HOW TO WRITE THE BEST GOODBYE EMAIL TO COLLEAGUES – TOP 10 TIPS

The top 10 tips to learn how to write the best goodbye email to colleagues.

The best 10 tips when crafting a goodbye email message to co-workers. Departure email tips for career development success. How to say goodbye at work.

By Mau, Global Head of Marketing Strategy at eDigital.

HOW TO WRITE THE BEST GOODBYE EMAIL TO COLLEAGUES – TOP 10 TIPS

THE TOP 10 TIPS FOR WRITING THE BEST GOODBYE EMAIL MESSAGE TO YOUR WORK COLLEAGUES 

10. Check with your manager before sending it

Before you send your goodbye email, confirm the company has announced your departure. Your email should not come as a surprise to your work colleagues, so simply make sure everyone is aware you’re leaving.

9. A powerful subject line that triggers an emotion.

A subject line starting with “Thank you” will always be a winner.

Examples:

• “Thank you. I will miss you all“
• “Thank you. My last week“
• “Thank you. Goodbye“
• “Thank you. I am leaving with the best memories”

The reality: Some work colleagues will appreciate that you are thankful for being part of the team and some others will not give a shit about you leaving.

8. Consider tailoring your email to individual colleagues

If you’re part of a small team within a larger organisation, don’t send a long email to the entire company. This could come across as big-headed. Sarah from Accounting doesn’t need to know that you, Marc from Marketing, are leaving after seven months of “dedicated service”.  It’s important to differentiate between ranks and relationships.

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7. Watch your tone

Your tone should differ depending on your organisation. Tales of hotel bedroom hopping and Vegas gambling might be more appropriate for investment banking employees than executives of international not-for-profits. So whether your vibe is touching, wild, creative, or mild, below are some goodbye email templates that you can add your own spice to.

6. Keep your email positive

The point of a goodbye email is to show gratitude to the people you’ve worked with and to create opportunities to connect in the future. Be sure to keep the message light and positive, avoiding any negative opinions about the company or unprofessional remarks.

Remember: your farewell email is your last chance to make a good impression before you move on to the next step in your career.

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5. Send it a few days before your last day at work

Be sure to send the email at least two days before you leave to ensure your colleagues have enough time to react and respond. Some people may have questions about the transition plan, and other colleagues may want to have a chance to say goodbye in person and exchange personal contact information.

4. Consider sharing personal contact information

You may want to share your personal email and phone number with only the people you want to keep in touch with. Do not forget to also invite them to connect with you on Linkedin.

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3. CC yourself with your personal email

Make it easy for colleagues to reply to both your work and personal email in one go. This way you will get the reply even if you no longer have access to your former work email.

2. Keep it concise

A goodbye email does not need to exceed one or two paragraphs. A great “goodbye email” to colleagues should only include:

• A brief thank you
• A method for others to get in touch (email, phone number or LinkedIn profile)
• Key details on the transition plan if you choose
• A sentence or two communicating your next venture

Related: The best professional bio template

1. Get help

In some cases, if your role has high public visibility and your departure is likely to be of interest to the media. You should get support from a professional publicist. A publicist will ensure your goodbye email is carefully crafted in a way that not only represents well your career but also helps facilitate your transition to future opportunities.

⚡️ Trending > The best goodbye email message to colleagues examples

THE TOP 5 REASONS FOR SENDING THE BEST GOODBYE EMAIL MESSAGE TO COWORKERS

• It is your last chance to leave a great impression. Yeah, that’s it, make it memorable!
• It’s great etiquette. When you’ve worked with a group of talented people for several months or years, you often form close bonds. As you move forward in your career, these former colleagues and managers can become a critical part of your network. These contacts can make helpful references and may introduce you to new opportunities in the future.
• Thank your co-workers. A well-composed goodbye email gives you a chance to thank your teammates for the support you have received.
• Maintain the connection. Share contact information so colleagues can stay in touch – if they wish – with you. You can also share details about your next job as this may open opportunities for future collaborations or partnerships.
• Great for personal branding. you quit, the way you craft your “thank you” message can make a great impression.

Note: you may want to use a separate email to confirm any new procedures or new person in charge after your departure. When you leave your job, other employees who regularly work with you to handle various tasks and projects may be unsure about who they should approach instead. If you were responsible for managing a system, process or set of information, a well-planned goodbye email can provide a reference for what to do after your departure. This will help ensure a smooth, streamlined transition for people who have dependencies with your former role.

“Say goodbye gracefully. If you’re initiating the break-up, exit with grace and respect for your current employer. Half of the hiring managers have re-hired someone who they worked with previously, so it’s important not to burn bridges.”

Blair Heitmann, Senior Director, Integrated Marketing & Communications | LinkedIn Career Expert

How to craft the best “farewell email message” to be sent to a departing manager/boss

TONE COUNTS WHEN WRITING A GOODBYE EMAIL

A departure letter or goodbye email offers you a massive opportunity to send a professional and positive and memorable message.

However, if you are not careful enough, a goodbye message can backfire as recipients can feel your departure email is inauthentic and/or has other meanings.

NEGATIVE TONE EXAMPLE

POSITIVE TONE EXAMPLE

Conclusion

Whether you had a great or a not-too-great work experience with your colleagues, you should leave a professional tone in your goodbye email message to your colleagues.

Having a well-crafted professional departure email message to your work team will not only show the respect you have for them but also how grateful and lucky you feel being part of the team.

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HOW TO WRITE THE BEST GOODBYE EMAIL TO COLLEAGUES – TOP 10 TIPS

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