A Farewell letter to a retiring boss is a document that is meant to express your thankfulness, to express well-wishes, and to establish a way to stay in contact in the future. This is a formal letter that should follow a few basic guidelines. It’s usually short in duration but serves as the last impression you’ll make on your boss as an employee.
The letter should thank the boss for sharing experience, their time, and expertise, and include any specific things your boss has done to help you grow professionally or as a person. This is your last chance to give them a proper thanks and to establish a positive relationship upon their departure.
When should you send a farewell letter to a retiring boss?
The farewell letter to a boss is sent after making a formal announcement of their plans to retire, but closer to the official retirement date. It’s best to send the letter a few days before to give them time to respond in person if they so desire. This allows them to share any sentiments or say their goodbyes in person if they want to.
Tips for Writing a Farewell letter to a Retiring Boss
- Be Concise. This document is for the specific purpose of saying farewell and thanking your boss for all they have done during your time together at the same company. It should be direct, focused on purpose, and concise.
- Be sincere. You should only include sentiments that come from the heart. Don’t add fluff or filler, or make statements that you don’t mean. Use your words to express thankfulness for your boss’s impact on your professional development or growth. Show your genuine appreciation for things your boss has actually done with a specific example.
- Keep the tone positive. The tone of a Farewell letter to a boss should be positive and professional. Your goal is to thank the boss, wish them well, and keep the door open for a future connection. A retiring boss can serve as a reference in the future. This is your final opportunity to leave a good impression.
- Keep it short. The Farewell letter to a Retiring boss should be short and sweet. Keep the length of the letter to two or three heartfelt and sincere paragraphs.
Writing a Farewell Letter to a Retiring Boss
Here are the a few basic points for writing a farewell letter to a boss who is leaving
- Start with a salutation
- Congratulate them on their retirement
- Express your thanks and appreciation
- Share best wishes
- Offer your contact information
- Close the letter professionally
Farewell to Retiring Boss letter (Format)
[Your Name]
[Your address, city, state, zip code, phone, email address]
Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms [name of boss]
If you have a close relationship with your boss you may use the first name only and omit the Mr/Mrs/Ms part.
Congratulations on your upcoming retirement from [Name of Company]. Your support over the past [length of time spent working together] has helped me grow and develop as a professional. I sincerely appreciate all you have done to make working at [name of company] a positive learning experience.
[Example of specific skill the boss has taught you, or a time when support was critical to your success].
I wish you the best in the next chapter of your life. I would love to stay in contact with you. My personal cell phone number is [ phone number] or email me at [email address]. Drop us a line now and then to let us know how you’re enjoying your retirement.
Thanks again for everything,
[Your name]
Example of Farewell letter to Retiring Boss
Andrew Smith
4900 Plymouth Way, Elwood, Nebraska, 93930 389-888-2727 Asmith@gmail.com
Dear Victor,
Congratulations on your upcoming retirement from Emeril’s Hardware. Your support over the past fifteen years has helped me grow and develop as a professional. I sincerely appreciate all you have done to make working at Emeril’s a positive learning experience.
I appreciate you for giving me the freedom to take on new duties and learn more about management in preparation for advancement. You helped me learn how to lead a crew, and it’s helped me become a better employee and move up in the company. For that, I am eternally grateful.
I wish you the best in the next chapter of your life. I would love to stay in contact with you. My personal cell phone number is 389-888-2727, or email me at Asmith@gmail.com. Drop us a line now and then to let us know how you’re enjoying your retirement.
Thanks again for everything.
Best wishes,
Andy Smith
Farewell Message to Boss Who is Leaving (Word Template)
Conclusion
Writing a Farewell letter to a Retiring boss isn’t difficult, but it does require some thought. Starting such a letter can be the challenging part. Using a fillable form letter or template can help you to get started. Refer to the tips to get the perfect tone and maintain professionalism to write the best possible farewell letter to extend your thanks, appreciation, and best wishes for the future.