No matter what your reason for leaving a job, figuring out what to say in your final farewells can often be difficult. And although your feelings for your soon-to-be-ex-colleagues might not always be pleasant, you should always aim to leave on a good note. Even if you're thrilled to be moving on, it's important to walk out the door on good terms.
Why is it important?
A goodbye email is a brief and informal message you send to your colleagues and/or clients after handing in your notice. It generally involves letting everyone know it’s been great working with them, tying up any loose ends, and sharing your contact details so you’re able to stay in touch with members of the team after you’ve left. Even if everyone knows you are leaving, sending the email before your last day is standard practice. Not only will this provide you with the potential to return to the role at a later date, it could also mean you’re considered for any new positions that come up there in the future.
Tips for creating the perfect letter
Writing a goodbye email to co-workers might seem straightforward enough, but it's important to find the right words and leave on a positive note. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Check with your manager
Before you send your goodbye email, confirm the company has announced your departure. Your email should not come as a surprise to anyone, so simply make sure everyone is aware you're leaving.
2. Send your email a day or two before you leave
Because everyone is aware you're leaving, you don't need to send your farewell email until a day or two before your last day. Sending it any earlier could cause you to become distracted from finishing your job and tying up loose ends.
However, if you're reaching out to clients or vendors, you'll want to let them know shortly after you give your two-weeks' notice. That will give them plenty of time to ask any questions and get ready for your departure.
3. Nail your goodbye email subject line
Writing the perfect farewell email subject line is never as easy as it seems, but it's really important you get it right.
Your farewell email subject line should be straightforward and fairly obvious. It may look different depending on who you're sending your email to, but here are a few examples:
Moving on
Thank you
Saying goodbye is never easy
Keeping in touch
My last day
4. Say positive and show gratitude
Your email should take on an overall positive tone. Show gratitude for your experience with the company and the opportunity to work with talented individuals.
If you're sending an email to someone you've grown particularly close to, you can share a good memory, an inside joke, or even a compliment.
You never want to leave a company on bad terms, and a nicely written farewell email can help ensure your transition is a positive one.