breaking is hard to do. And that sentiment doesn’t just apply to romantic relationships, it holds true when it comes to leaving a job.
Whether you loved your role or hated it, writing a goodbye email to co-workers you’ve worked closely with is enough to inspire some sweaty palms, and maybe even a knot of sadness that mysteriously it lodges in your throat.
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While you’ll probably have a lot of the dreaded “I’m leaving” conversations in person (that’s honestly the best way to do it!), many times you’ll also want to follow up that exchange with a friendly email. that shares your well wishes and your personal contact information, so people can stay in touch, even after you’ve packed up your desk.
Not only is this standard courteous behavior in the office, but it also ensures that you end things in the most positive way possible.
In theory, it sounds like those notes would be easy to write. but, in reality, they can be deceptively complicated. So if you’re having a hard time writing those bittersweet goodbye emails, these seven different templates are sure to help.
While you got along with all of your colleagues, the people who fall into this category are a bit different: They’re your closest friends and confidants at the office. you can always count on them to join you for a quick lunch or to listen to you vent about a ridiculously tight deadline.
hello [name],
As you know, I will be leaving my position as [job title] here at [company], and my last day is [date].
While I’m excited about the new opportunity, there’s also a big part of me that’s sad to say goodbye to amazing co-workers like you. I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed our time working together and how much I value the friendship you’ve shown me in the past [how long you’ve worked together].
You made me want to walk into the office, and I’ll always remember [funny moment or inside joke].
This could be the end of my time with [company]. but it is definitely not the end of our friendship. you have my number, so feel free to contact me whenever you want to have [coffee/drinks/lunch], and I’ll make sure to do the same!
It’s been great working together, [name], and I’ll definitely keep in touch!
all the best, [your name]
what about those colleagues with whom you are not very close? It’s still polite and professional to say one last goodbye with an email like this.
hello [name],
As you may have heard, I will be leaving my position as [job title] here at [company], and my last day is coming up on [date].
I wanted to take a moment to let you know how much I’ve enjoyed my time here, and you’ve played a part in that. It’s been great working with you and getting to know you. the people here at [company] have honestly been one of the best parts of working here.
Although I won’t be in the office anymore, I definitely hope you’ll keep in touch. my personal email address is [personal email address], so feel free to contact us anytime.
I wish you all the best, [name]! [your name]
Whether you’ve shared a close relationship with your boss or the two of you have always been a bit more distant, it’s wise to send a thank you message to ensure you leave a positive impression. you never know when your paths will cross again!
hello [name],
Since today is my last day here at [company], I wanted to send you a quick note to let you know how much I’ve enjoyed my time here.
I have learned a lot from your experience, advice and guidance over the last [time period], and my time spent as a [job title] on this team has been an invaluable part of my career path. I know that I will take the things I learned here with me to my next adventure, and I will always remember this experience fondly.
Although our time working together is coming to an end, I’d still love to keep in touch. so never hesitate to contact me at [personal email]!
Thank you very much, once again, for your leadership. Know that I always wish the best for you and the [department] team!
all the best, [your name]
If you’re in an administrative role, you’ll also need to say goodbye to the people who report to you. again, this is a conversation that should happen in person. but, to finish, you can send the following message.
hello [name],
As discussed, I will be leaving my position as [job title] and my last day will be [date].
I know we’ve already talked in person, but I wanted to wrap up with an email. It has been a great pleasure guiding you here at [company] and seeing you grow in your career. I couldn’t have asked for a better team and I know you are destined to continue doing great things.
I have included my personal contact information below for you. Never hesitate to reach out, whether you need advice, a recommendation, or just want to meet up for coffee (I’d love to!).
[personal email address] [personal phone number, if necessary]again, it has been absolutely wonderful serving as your manager, and I only wish you the best as you go.
all the best, [your name]
Your goal is to pack up your desk and walk out of that office leaving the best impression. To do so, you should also plan to contact any executive-level people you’ve worked with.
hello [name],
As I know you’ve heard, I’ll be leaving my position as [job title] here at [company], and my last day will be [date].
Before I embark on the next chapter in my career, I wanted to reach out to you and let you know how wonderful it has been working with you here. I really enjoyed collaborating with you on [project or task], and I’ve learned a lot from the way you [skill or thing]. This has been such a valuable professional experience, and I know I have leaders like you to thank.
I prefer to think of this as “see you later” instead of “bye-bye”. so please feel free to contact me at [personal email address] if you ever want to get in touch.
I wish you all the best, [name]!
the best, [your name]
If your position deals directly with customers, it is courteous and professional to let them know that you are leaving that position. this is what needs to be said.
hello [name],
I’m getting in touch with some news for you. I will be leaving my position as [job title] here at [company], and my last day will be [date].
I wanted to reach out to let you know that I thoroughly enjoyed working with you during my time here. It’s been a real pleasure getting to know you better!
Please don’t hesitate to let me know if there are any loose ends you’d like me to tie up before I go. I am happy to do it. otherwise your new point of contact will be in touch with you very soon/your new point of contact is [name] and will be copied to this email.
I wish you all the best, [name]! [your name]
all others will fall into this category. maybe it’s a vendor you work closely with for a regular event. Or maybe it’s someone from the outside you met through your work on a particular board or as a member of an association. here’s what you need to say to let them know you’re moving on.
hello [name],
I hope you are well!
I wanted to let you know that I will be leaving my position as [job title] here at [company] and my last day is [date].
It’s been great getting to know you through [how you worked together]. While I’m excited about the new opportunity ahead of me, leaving [company] and great working relationships like this one is definitely bittersweet.
I wish you all the best going forward, [name]. And, thanks again for being a part of making my time here at [company] so great!
the best, [your name]
There you have it: all the goodbye email templates you need to say a final goodbye to everyone from your colleagues to your clients.
add your personal details, hit the “submit” button and not only will you leave your job, but you’ll also leave a positive and lasting impression.