Goodbye email templates: How to write the perfect farewell

by Amber Rolfe

Saying goodbye is never easy… 

And unless you plan on ghosting your entire office (pro tip: don’t do this), figuring out what to say in your final farewell can be tricky.

No matter your reason for leaving a job, you should always aim to leave on a positive note. You never know when your paths might cross again, and burning bridges is a great way to limit your future career opportunities.

To help you say goodbye in the right way, here’s how to write the perfect farewell email, complete with the best farewell email examples and templates to get you started.

What is a goodbye email?

A goodbye email – also known as a farewell email – is a brief message you send to colleagues and clients after you’ve handed in your notice.

It’s your chance to thank your team, provide details about the handover, and share your contact information so you can stay in touch after you leave. 

Think of it as a professional courtesy that helps you maintain your network and leave a lasting positive impression.

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Why send a farewell email to colleagues?

While sending a goodbye email isn’t mandatory, it’s a smart move. It shows respect and appreciation for the time you’ve spent working together, which can go a long way.

Leaving on good terms opens the door for potential return opportunities or recommendations for future roles. It also helps ensure a smooth transition for your team by clarifying who will be taking over your responsibilities. 

Essentially, it’s a simple way to maintain professional relationships and leave with your reputation intact.

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Key elements of a good farewell email

Before you start writing, it helps to know what to include. Here are the essential parts of any departure email template.

• A clear subject line: Make it easy for your colleagues to know what the email is about. Something like ‘Moving on’ or ‘Thank you and goodbye’ works perfectly.
• Your departure date: Let everyone know when your last day of work will be. This avoids any confusion and helps with the handover process.
• A note of thanks: Express gratitude for the opportunities you’ve had and the experiences you’ve shared. A little appreciation goes a long way.
• Handover information: Briefly mention who will be taking over your duties. For clients, provide the name and contact details of their new point of contact.
• Your contact details: Share your personal email or LinkedIn profile if you want to stay in touch. This is great for networking.
• A positive sign-off: End on a high note with a warm closing like ‘All the best’ or ‘Best wishes for the future’.

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Top tips for writing a goodbye email

Ready to start writing your email? Here are our top tips to make sure your farewell email hits the right mark.

Make it official first

A goodbye email should never be your resignation letter. Before you hit send on your farewell message, make sure you’ve officially handed in your notice to your manager and HR. This avoids any awkward surprises or office gossip.

Keep it positive

Even if your time at the company had its ups and downs, your farewell email isn’t the place to air grievances. Always keep the tone positive. Thank your colleagues, mention what you’ve learned, and focus on the good times. Remember, the goal is to leave on a high note.

Don’t write an essay

Your goodbye message should be friendly and informative, but also concise. Avoid the temptation to ramble. While it’s fine to mention your future plans, there’s no need to go into excessive detail. A few well-chosen sentences are more effective than a long-winded story.

Send separate, tailored messages

One size doesn’t fit all. To make your farewell feel personal, consider sending slightly different emails to different groups – your close work friends, your wider team, your manager, and your clients. You don’t need to email the entire company; just focus on the people you’ve actually worked with.

Share your contact details

End your email with a way for people to reach you, whether it’s your personal email address, phone number, or a link to your LinkedIn profile. If you’re planning leaving drinks, this is the perfect place to mention it. And whatever you do, avoid signing off with ‘goodbye forever’. Nobody likes that.

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Best farewell email examples and templates

To help you get started, here are a few goodbye email templates you can adapt for your own departure email.

Farewell email template to colleagues

This sample leaving email to colleagues is perfect for sending to your team or the wider group of people you’ve worked with.

Goodbye email template for clients

When emailing clients, your message should be professional and informative, ensuring a smooth transition.

Sample email for your team or direct reports

If you manage a team, it’s a nice touch to send them a more personal goodbye message.

Departure email template for your manager

Your manager has played a big role in your development, so a personal thank you is a great idea.

Frequently asked questions

Here are the answers to some common questions about writing a farewell email.

What should the subject line of a goodbye email be?

Keep your subject line clear and simple. Something like ‘Thank you and goodbye’, ‘Keeping in touch’, or ‘Moving on’ works well. This helps your colleagues see at a glance what the email is about.

When is the best time to send a farewell email?

It’s best to send your farewell email on your last day of work or the day before. This gives your colleagues a chance to respond and say their goodbyes before you leave. Avoid sending it too early, as it can be distracting.

Should I send a funny goodbye email?

If you have a close relationship with your colleagues and your workplace has a relaxed culture, a touch of humour can be appropriate. However, it’s generally safer to stick to a professional and positive tone to avoid any misunderstandings.

How long should a farewell email be?

Keep it short and sweet. A few paragraphs are usually enough to convey your message. The goal is to be sincere and informative without taking up too much of your colleagues’ time.

Final thoughts 

Writing a farewell email is a small but important step when leaving a job. 

By keeping it positive, professional, and personal, you can leave a great final impression and maintain valuable connections for your future career. 

Use our templates as a starting point, and you’ll be on your way to crafting the perfect goodbye.

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