Leaving a job can be emotional and stressful, especially when it comes to saying goodbye to colleagues and friends you’ve made along the way. Writing a farewell email can seem like a daunting task, but it’s essential to leave a professional impression and make sure that you stay in touch with those you’ve worked with. Whether you’re leaving due to a new job opportunity or personal reasons, a well-crafted farewell email can go a long way in maintaining good relationships.
To help you write the perfect farewell email, we’ve rounded up some samples that you can use as a template. These examples aren’t set in stone, so feel free to edit and personalize them as needed. Remember to keep your tone professional, express your gratitude, and wish your colleagues continued success.
Here’s an example:
Subject Line: Saying goodbye and thank you
Dear [Colleagues’ Names],
I hope this email finds you well. As you may have heard, my time here at [Company Name] has come to an end. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful for the years I’ve spent working alongside each and every one of you.
I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all colleagues for their guidance, support, and encouragement during my time at [Company Name]. I’ve learned so much, and the knowledge and experience I’ve gained here will undoubtedly impact my future endeavors.
As I move on to the next chapter in my career, I want you to know that I’ll miss working with such an exceptional team. I’ll cherish the memories and experiences I’ve had here and will look back on them with fondness.
I want to express my gratitude to [Manager’s Name] for being an excellent leader and mentor. Your guidance and support have been invaluable, and I will always be thankful for the opportunities you’ve provided me.
Please keep in touch, and I hope we continue to grow our professional network in the future. Thank you once again for everything, and I wish you continued success in your careers.
Warmest regards,
[Your Name]
The Best Structure for a Farewell Email When Leaving a Job
Leaving a job can be both exciting and emotional. It is essential that you prepare a farewell email to your colleagues and team members as you exit. A well-written farewell email conveys gratitude, appreciation, and respect for your colleagues, and it also leaves behind a lasting impression. Here is the best structure for a farewell email sample when leaving a job.
Subject Line
The subject line of your email should be clear and informative. It should indicate that you are leaving the company and also thank your colleagues for their support and cooperation. A sample subject line could be – “Saying Goodbye and Thank You.”
Opening Paragraph
The opening paragraph should express your gratitude and appreciation for your colleagues and the company. Keep it brief, but make sure to thank your team members and managers for their guidance, support, and collaboration. Be sincere, and avoid sounding too formal or robotic.
Main Body
Use the next two to three paragraphs to share your experiences and highlights of your tenure. This is an excellent opportunity to reflect on your journey and express your sentiments to your colleagues. Share stories, anecdotes, and memorable moments from your time at the company. Also, express optimism and future goals. Don’t forget to appreciate any learning and growth opportunities that you got while working with the company.
Closing Paragraph
The closing paragraph should be warm and positive. Remind your colleagues that you value them and appreciate their time and knowledge that they imparted. Mention your willingness to maintain your connection in the future and offer to be available for any assistance that they might need in the future. Provide contact details, like personal email or LinkedIn profile, to stay connected.
Closing Statement
End your email with a closing statement that conveys your thanks again and sign off with a professional touch. A sample closing could be – “I am grateful for the time spent with each of you, and I look forward to our paths crossing again. I will always cherish the memories created here. Best wishes,” followed by your name.
In conclusion, a well-written farewell email reflects your personality and professionalism. Follow this structure to craft a meaningful and impactful farewell email that ought to leave a lasting impression and earn the respect and goodwill of your colleagues.
Farewell Email Sample: Leaving for a New Opportunity
Dear Team,
As I write this email, I am filled with a mix of emotions: excitement and sadness. I have recently accepted a new opportunity that aligns with my personal and professional growth goals, which means I will be moving on from my current role as [Position] at [Company Name].
Working with such a talented and passionate team has been one of the highlights of my career, and I want you to know how much I have appreciated each and every one of you. I have learned so much from my time here, and it has been an honor to be a part of such a dynamic and inspiring workplace culture.
As for my departure, I will do everything in my power to make this transition as seamless as possible. I will work closely with my team to ensure all my ongoing projects are handed off smoothly and will provide as much support as I can during my remaining time here.
Thank you for making my time here so memorable. It has been an honor to work alongside such amazing colleagues, and I am grateful for the time we have spent together. Please do keep in touch, and I wish you all the very best in your future endeavors.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Farewell Email Sample: Leaving for Personal Reasons
Dear Colleagues,
It is with a heavy heart that I announce my resignation as [Position] at [Company Name]. Life sometimes takes unexpected turns, and I must take a step back from my career for personal reasons. This decision has not been easy for me, as I have truly enjoyed my time here and have learned so much from each of you.
During my time here, I have worked alongside some incredibly talented and dedicated individuals. I have been constantly challenged, pushed outside of my comfort zone, and developed a great deal as a professional. I will always cherish the memories I made here and the relationships I formed with all of you.
As for my departure, I will work closely with my team to ensure a smooth transition. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if there is anything I can do to further assist with the transition.
Thank you for being such gracious and supportive colleagues. I will miss this company and the team dearly, but I look forward to staying in touch and hearing about all the exciting things happening around here.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Farewell Email Sample: Leaving Due to Relocation
Dear [Team / Manager],
I am writing to announce my resignation from my position as [Position] at [Company Name]. I have recently made the difficult decision to relocate to [City, State] to be closer to my family. This means that I will be leaving the company and the team that I have grown to love during my time here.
Working with this team has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career, and I will never forget the valuable skills and friendships I have cultivated here. The support and friendship that I have received from colleagues like you has meant the world to me, and I will always be grateful for this experience.
Until my departure date, I will do everything possible to ensure a seamless transition. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if there is anything that I can do to assist with the handover of my responsibilities.
Thank you once again for your kindness, understanding and for being an incredible support during my time here.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Farewell Email Sample: Moving to a New Industry
Dear [Team / Manager],
I am writing to inform you that I will be resigning from my position as [Position] at [Company Name]. While I have had a wonderful experience working with this team, I have decided to pursue a new challenge in a different field.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work alongside some wonderful people and have learned a great deal from them. The knowledge and experience I have gained during my time here will always be cherished, and I will miss the relationships and experiences that I have had in this organization.
I will work closely with my team to ensure a smooth transition and will be available for any questions or concerns during this period. I am proud to have been a part of this team and the workplace culture that you have all created together. Thank you once again for making my time here so memorable, and please do keep in touch in the future.
Best wishes,
[Your Name]
Farewell Email Sample: Leaving to Pursue Higher Education
Dear [Name(s)],
I am writing to inform you that I will be resigning from my position as [Position] at [Company Name] in order to pursue further education. This has been a difficult decision for me because I have truly enjoyed my time at [Company Name] and have learned so much from each of you.
Over the years, I have been lucky enough to work alongside some incredibly intelligent and dedicated individuals. I have been constantly challenged, pushed outside of my comfort zone, and developed a great deal as a professional. I will always cherish the memories I made here and the relationships I formed with all of you.
As for my departure, I will work closely with my team to ensure a smooth transition. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if there is anything I can do to further assist with the transition.
Thank you for being such gracious and supportive colleagues. I will miss this company and the team dearly, but I look forward to staying in touch and hearing about all the exciting things happening around here.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Farewell Email Sample: Leaving Due to Retirement
Dear [Name(s)],
It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from my position as [Position] at [Company Name]. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked in such a vibrant and dynamic organization and alongside an incredibly talented team. However, it is time for me to move onto the next phase of my life.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with some incredible people who take pride in what they do and work hard to make a difference in the lives of others. It has been a wonderful journey, and I have made lasting friendships along the way.
As for my departure, I will work closely with my team to ensure a smooth transition. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if there is anything I can do to assist with the handover of my responsibilities.
Thank you once again for your kindness, understanding and for being an incredible support during my time here. I look forward to keeping in touch with you and staying connected in the future.
Best wishes,
[Your Name]
Farewell Email Sample: Leaving due to Unforeseen Circumstances
Dear [Team / Manager],
It is with mixed feelings that I write this email to let you know that I will be leaving my current position as [Position] at [Company Name]. This decision was not easy for me, but unforeseen circumstances have made it necessary.
Working with such an inspiring team has been one of the highlights of my career, and I want you to know how much I have appreciated each and every one of you. I have learned so much from my time here, and I want to thank you all for your support during my journey.
Until my departure date, I will work closely with my team to ensure a seamless transition. Please do let me know if there is anything I can do to make this transition easier for everyone.
Thank you for making my time here so memorable. I wish you all the very best in your future endeavors.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Tips for Writing a Memorable Farewell Email When Leaving a Job
Leaving a job can be an emotional and bittersweet experience. While it is an exciting time where you move on to new opportunities, it is also a time to say goodbye to the people and place where you have spent a significant amount of time. Writing a farewell email to your colleagues is a great way to express gratitude, share memories, and say goodbye. In this article, we’ll discuss a few tips for making your farewell email memorable.
Be Honest and Express Gratitude
It is essential to start your farewell email with an honest expression of gratitude. Thank your colleagues and employer for the opportunity to work with them, the support they’ve given you, and the learning and growth opportunities they’ve offered. Being grateful shows that you don’t take your job or experience for granted and that you value the people that you’ve met and worked with.
Keep it Positive and Professional
Even if your experience at a job wasn’t entirely positive or if you’re leaving on challenging terms, your farewell email should always remain positive and professional. Avoid expressing negative feelings, pointing finger, or blaming anyone for your departure. Stay away from gossips, rumors, or any negative stuff that might affect the overall atmosphere in your workplace. Remember, You never know who might be reading your email, and negative vibes can come back to hurt you. So, keep it short and sweet and focus on the good experiences, memories, and learning opportunities you had.
Share Memories and Offer Contact Information
One way to make your farewell email memorable is by sharing some humorous, sentimental, or inspiring memories and leaving your contact information. Highlight some funny moments, shared achievements, or challenges that you and your colleagues faced together. Sharing personal experiences can make your email stand out and give a personal touch to your message. It is also a good idea to offer your contact information and connect with colleagues who might want to stay in touch after your departure.
End with a Positive and Goodbye Message
Finally, end your farewell email with a positive message and a goodbye statement. Reiterate your gratitude, share a memorable quote, or offer a wish for the success and growth of your colleagues and organization. A positive valediction like “Until we meet again,” “Stay in touch,” or “Goodbye and best wishes” can create a lasting impression and show that you value the people and organization you are leaving behind.
In conclusion, writing a memorable farewell email is a great way to express gratitude, share memories, and say goodbye. By following the above tips, you can draft a thoughtful and positive message that shows your colleagues, supervisors, and employers how much you value them and your experience on the job. Stay positive and professional, share memories, and leave your contact information for a lasting connection with colleagues you’ve worked with. Keep it sweet and short, and make your farewell email a memorable one.
Farewell Email Sample Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a farewell email?
A farewell email is a message written by an individual to say goodbye to colleagues and friends when leaving a job or organization.
Why do I need to write a farewell email when leaving a job?
A farewell email is an opportunity to express gratitude, show appreciation, and maintain relationships with colleagues who may become valuable contacts in the future.
When should I send a farewell email?
You should send a farewell email on your last day of work or shortly before you leave the company.
What should I include in a farewell email?
A farewell email should include a thoughtful message, appreciation for the opportunity to work with colleagues, contact information, and a positive note of good luck for the future.
How should I address the email?
You should address the email to the appropriate managers, colleagues, and team members who you have interacted with and worked with closely.
Should I be emotional in a farewell email?
You should keep the tone of your email professional while expressing gratitude and appreciation for the work experience and colleagues who have supported you. Avoid being too emotional or sentimental.
Can I mention my new job in a farewell email?
You should refrain from mentioning your new job specifically but can express excitement and enthusiasm for future endeavors.
Should I reply to replies to my farewell email?
You should take the time to reply to colleagues who have sent personal messages of well wishes and appreciation but may not be feasible to reply to everyone.
Can I include humor in a farewell email?
You should use humor with care by ensuring that it is appropriate and aligns with the company culture. Avoid making jokes at the expense of others or revealing inside jokes that may not be understandable to all.
Is it necessary to send a farewell email?
Sending a farewell email is not mandatory but is considered a thoughtful gesture that can help maintain relationships and can come in handy in the future for references or introductions.
Saying Goodbye: Parting Thoughts
And there you have it! A sample farewell email that you can use when leaving your job. Remember to keep it professional and courteous, and to express gratitude to your colleagues and superiors for the opportunities and experiences you’ve had with them. It’s never easy to say goodbye, but it’s important to leave on a positive note. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back for more career tips and advice in the future!