How does one write a polite two-weeks notice?

In My Humble Opinion
1

So I’m planning to leave my job in a little over a month. I have another job lined up at a local resort. I intend to wait until I get my “anniversary pay” (doubled paycheck for putting up with bull for a year), then put in my two-weeks notice a week later.

Fact of the matter is, I like my managers. They can’t help it that the store we work in is dead-end and pointlessly regulated. They’ve always been nice, don’t take crap from anybody, and are always frank with me.

So my query is, as the title indicates: How does one write a polite goodbye to a job they don’t like? How does one write a two-week’s notice without putting in the words “take this job and shove it?”

2

“I hereby give notice that I intend to leave my position at [company] as of [date].”

3

In general, you state that you’ve decided to leave, give your anticipated quit date, thank your employers for anything positive they’ve done, and refrain from burning any bridges. If you really feel it necessary and think that you can phrase it positively, you can add a sentence about why you’re leaving (“I have accepted a position that offers opportunity for advancement”), but it’s not strictly necessary. Just remember that you not only want to express gratitude to the managers who’ve been good to you, you want to be able to use the company as a reference in the future.

This site has some excellent sample letters that say it all.

4

Just keep it very simple:

Dear Human Resources Manager,

I would like to give notice of my intention to resign from XYZ Company, with effect from xx July 2005.

Yours etc

5

Moved to IMHO.

-xash
General Questions Moderator

6

It’s not a bad idea to put something like this in your resignation letter:

“I have enjoyed working with you, and value all the things I’ve learned here”

Just because you’re resigned doesn’t mean it has to be treated as a hostile situation. As the saying goes, ‘Don’t slam any doors.’

7

Thanks for all these replies. I’m glad to know that 2-week notices are not just for when you hate a job (as I have been led to believe by others).

I may be getting the cart before the horse, though, as my anniversary at my job isn’t until sometime in early August. I also want to make sure I have the other job BEFORE I resign from my current.

Thanks again!

8

Many companies have as part of their personnel policies that two weeks’ notice is required for the employee to receive any severance or vacation time payout, etc. Even if you are leaving on the best of terms, you would still file this letter for your personnel record. Exempt (salaried) positions at my job must give one month’s notice to receive payouts.

As far as wording, one sentence announcing you are resigning, and the last day you will be working (date of letter and last day at least two weeks apart). A sentence or two about something positive (or ambiguous if it’s the best you can do: “I appreciate the opportunities for learning and experience I had here”). Don’t get personal and don’t be negative and you will have an official letter for the record that doesn’t reflect badly on you or your colleagues.

9

You could also add that you wish the company “success in all its future endeavors” or some such.

Good luck to you!

10

Having just left a company that I really didn’t want to leave (but I was moving out of state), I know exactly what you are going through.

The example I followed was set in my company over the years by many people leaving due to three seperate corporate changes in the past 6 years. People who had been there for up to 15 years (and this was a small office with only 2 dozen people) decided to leave. They almost all left on good terms, liking their co-workers even if they didn’t like the new top corporate management. Many of them wrote a note to the entire office, talking about their time with the company and commenting on each of their co-workers.

Below is the note I wrote when I left <changed to hide names, etc.> (and so you know, all the semi negative things I mentioned were public knowledge to the point of being almost a joke about those people.)
Good bye to all my co-workers,

It’s been one hell of a ride over the six years I’ve been here. From starting at <Company Name A>, only a few months after the merger, hearing all the ‘Grand Plans’ from <Pompus Windbag Boss>, and seeing nothing but gloom and despair come from it. To the hopeful switch over to <Company Name B> and hearing all the ‘Grand Plans’ from <Crybaby Whiner Boss> … and seeing nothing but gloom and despair come from it. And now, to the rebirth of <Company Name A Prime> in it’s new incarnation and hearing… almost nothing… barely whispers of plans for almost two years, only to discover that great things are happening, almost seemingly out of the blue. Storage is jumping, deals are happening, clients are lining up to send us stuff to store, galleries are thinking about moving in, even the city is contemplating making a boardwalk out front. … What am I doing? I must be insane to be leaving now just when things are getting good!?!

<Original Founder and President> - You’ve (re)built yourself one hell of a company staffed with the best in the business. It may be tough as nails getting information out of you about jobs going on, or what to put into the computer to account for them. But there is no one I have ever met or even heard about who can work clients like you can. You could sell ice to Eskimos and make them think you’re the only one with the recipe. If I ever had an irate client, I knew you’d not only sooth them, but leave them singing our praises.

<Co-Founder and Manger> - Your skill in handling art is unmatched. From the most delicate ship models to the largest, oversized, gilded framed portraits, you make keeping it safe while moving it seem easy. Of course, just like <Founder and President>, we never know what to expect until it’s happening, but your presence on a job always makes it go smoothly.

<General Manager> - Your adherence to every little rule all the time was an adjustment for me when you started. <Previous General Manager> was always bending things to suit his needs. But I have come to really appreciate it and enjoy knowing exactly where things stand. There’s no guess work involved. It’s simple. “What’s the rule? Well, that’s what we have to do. Period” Add to that your unflagging work ethic, your ability to do anything needed to get the job done, and your willingness to always acknowledge others accomplishments, altogether it makes you make one heck of a good boss.

<Driver> - You are an inspiration. You’re also one of the hardest working people I have ever met. Knowing what you have overcome and seeing your dedication to your life is an inspiration to everyone who you meet.

<Office Manager> - Your compassion and willingness to help your friends is apparent to all who work with you. Clients love your friendly but professional attitude and, although I know you’d rather be working in architecture, you make a very good office manager.

<Worker> - We’ve probably worked together the least, but you’re a hard worker (even if you’re usually late) and always willing to jump in and lend a hand when you see something that needs to be done.

<Manager> - From starting out wondering who this ‘nephew of the new owner’ is, being given a job, you’ve proven yourself capable and qualified and a very good fit for the position. You know art and people, and how to get things done. Friendly and easy to get along with, I’m sure you’ll be an integral part of growing the business.

<New Manager> aka ‘The Probe’ - Saved for last on my list by virtue of your new position. Your new title may be Facility Manager, but you’ll find yourself wearing many hats. Facility Manager, Inventory Manager, Operations Manager, Storage Manger, Customer Relations Specialist, Art Handler, Installer, Driver, and Janitor. Since you already have two hats I didn’t (Installer and Driver) I’ll be taking one of my hats with me (Storage Guru). That one you’ll have to earn. All the rest you’re qualified for and I am certain you’ll do a fine job with them. Wear them well.

I have been privileged to have known and worked with all of you and I wish you all the best of luck and happy days ahead, both at <Company Name A Prime> and in your lives.

<Earthstone>
Storage Guru

11

Oh you LIKE your job…

Then I suppose the “Adios MotherF%@&kers, I’m out” leave-it-on-your-chair-on-the-last-day, note probably wouldn’t be very good to leave then.