How To Verbally Give Your Two Weeks' Notice

So, you're ready to move on to a new adventure? That's awesome! But before you ride off into the sunset, there's the little matter of giving your two weeks' notice. While written notices are often the norm, sometimes a verbal heads-up is the way to go – maybe it's your company culture, a super casual environment, or you just want to have a personal conversation with your manager. Whatever the reason, giving notice verbally can be totally professional and effective. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to nail that verbal resignation, ensuring you leave on good terms and keep those bridges intact.

Why Choose a Verbal Notice?

Before we dive into the how-to, let's chat about why you might opt for a verbal resignation in the first place. There are several scenarios where this approach can be super beneficial. First off, some company cultures value face-to-face communication. If your workplace is all about open dialogue and personal connections, a verbal notice can feel more respectful and in line with the company vibe. It shows you care enough to have a direct conversation rather than just firing off an email. Think about it – a personal touch can go a long way in maintaining positive relationships. Plus, giving notice verbally allows for immediate discussion. You can explain your reasons, answer questions, and address any concerns right then and there. This real-time interaction can help prevent misunderstandings and smooth the transition process. Your manager might have questions about your workload, ongoing projects, or the handover process, and a conversation allows you to tackle these points together. This can also be a great opportunity to express your gratitude. Saying thank you in person feels a lot more heartfelt than reading it in an email. You can personally acknowledge the opportunities you've been given, the people you've worked with, and the skills you've developed. This leaves a lasting positive impression and reinforces your professionalism. Lastly, if you have a close relationship with your manager or team, a verbal notice can feel more appropriate. It's a chance to show them the respect they deserve by telling them directly about your decision before it becomes office gossip. This can really strengthen your professional network and ensure you leave on a high note. So, if any of these scenarios resonate with you, a verbal notice might just be the perfect way to announce your departure.

Preparing for the Conversation

Okay, so you've decided a verbal notice is the way to go. Awesome! But before you march into your manager's office, let's make sure you're fully prepared. This isn't just about blurting out, "I quit!" It's about having a thoughtful, professional conversation that leaves everyone feeling good (or, at least, as good as they can feel when someone's leaving!). Preparation is key to acing this. First things first, nail down your reasons for leaving. You don't need to spill every single detail, but having a concise and professional explanation ready is crucial. Maybe you've got a fantastic new opportunity, you're relocating, or you're pursuing a career change. Whatever it is, be clear and confident in your explanation. Avoid being overly negative about your current job or colleagues – keep it positive and focus on your future goals. It’s also smart to think about your timeline. When is your last day going to be? Make sure you've got your dates straight and that you're giving a standard two weeks' notice (or whatever is appropriate in your industry and company). This shows respect for your employer and gives them time to prepare for your departure. Jotting down a few notes can be a lifesaver. It helps you remember key points you want to cover, like your reasons for leaving, your last day, and your willingness to assist with the transition. Notes aren't about reading a script – they're about keeping you on track and ensuring you don't forget anything important in the heat of the moment. Choosing the right time and place for the conversation is also super important. Don't ambush your manager in the hallway or during a busy team meeting. Aim for a private, one-on-one setting where you can talk openly and without interruptions. Schedule a meeting if necessary, or ask if they have a few minutes to chat in their office. Timing-wise, consider the company's schedule and workload. Avoid giving notice right before a major deadline or during a particularly stressful period, if possible. Finally, think about how you'll offer your help during the transition. This shows you're committed to leaving things in good shape. You can offer to train your replacement, document your processes, or assist with any outstanding projects. This willingness to help makes the transition smoother for everyone and leaves a positive lasting impression. So, take a little time to prep, and you'll be ready to have a confident, professional conversation with your manager.

What to Say During the Conversation

Alright, you've prepped your reasons, your timeline, and your helpful handover offers. Now comes the big moment: the actual conversation. This is where your communication skills shine, so let's break down what to say to make your verbal notice smooth and professional. Start by setting the stage. Ask your manager for a private moment to chat. This shows respect for their time and ensures you have their undivided attention. You could say something like, "Do you have a few minutes to talk? I wanted to discuss something important with you." Get straight to the point. Don't beat around the bush or try to soften the blow too much. Clearly state your intention to resign. A straightforward approach is often the best. You can say something like, "I'm writing to inform you that I'm resigning from my position as [Your Job Title], effective [Your Last Day]." After stating your intention, briefly explain your reasons for leaving. Keep it professional and positive, focusing on your future opportunities rather than any negatives about your current role. You might say, "I've been offered a new opportunity that aligns with my long-term career goals," or "I'm relocating to [New Location] and will be seeking new employment there." Make sure to express your gratitude. Thank your manager and the company for the opportunities and experiences you've had. This shows you appreciate your time there, even though you're moving on. You could say, "I've really enjoyed my time working here, and I'm grateful for the opportunities I've been given," or "I've learned a lot in this role, and I appreciate the support I've received from the team." Then, offer your assistance with the transition. This is a key part of leaving on good terms. Let your manager know you're willing to help make the transition as smooth as possible. You might say, "I'm happy to help with training my replacement and documenting my processes," or "I'm committed to ensuring a smooth handover of my projects." Finally, end on a positive note. Reiterate your appreciation and express your best wishes for the company's future success. You could say, "I wish you and the company all the best," or "Thank you again for everything, and I hope our paths cross again in the future." Remember, the goal is to be clear, professional, and respectful throughout the conversation. A little preparation and a positive attitude can go a long way in making your verbal notice a success.

Following Up in Writing

You've had the conversation, you've delivered your verbal notice like a pro, and you're feeling pretty good about it. Awesome! But there's one crucial step we can’t forget: following up with a written notice. Even if you've had a perfectly clear and amicable verbal conversation, a written confirmation is essential for documentation purposes. It protects both you and your employer and ensures there's a clear record of your resignation. Think of it as the official "paper trail" that backs up your verbal communication. So, why is a written follow-up so important? First off, it provides clarity. A written notice clearly states your intention to resign, your last day of employment, and any other important details. There's no room for misinterpretation when it's all down in writing. This is especially important for HR and payroll purposes. A written notice serves as a formal record for your HR file. It ensures that your resignation is properly documented, which can be important for things like final paychecks, benefits, and future references. Plus, it offers legal protection. In some situations, a written notice can provide legal protection for both you and your employer. It serves as proof that you gave proper notice and that your employer acknowledged it. So, how do you write a follow-up notice after giving notice verbally? Keep it concise and professional. There's no need to repeat everything you said in the conversation. A simple letter or email will do the trick. Start by referencing your conversation. Begin your written notice by mentioning that it's a follow-up to your verbal resignation. This provides context and ties the two communications together. You could start with something like, "This letter is to confirm my verbal resignation, which I communicated to you on [Date]." Then, restate your resignation and last day. Clearly state your intention to resign and specify your last day of employment. This is the most critical information in the letter. You could write, "As I mentioned, I am resigning from my position as [Your Job Title], effective [Your Last Day]." Express your gratitude again. Briefly thank your manager and the company for the opportunity to work there. This reinforces the positive tone you set in your verbal conversation. You can say something like, "I appreciate the opportunities I've had during my time at [Company Name]." Offer your assistance with the transition. Reiterate your willingness to help with the handover process. This shows your commitment to leaving things in good shape. You might write, "I am happy to assist with the transition in any way I can." Finally, close professionally. End the letter with a polite closing and your signature (if it's a letter) or your name (if it's an email). You could close with, "Sincerely," or "Best regards," followed by your name. Remember, the written follow-up is a key part of giving notice the right way. It’s a simple step that ensures clarity, provides documentation, and protects everyone involved. So, don't skip this step – send that follow-up and seal the deal on your professional departure!

Handling the Aftermath

You've given your verbal notice, you've sent the follow-up email, and you're officially on your way out. Congratulations! But the journey isn't quite over yet. There's still the