How to write a farewell email

Maintaining your professional reputation can come down to smooth your departure is

Regardless of why you’re leaving a job it’s important to know how to send a farewell email professionally so that your reputation remains in great shape.

Before sending your farewell email

Your resignation can seem like a countdown of days to get through but don’t be tempted to drop everything and leave a mess of unfinished business.

Remember, you are serving your notice period; you’re not on leave. And while it may not be possible to complete all your projects before your last day, working out a plan of priorities and actions with your manager can help you finish key tasks before you leave.

While you may not be required to attend meetings or engage in planning for new ventures during your notice period, this shouldn’t be seen as a cue to take extremely long lunch breaks or arrive to work late. If anything, use your new-found free time to help out colleagues with their tasks. Or, if your replacement has already come on board, take the time to explain the finer aspects of the job to streamline the handover.

Focus on the positive

When crafting your farewell email, stay professional, and resist the urge to gossip or complain about your boss and co-workers. You may be leaving, but your colleagues aren’t and there’s no good reason to lower their morale with negativity. Instead, focus on everything you’ve enjoyed about the job and the company.

Avoid the negatives

If you’re unsure about how to write your farewell email professionally, aim to take the moral high ground.

Even if you feel you have been wronged by the company, there is a time and place to set the record straight. That time is not when you’re writing a farewell email, especially if you’re planning to ask for a recommendation or professional reference later in your career.

It can be hard if you feel you’re no longer part of a familiar team, however a positive attitude in your communications helps to break down barriers.

Handling goodbyes during your farewell email

Use your farewell email to strengthen your professional network. It’s your chance to give thanks to those in your company, reminisce over past successes, and pass on details of how colleagues can stay connected with you.

After sending your email, emotions may run high in the pressure of a workplace, but your most difficult colleagues may turn out to be really nice people outside of the office. Even if they aren’t, that’s behind you now and you’ve got a new stage in your career to look forward to.

Sending a farewell email in a professional way can ensure the experience gained in your current role serves you well in the next phase of your career – and beyond.