Sending a goodbye email to colleagues on LinkedIn when leaving a company can be a bittersweet and challenging experience. On one hand, you likely have built strong connections and relationships with your coworkers over the years. You have collaborated on projects, supported each other through ups and downs, and become an important part of each other’s professional lives. Saying goodbye is never easy. On the other hand, this transition marks an exciting new chapter for you professionally. The goodbye email is an opportunity to express your gratitude, highlight your fondest memories, and leave your colleagues with encouraging words as you embark on your next adventure.
Reflect on Your Time at The Company
A goodbye email offers a chance to recap your tenure at the organization. Think back on your proudest accomplishments, biggest wins, and most meaningful contributions you made. Share anecdotes about specific projects you worked on, goals you achieved together as a team, and ways you grew professionally. This reflection demonstrates the impact you made during your time at the company.
For example, you could say: “I will always cherish the years I spent here and the incredible people I had the privilege of working with. A highlight was leading the marketing strategy for our east coast expansion, which was such a rewarding experience. I loved being part of this dedicated team and am so proud of what we achieved together.”
Express Appreciation
The goodbye email also provides an opportunity to express heartfelt appreciation to your colleagues. Recognize the specific people you worked closely with and how they impacted you. Share your gratitude for their mentorship, friendship, camaraderie, and support over the years. Let them know how much you valued being part of such a stellar team.
For instance, you could say: “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each of you. I’ve learned so much from the incredible group of people here. Thank you especially to Amanda for your wisdom and guidance as my mentor. And to the marketing team – Matt, Sam, and Priya – thank you for always having my back and inspiring me daily with your passion.”
Share Future Contact Details
As you transition out of the company, reassure your colleagues that you still want to stay in touch. Provide details on how you can continue communicating, like your personal email address, LinkedIn profile, or social media accounts. Make it clear you hope to maintain the relationships and connections you built with this network.
For example: “While this is goodbye to my time here, it’s not goodbye to our relationships. I hope we can stay in touch, celebrate each other’s successes, and collaborate again in the future. Please feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn or reach me anytime at my personal email: [email protected].”
Offer Encouragement
This goodbye letter also presents a prime opportunity to motivate and encourage your colleagues as you leave. Offer inspiring words about their capabilities, strengths, and potential for continued growth. Express your confidence that they will keep achieving great things in their careers and make an impact at the organization. Send them off with optimism, praise, and excitement for the future, both individually and collectively.
For instance: “I have no doubt this amazing team will continue doing incredible work. It has been so motivating to see your passion and dedication daily. I can’t wait to hear about all the new milestones you conquer in the future. You are all capable of so much, and I know you will continue growing in your careers.”
Say Farewell
Conclude your goodbye email with a final farewell message. Keep it warm, gracious, and positive. Summarize how much you appreciated your time at the company and with your colleagues. End on an uplifting, forward-looking note expressing your best wishes.
For example: “As I embark on this next chapter, please know I will always remember my time here so fondly. I could not have asked for better colleagues to learn and grow alongside. I wish you all the absolute best. Stay in touch, and I hope our paths cross again soon. Fondly, [Your Name]”
Proofread Carefully
Before sending your goodbye email, be sure to proofread carefully. Check for any spelling, grammar, or formatting errors. Read it aloud to catch any awkward phrasing. Ensure all recipient names and contact details are correct.
It can also help to ask someone you trust to review the email. Get an outside perspective on whether the tone and content come across positively. Make edits to ensure the email accurately captures what you want to express.
Follow Company Protocol
When preparing your goodbye email, be mindful of company norms, protocols, and confidentiality rules. You likely signed agreements regarding professional conduct, so avoid discussing any sensitive information. Check if HR has guidance on farewell emails to colleagues.
Following proper procedures ensures your offboarding goes smoothly. It also demonstrates professionalism and respect on your way out.
Send at Appropriate Time
For maximum courtesy, send the goodbye email on your last day or after your departure. Avoid sending it too far in advance or catching people off guard before formal announcements. Time it so colleagues have adequate notice yet your message remains timely and relevant.
Schedule the email to be delivered during typical business hours. Avoid weekends, holidays, or vacation times when people are less likely to be checking inboxes.
Select Recipients Thoughtfully
Consider carefully who should receive your goodbye email. Include colleagues you worked closely with like your team, mentor, collaborators on projects, and any individuals who directly supported you.
Be judicious about wider distributions like entire departments or offices. Keep the recipient list focused on people who knew you best for a more personal, meaningful message.
Use LinkedIn Features
Leverage LinkedIn features to customize, target, and track your goodbye email. Options like templates allow choosing backgrounds, headers, and layouts to make your message visually engaging.
You can connect your company email to filter recipients by department, location, or connections. LinkedIn tracking shows opens, clicks, and replies so you can see engagement.
Notify Key Connections Individually
Supplement the group goodbye email with individual outreach to key connections. Send personalized notes to mentors, frequent collaborators, your manager, or other VIP contacts expressing your gratitude.
Tailoring messages shows you valued those relationships immensely. It also provides opportunity for two-way dialogue and well wishes.
Post on LinkedIn
Beyond emails, leverage your LinkedIn network by posting an update announcing your departure. Share highlights from your tenure, offer appreciation, and convey your excitement for the future. This expands the reach beyond direct teammates.
Posting also opens the door for colleagues, managers, and other connections to leave comments wishing you well. It creates a forum for celebrating your contributions.
Update LinkedIn Profile
With your transition, be sure to update your LinkedIn profile. Change your employment status, dates of employment, and job title. You can include a summary like “Recently departed [Company] after [X] amazing years.”
Refreshing your profile ensures your network has accurate details on your latest move. It also lets you control the narrative around your exit.
Send Thank You Notes
Beyond digital communication, handwritten thank you notes can make your appreciation more memorable and personal. Mail cards to key mentors, your manager, or a few standout colleagues.
The extra effort of a handwritten gesture demonstrates your sincerity. It provides a tangible memento of your gratitude that colleagues can cherish.