You might be planning to leave your current position for a new promising opportunity or simply, due to the lack of passion. Sometimes the reason is, you feel too busy to balance work and life.
For whatever the case is, do not quit the job suddenly in the morning and even worse, without saying a word. It is a practice to inform your employer at least two weeks so that he/she has time to assign your work to others. At the same time, you can train new candidates to take over your responsibilities.
But how to give your two weeks notice professionally and in a positive manner?
Below are several tips …
Step 1: Get Prepared
Dedicated advices from Evan Carmichael
Every employee has some bad days at work that we just think of putting the two weeks notice, as known as the resignation letter, right away. But hold on a second! Think it over whether it is time to quit and you have any plan after your departure.
If yes, make sure you pack all the information you want to take with you. Also, plan for the transition in advance. If you are getting caught up on any projects, try to complete it or at least pass them on for other people before you go.
In case there are any documents about how to give your two weeks notice, for example, an employment contract or the union agreement, just follow it.
Step 2: Make an Appointment with Your Boss First
Many of us find it hard to inform the manager about our quit. Thus, we are tempted to avoid a face-to-face conversation. However, whenever possible, it’s best to give the announcement in person. It’s up to you how many details you want to share about why you’re leaving.
At the end of the conversation, it’s appropriate to shake hands. Next, you likely want to tell mentors, people you work with closely, and co-worker friends. At a certain point, your manager will tell your whole team.
Confirmed by many HR executives: “Leave the right way, and you’ll build your network for future job searches. Leave the wrong way and watch that bridge burn behind you.”
Step 3: Sit Down and Type a Two Weeks Notice
Once you get all the necessary information or a plan in mind. Also, you already inform your manager and get his/her approval. It is time to put down the two weeks notice. If your company provides any sample that needs to abide, it will be much easier.
If not, take these following notes with you.
When you can leave jobs without a notice
I must re-confirm that a two-week notice or resignation letter is not legally required in many companies and under some special situations. Then, before learning on how to give your two weeks notice, you should check carefully:
- In the U.S, “at-will employment” is allowed so the employer can fire staff or an employee can leave his/her jobs without a stated cause or notice.
- When the HR policy of your current company does not mention the two-week notice as a required document to approve your resignation.
- Otherwise, you have a contract stating that you can leave on your own.
- You are physically abusive or harassed at work.
- Or, you are requested to do unethical or illegal tasks.
- Your health is not good enough to continue the job, especially when you are suffering from mental stress.
- Another reason is your salary is not in accordance with the agreed-upon contract for a long time.
How to give your two weeks notice? – The Dos
- Follow the format of business letters. Use a clear subject line if it is an email.
- Make the date of resignation clear to help the employer have a sense of your timeline
- Explain why you want to quit your position (do not be so rude)
- Say “thank you” for what you have learned from your jobs
- Offer the dedicated help with the transition (if necessary)
- Ask questions about benefits and compensations in case of any confusion
- Provide email (not your business email) or phone to keep in touch later
- Keep it short and proof-checked
- Sign in the end
- Send the notice via email or hand the notice to your manager and HR department
How to give your two weeks notice? – The Don’ts
That you are about to quit that job does not mean you can be careless when writing a two weeks notice. On the contrary, be professional as it is when you write a cover letter to get hired. Again, leave your job on good terms.
However, do not get into very details. Your current manager might not have the time or effort to read them all. If you have anything to share, talk to him or her when making the in-person appointment, if possible.
A two weeks notice examples
Some professional templates offered by the Balance Careers will help to cut time on researching:
Step 4: Proceed The Transaction within 2 Weeks
2 weeks might be kind of short to wind up and transfer all your duties and responsibilities to others. Your boss will thank you if you already prepare and have plans in advance.
Start with your personal devices at work like the company phone, tablet, or computer. Take all information you need before you are escorted from the premises, but without violating the privacy of the company. Take notes access and give them back to the HR or new in-charge people.
Then, try to complete the on-running projects or train new members. Make reports, if requested.
Finally, do not forget to clean your position before you go.
Step 5: Be Respectful and“Goodbye” to Co-workers
Not only should you be grateful to your managers, but you need also to respect the colleagues who used to support you much at work. Even for those who share opposite opinions with you, just think about the positive experience you have together.
Organize a short meeting to officially inform your quite or better, invite them out for a dinner.
Moreover, keep in touch with each other via phone, social-account, or email to maintain future communication. Next time, you need advice, support, or referral, you will not have to make a ton of efforts to re-contact with them.
Diplomatically Quit Your Job and Plan for Future
When you find it hard to keep a balance between the current job, your life, and your passion, then do not be afraid to make a move. The tutorial on how to give your two weeks notice will be helpful for your reference.
Then, you can take a short break to share time with your cherished family and friends or to travel somewhere to refresh yourself. Otherwise, you might even start a home-based business with some creative ideas.
In case you want to start a job immediately after, you might want to read questions to ask the interviewer during interview and how to negotiate a salary job offer.
Check now!
