ notice right.
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Like the term implies, putting in your two weeks’ notice means you’re informing your current employer that you’ll be leaving your job, typically 10 business days in advance. In other words, you’re delivering your resignation while offering to work two more weeks.
Two weeks’ notice is most often given in-person first, followed by a resignation letter to make it official. While it may be tempting to just send an email or Slack message in lieu of a face-to-face meeting, the latter is considered a sign of mutual respect, which you’ll need if you hope to leave on good terms.
Giving two weeks’ notice isn’t required by law, but it’s a widely accepted standard and a professional courtesy. The idea is not to totally leave your current manager and company high and dry, and to give them a little time to adjust.
“It’s important to leave your current job with your relationship and reputation intact,” says Melody Godfred, founder of Los Angeles–based resume firm Write in Color. “By giving your employer notice, you maintain the goodwill you’ve cultivated while working there and can facilitate a smooth transition.”
Also, giving two weeks’ notice allows you to prepare any documents or materials for whomever takes your spot and say your own goodbyes internally.
If you work in a toxic environment, you have an abusive boss, or you know your news won’t be received well, you may wonder if a full two weeks’ notice is even necessary. When you want out and you have a new job already, it’s normal to feel like you need to get out now. Above all, you need to prioritize your own well-being, and if that means you give a shorter notice or quit on the spot, so be it.
Just realize that in those cases, you probably won’t be leaving on good terms or with many fans, and that may be OK. Sometimes workplace dynamics are ugly and untenable, and if that’s the case, make it a quick exit.
When you do want to give two weeks’ notice, ensure that your departure is seamless and professional by following this 11-step checklist:
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Before approaching your manager or HR about your decision to quit, read up on company policies. If your contract describes you as an “at-will employee,” it’s possible your employer will ask you to leave immediately—particularly if you’re heading to work for a competitor. Also take note of any non-compete clauses, and don’t be afraid to seek legal counsel to help you wade through the language, if you think it’s necessary.
If there is any chance your manager could react badly to you giving two weeks’ notice, or if your new job is with a direct competitor, be prepared to be walked out of the office. “Have your affairs in order,” Godfred says. “Give your notice with the understanding that your computer, email account, and more may vanish immediately.”
Even if this reaction feels unlikely, it’s better to be prepared than to leave anything behind. So before you schedule any meeting or tell anyone you’re quitting, save any projects, contacts, or materials you want to hold onto.
Some of your colleagues might know that you were interviewing, especially if they acted as references for you, but your boss should always be the first to know that you’re quitting. You don’t want them to be the last to find out you’re leaving, or worse, for them to hear it from someone else. You should also refrain from posting any kind of announcement on social media or LinkedIn before you’ve formally put in your two weeks’ notice.
Many people are uncertain exactly what to say when giving two weeks’ notice, but it's best to keep it simple and to the point. You don’t have to tell your employer why you’re leaving, where you’re going next, or what your future plans are. Ideally, you want the conversation to be short, kind, and professional. Something like this:
“I’ve so enjoyed working with you here, but another opportunity has presented itself and I’ve made a decision to move on. So I’d like to put in my two weeks’ notice, and let you know that my last day will be XX/XX.”
There are details your boss will likely ask for as soon as you give your notice, and while you should prepare answers for their questions, remember that you don’t have to tell your boss everything.
Keep the conversation relevant to them and your current company—discuss how you’re going to share the news with the team, offload your clients, etc. If asked about your next role, you can feel free to say that you’re not sharing that information yet.
Other questions to prepare for are: Would you be interested in a counteroffer? What would it take for you to stay? Can you work longer than two weeks?
There are no wrong answers to these questions, but you should decide what you want ahead of time so you aren’t forced to decide on the spot. You can also feel free to say, “let me think about it, and I can let you know by X date and time.”
You want to go into the resignation conversation with a specific date ready, so you can say: “My last day will be XX/XX.”
Your boss may ask you to stay on longer than two weeks to tie up loose ends or assist with training a replacement. Again, you’ll want to refer back to your contract to see what’s legally required of you—but chances are you aren’t even required to give two weeks, and if that’s the case, don’t feel pressured to stay longer.
If you have a while until your new job’s start date and want the extra money or insurance, then agreeing to stay an extra week or two may be a convenient and desirable option. But again, two weeks is what an employer expects and you can still leave on good terms in that time.
While it can be nerve-racking to have this conversation with your boss, a direct approach is best. Depending on your relationship with your manager, both your schedules, and whether you’re working remotely, you can schedule a meeting (in-person or over video)—or just shoot them a Slack or pop over to their desk and ask if they have a few minutes to meet privately today.
If you’re both in the office, you can simply knock on your manager’s door and ask if it’s a good time for a quick chat, Godfred says. “If they’re unavailable, you can ask for a better time to come back.” And when the conversation is wrapping up, make sure to thank your boss for their guidance and time.
After your resignation meeting, you should always follow up with a resignation email to make the news official. As career expert Erin McGoff noted, putting your resignation in writing can cover you legally in the event that the news isn’t well received by your workplace. If your employer tries to withhold your last paycheck or say “you didn’t actually quit,” for instance, you have an email to refer back to.
As for what to put in the email, keep it brief and professional. You can find tips on how to write a resignation email and a template here.
After you’ve submitted your formal two weeks’ notice, you’ll want to tell your work friends, close co-workers, and mentors yourself, ideally face-to-face (or if you can’t, video chat, phone call, or Slack work, too).
These relationships will likely transcend your current employment, and you want to preserve them even as you move on to your next position. If someone has been influential or important in your growth, you don’t want them to hear it through the office grapevine that you’re leaving. After that, you can tell other people as you see them, and share the news online (find more advice about how to make that announcement here).
As soon as you put in your two weeks’ notice, be prepared for everyone to ask why you’re leaving or where you’re going. Position your decision to leave in a positive light—something to the effect of: “I’ve really enjoyed my time here, but an opportunity presented itself that will allow me to grow my skills in a new way.”
Again, you don’t have to share details about your new gig if you don’t feel comfortable, but if you choose to, tread lightly. You don’t want to seem like you’re bashing your current company or that you’re thrilled to leave—that won’t play well to an audience of people still working there.
After giving notice, spend your final two weeks getting ready for your departure and tying up loose ends. Your boss will probably ask you to prepare a transition plan that lays out your responsibilities and provides suggestions for others who could assume these tasks once you’re gone.
If it’s appropriate, offer to help find your replacement or write your job description. Basically, aim to be as helpful as possible, within reason. If you spend your last two weeks helping, you’re more likely to leave in a good light.
Now is not the time to regale your co-workers with your worst experiences at your current company or to loudly proclaim, “This is what I won’t miss!” when something’s going wrong. While you’re leaving, everyone else is staying, and these are people you’ll likely cross paths with again someday, especially if you work in a small industry.
Remember to tell everyone how much you enjoyed working with them and how you hope to keep in touch in the future. And then do it! Add your colleagues on LinkedIn or save their contact info before you go, and on your last day, send out a goodbye email as a final farewell.
Even when quitting a job is a positive move for you, the process can be tricky to navigate. But you’ll never go wrong by staying professional and respectful. Godfred says that “by having integrity and giving notice the right way, you not only preserve your relationship with your employer, you open the door for him or her to celebrate your next step”—so you can too.
