A two weeks notice email is a short message that tells your manager you are leaving and gives your final day. The best ones are calm, clear and under 120 words. If you have ever stared at a blank email wondering what to write, this guide is for you.
Email is now the most common way to put in two weeks notice, because it is fast and leaves a record. But an email is not a conversation, so the order of your steps matters. We will show you who to tell first, which subject line to use, and what to say for a short note, a formal workplace, and a relaxed team.
If you prefer a printed page, read our guide to the 2 week notice letter. For the full resignation process, see how to resign from a job.
General guidance only, not legal advice. Check your contract and local labor rules for notice requirements.
How to put in two weeks notice by email, step by step
Sending the email is the easy part. Doing it in the right order is what keeps the relationship healthy.
- Confirm your new job is final. Wait for a signed offer and any checks to finish.
- Read your contract. Find the notice period. It may not be two weeks.
- Tell your manager first. Do it face to face, by video, or by phone. Remote workers can ask for a quick call.
- Send the email right after. Send it the same day so there is a written record.
- Copy HR only if your company asks. Some workplaces want the notice sent to your manager and HR together. If not, ask your manager.
- Save a copy. Forward it to your personal email or save a PDF.
What if you cannot reach your manager?
If your manager is away or on a different time zone, send a short message asking for a call. If it is urgent, say in the email that you would like to talk when they are free. Do not let the email be the first they hear of it if you can avoid it.
When email-only is fine
Some workplaces are fully remote, or a manager may be hard to reach for days. In that case an email is acceptable as the first notice, as long as it is polite and clear. Add a line offering a call.
| Step | Do | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Before sending | Check the contract and the offer | Resigning on impulse |
| Telling your manager | Talk first, email after | Email as a surprise |
| Writing | Short, clear, kind | Anger or long stories |
| Sending | Use your work email, copy yourself | Group emails to the whole team |
Email subject lines for a two weeks notice
The subject line should tell the reader exactly what the email is about. Keep it plain. Do not be cute.
Clear subject lines that work
- Resignation: [Your Name]
- Two weeks notice: [Your Name]
- Notice of resignation: [Your Name], [Job Title]
- My resignation, effective [Date]
- Resignation and handover plan
Subject lines to avoid
- "Quick question" (hides the real message)
- "Important!!!" (feels alarming)
- "Goodbye" (too casual for a first notice)
- Blank subject (may be skipped or filtered)
Including your name helps when the email is forwarded to HR or payroll. Including the date is useful when you want to make the last day very clear.
| Subject line | Tone | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Resignation: Maria Gomez | Neutral | Most workplaces |
| Notice of resignation, effective 13 November | Formal | Large or traditional employers |
| Two weeks notice from Maria | Friendly | Small teams, close managers |
| Resignation and handover plan | Practical | Complex roles with many projects |
A two weeks notice letter short and sweet: email examples
You do not have to write a lot. These three examples cover the most common styles. Each is different on purpose, so pick the one that matches your workplace.
Short and simple
Subject: Resignation: Aisha Khan
Hi Tom,
As we discussed today, I am resigning from my role as Marketing Coordinator. My last day will be Friday, 13 November.
Thank you for your support. I will make sure my work is ready for a smooth handover.
Best,
Aisha
Formal
Subject: Notice of resignation, effective 27 November
Dear Ms. Patel,
I am writing to confirm my resignation from the position of Operations Analyst at Harbor Group. My final working day will be 27 November, in line with the notice period in my employment contract.
Thank you for the guidance and opportunities you have given me. Over the next two weeks I will complete my current reports and prepare documentation so that my duties can be shared easily.
Please let me know if there is anything else you would like me to do.
Sincerely,
Jordan Wells
Casual, for a close team
Subject: Two weeks notice from Lena
Hi Chris,
Thanks for talking with me earlier. Like I said, I have decided to move on, and my last day will be the 20th.
I have loved working with this team. I will write up notes on my accounts this week so nobody is stuck. Happy to help in any way I can.
Thanks again,
Lena
All three mention the last day once, keep the thanks short and avoid complaints. That is the safe formula.
A fill-in-the-blank email template
Copy this one and change the words in brackets. It works for most jobs.
Subject: Resignation: [Your Name]
Dear [Manager's Name],
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. As we discussed, I am resigning from my position as [Job Title]. My last day will be [Date].
I am grateful for [one honest thing, such as the chance to lead the X project]. In the coming weeks I will [finish X, document Y, train Z] so the transition is as smooth as possible.
Please let me know what else would help.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Lines you can swap in
- To thank someone: "I appreciate the trust you placed in me."
- To offer help: "I am glad to train my replacement or write up handover notes."
- To keep in touch: "I hope our paths cross again. My personal email is below."
- To confirm a date: "I will be available through the end of the day on [Date]."
If you are not telling them in person first
Hi [Name],
I would like to talk with you today if you have a few minutes. I have decided to resign, and I want to give you proper notice. My last day would be [Date]. I am happy to meet whenever suits you.
This short note makes space for a conversation without hiding the news. Follow it with your fuller email after you talk.
For more complete wording for different life situations, see our resignation letter samples.
Tone, length and wording tips
Email tone is easy to get wrong because the reader cannot hear your voice. Small choices help.
Keep it short
Aim for three to five sentences. A manager should be able to read it in under thirty seconds and know your last date. Long emails invite long replies.
Use plain words
- Say "resigning" or "my last day", not "transitioning out of the organization".
- Say "thank you", not "I am deeply honored beyond measure".
- Avoid sarcasm and jokes. They can read badly.
Be honest about thanks
You do not have to praise everything. Pick one true thing and mention it. "I learned a lot about customer service here" is honest and kind, even if the job was tough.
Do not put things in writing you would regret
An email can be forwarded and saved. Skip criticism of people, pay, or policies. If you want to give feedback, an exit interview is better.
Check the details before you press send
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Name spelled correctly | A wrong name feels careless |
| Last day is a real date | Payroll and HR will use it |
| Right recipient | Avoid sending to a group by mistake |
| No attachments of private files | Protect company and personal data |
| Subject line is clear | Makes sure it is opened and filed |
What happens after you send the email
Once the email is sent, expect a few things to happen. Knowing them in advance keeps you calm.
Your manager may reply or call
Most managers respond within a day. They may ask about your handover, or about the reasons you are leaving. Answer simply. You can say "I received an opportunity that suits my next step" and leave it there.
HR may send forms
You might get forms about final pay, benefits, return of equipment and an exit interview. Read them carefully, and keep copies. If something is unclear, ask in writing so you have a record.
A counteroffer may come
Some employers offer more pay or a new title. Before you reply, decide what you really want. Money rarely fixes problems like poor management or a lack of growth. It is fine to say "Thank you, I need a day to think." Our guide on how to resign from a job explains how to weigh this.
Your team will hear soon
Ask your manager how and when they want to share the news. Do not announce it yourself until they agree.
Your own to-do list
- Write a handover note.
- Collect names of people who can be references.
- Update your documents using the resume builder.
- Check that your LinkedIn profile matches your new role.
- If you are still hunting, track every application in the job tracker.
Common mistakes when you email your notice
- Sending it before telling your manager. This is the number one error. The email should confirm, not surprise.
- Replying all. A resignation email sent to a large group by mistake is awkward for everyone.
- Using a joke subject line. It may be missed or misunderstood.
- Leaving out your last day. HR needs a date they can act on.
- Writing it at night when upset. Save a draft and send it after a break.
- Sending from a personal account only. Use your work email so the company has a record, then keep your own copy.
- Taking files or contacts. Do not forward company documents to your personal email.
Email versus letter: which should you choose?
| Printed letter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Instant | Slower |
| Record | Time-stamped automatically | Needs a signed copy |
| Feel | Casual to neutral | Formal |
| Best for | Most modern workplaces | Traditional or contract-heavy workplaces |
If you want the page version, use our two week notice letter template.
Special cases: remote work, shift work and group chats
Not every workplace has a desk and a door. Here is how to adjust for a few common setups.
Remote and hybrid teams
Ask for a short video call first. If your manager is in another time zone, send a message such as, "Could we talk for ten minutes today or tomorrow about my role?" Then send your email right after the call. Remember to return laptops and tokens, and ask where to ship them.
Shift work and hourly jobs
Your manager may only be on site some days. Try to speak to them in person during a shift, then email or text the written notice if that is how schedules are shared. Ask whether your remaining shifts are already planned.
When your team uses a chat app
Do not announce your exit in a group chat first. Wait until your manager says it is okay. A simple line later is enough: "I wanted to let you know I will be leaving on the 20th. It has been great working with you."
| Setup | First step | Written notice |
|---|---|---|
| Remote | Video call | Email right after |
| Shift work | In person on shift | Email or the method your employer uses |
| Large company | Manager, then HR as told | Email, copy HR if asked |
