Emailing a two-week notice isn't ideal and can seem unprofessional because it lacks a personal touch, but it's acceptable if an in-person or video conversation isn't possible, especially for remote roles. The best practice is to first tell your manager directly (in person or via call) and then follow up with a formal, polite email that serves as a written record, including your last day and offering to help with the transition.
Emailing a two‐week notice is acceptable and often practical, especially for remote work or when you need a written record. When possible, deliver the news in person or by phone first and follow up with an email to document the resignation and outline transition steps.
It isn't rude to quit via email when you are careful of all the expected etiquette necessary in your communication and you're able to get your point across in a level way.
Email is an acceptable and often practical method to resign when done deliberately: notify your manager first when feasible, be clear and professional, follow contractual obligations, and document the process for your records.
In more higher-level positions, quitting over text may not be suitable. In these cases, face-to-face conversations or resignation letters are usually more appropriate. End your resignation text with professionalism. You want to maintain your reputation, so finish on a respectful and courteous note.
Dear [manager's name], I am writing to formally resign from my position as [your job title] at [company name], effective [date—two weeks from today]. After careful consideration, I have decided to pursue new opportunities that offer more potential for professional growth and development.
In the United States, many positions are at will. Simply put, you can resign immediately without facing any legal consequences. (Note: There may be exceptions depending on your specific employment agreement or contract.)
It can be so tempting to make it easy and just resign via email. But if you have the opportunity, try to resign in person, or at the very least, over a video call. This shows respect and professionalism. It also makes it a lot easier for nothing to be misunderstood or taken out of context.
7 mistakes to avoid when leaving a job
Explore this list of steps to ensure you leave your job on good terms:
In a resignation letter, it is important to avoid criticising the company or colleagues, sharing unnecessary details, making it personal or emotional, using negative language and tone, and resigning via social media or video.
Respond Promptly and Professionally
Confirm the final working day and thank the employee for their contributions. Your response to the resignation letter should be timely and ideally within 24 hours, to demonstrate respect and professionalism.
Yes, if: the employee consents to receiving electronic communications. the notice is readily accessible to the employee.
Resigning on Monday or Tuesday is for your boss' benefit. Resigning on Friday may deflate his/her weekend. Also, your boss will be in a better business frame of mind on Monday and will be able to use the whole week to begin making plans for handling your business.
A formal two-week notice letter should be brief, professional and informative. In short, it should include the following: A statement of resignation, including a departure date. Expression of gratitude, highlighting the opportunities gained and lessons learned.
What to do on your last day of work
The biggest signs you should quit are consistent toxic behavior, zero growth opportunities no matter what you try, work that's actively hurting your physical or mental health, situations where you're being asked to compromise your values, and pay that's way below market with no real path to fix it.
The "3-month rule" in a job refers to the common probationary period where employers assess a new hire's performance, skills, and cultural fit, while the employee learns the role and decides if the job is right for them; it's a crucial time for observation, feedback, and proving value, often with potential limitations on benefits until the period ends. It's also advice for new hires to "hang in there" for three months to get acclimated and evaluate the job before making big decisions.
Write a formal resignation letter
State your intention to resign. Outline key dates -- including the start and finish of your notice period. Express your willingness to assist in the handover. Show appreciation for the positive experiences you've had.
If a face-to-face meeting isn't possible, Skype or a phone call is the next best option. Resigning by email is seen as a discourteous approach. Ask your manager when and how they'd like to communicate your news to the rest of the team. It's a professional courtesy to put them in charge of this decision.
Quitting a job professionally starts with sending a two weeks' notice email. This formal communication informs your employer of your intended departure date, helps begin the transition process, and preserves your professional reputation.
When you write a resignation letter, it's often important to include your reason for leaving. This can provide your employer with some valuable information about the situation. It's useful to know how to properly organize your resignation letter and present this information.
What happens if you leave your job before your notice period? If you leave your job without serving your notice period, your employer could consider legal action and there could be further financial consequences outlined in the terms of the contract.
How to resign immediately in 6 steps
Whatever the scenario is, celebrating a new opportunity may have to be put on hold until you put in your two-week's notice. Yes, it can be awkward. Yes, it can be stressful. It's a critically important step to execute gracefully if you want to prevent burning bridges and walk away with a strong recommendation.