How to Write a Goodbye Letter to Colleagues

Knowing how to write a goodbye letter to your colleagues when you are leaving a job is one of the keys to maintaining positive personal and professional contacts. The purpose of a goodbye letter to your colleagues is to thank your colleagues and say farewell. A well-written and upbeat goodbye letter helps your coworkers remember you in a good light. Farewell letters also provide you an opportunity to offer your contact information so that you can stay in touch in the future.

In this article, you will learn to write a goodbye letter to your colleagues. We provide a format you can use to write your letter, as well as a sample goodbye letter to help you write your own.

1. Begin Your Letter With an Appropriate Greeting

If you are on a first-name basis with your recipient, beginning your letter with “Hi {first name}” is acceptable. Otherwise, start your message with the standard professional greeting “Dear {last name}.”

2. State You Are Leaving

In the first sentence of your goodbye letter, you should inform the recipient you are leaving your position. Some good beginning lines are below.

• As you know, I am leaving my position soon.
• I am writing to tell you I am leaving my position as of {date}.
• I wanted to drop you a line and let you know I am leaving my position soon.
• I wanted to tell you personally that my last day at {company} is {date}.

You can tell your coworker about your future plans in a brief sentence or two if you would like.

3. Thank Your Colleagues

Next, thank your recipient for the assistance they have given you during your time with the company. If possible, share an anecdote or mention a particular project you worked on together.

4. Express Your Desire to Maintain Contact

Offer your contact information, including phone number, email, and social media accounts. Offering several ways to keep in touch makes it easier for your colleagues to reach you in the future.

5. Wish Your Colleague Well.

Express your best wishes for your recipient in the future. End your letter with a standard ending such as “Sincerely,” or “Best Regards,” and your name. If you are sending a printed letter, be sure to sign it for a personal touch.

• Check With Your Supervisor First. Be sure your supervisor knows you are leaving before you tell your colleagues. Tell your supervisor in person, if possible. Ask them if sending a farewell letter to your colleagues is appropriate.
• Send Your Goodbye Letters to Close Colleagues. You only need to send farewell messages to those you have worked closely with, especially if you work in a large company. Send letters to your team members and others you have worked with. Send each colleague a tailored letter.
• Stay Positive. No matter why you are leaving your position, be sure you keep your correspondence positive. Remember these letters help you maintain personal and professional contacts. If you wish to tell your coworkers why you are leaving, be brief and stay upbeat.
• Send Your Goodbye Letters Before Your Last Day. Send your messages before your last day. However, make sure you have finished most of your work so that you will have time to say goodbye to each of your colleagues in person.
• If You Want to Email Your Goodbyes. If you are sending your goodbye message via email, use a subject line that will get your recipient’s attention, such as “Leaving the company” or “Leaving my position.”

Goodbye Letter to Your Colleagues (Word Template)

A well-written goodbye letter to your colleagues helps you maintain your personal and professional contacts after you leave your position. Tailor your letters to each recipient, and be sure to thank them for the assistance they have offered you. Remember to stay positive and to wish your colleagues well. Feel free to use the provided format to help you write professional goodbye letters to your coworkers.