Employment Contract
Create a professional employment contract with key terms
Resignation Letter
Write a professional resignation letter with proper notice
Employee Warning Letter
Document employee issues and set improvement expectations
Employment documents for employers and employees
Most employment disputes trace back to expectations that were never written down: what the job actually covers, how much notice either side owes, or whether a performance problem was ever formally raised. A short written document at each stage, hiring, discipline, and departure, is what protects both sides when memories differ.
These templates cover that full arc: an employment contract for the start of the relationship, a written warning letter for documenting problems, and a resignation letter for ending things professionally. Each is written in plain language and prompts you for the details specific to your situation.
Which employment document do you need?
Employment Contract
You are hiring and want duties, compensation, benefits, confidentiality, and termination terms agreed in writing before the first day.
Employee Warning Letter
An employee has a performance or conduct issue and you need to document it, set expectations, and create a record before any further action.
Resignation Letter
You are leaving a job and want to give proper notice, state your last working day, and keep the departure professional and on the record.
Common employment document mistakes
- Contradicting at-will status: Promising 'permanent' employment or termination 'only for cause' in an offer or contract can accidentally waive at-will employment. Keep the language consistent.
- Terminating without a paper trail: Firing someone with no documented warnings invites wrongful termination claims. Written warnings with dates and expectations are your record.
- Resigning without a clear end date: A resignation letter should state your exact last working day. Vague notice creates disputes about final pay, benefits, and unused leave.
- Copying another company's contract: Overtime, PTO payout, and restrictive covenant rules vary by state. A contract written for one state's law can be partly unenforceable in yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a written employment contract legally required?
In the US, usually not: most employment is at-will and can exist with no written contract. But a written agreement protects both sides by fixing compensation, duties, confidentiality, and termination terms. For executives, commissioned roles, and anyone with equity, a written contract is strongly recommended.
How much notice should a resignation letter give?
Two weeks is the professional norm in the US, but check your employment contract or handbook first: some roles require 30 days or more, and some employers waive notice entirely. Your letter should state the notice period and your exact final working day.
What should a written warning letter include?
The specific issue with dates and examples, any prior verbal discussions, the improvement expected, the timeline for showing it, and the consequences of no change. Have the employee sign to acknowledge receipt, and keep a copy in the personnel file.
Note: These templates are a starting point, not legal advice. Every situation is unique, so for complex matters have your document reviewed by a qualified attorney, or use TheLawGPT's AI assistant to understand the requirements that apply to you.