How to Thank Your Boss in a Farewell
Thank your boss in a farewell note to let her know how much you appreciate the opportunity you had working with him when you leave the department or company, transfer or retire. This is also the proper way to leave her with any final thoughts, well wishes and contact information. Put some thought into what you want to say before you begin writing.
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Instructions
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Make an outline or write detailed notes with any specific points you want to make in your farewell letter. This will help you remember everything you want to say and allow you to organize your thoughts in a logical manner.
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Begin your letter with "Dear Bob," "Dear Mr. Smith" or "Greetings" depending on how close you were with your boss and how professional you want the tone of the note to be. If you called him "Bob" at work, avoid using "Mr. Smith" or your note will come across as cold and detached.
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State the reason for the letter, which is to say goodbye. For example:
"As you know, today is my last day working for [name of company]." -
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Include specific things you're thankful for or learned, but remain honest. For example:
"I wanted to let you know how much I've enjoyed working under you over the past 10 years. I've learned so much, from how to organize a large group to how to plan a budget. You've been a great friend and mentor."
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Insert your contact information if you want your boss to be able contact you. If you weren't extremely close, leaving your personal email address should suffice to let her know she can contact you without seeming pushy or fake.
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Close the note in a sincere manner that keeps with the same formality and professionalism as the rest of the farewell letter. If you were fairly close, you could write something such as "Thanks for everything! Keep in touch." If you weren't very close, other than professionally, a simple "Best Wishes" or "With Thanks" would be appropriate for closing the note.
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Tips & Warnings
Be honest and sincere with everything you write. If not, there is a good chance it will be obvious. If you don't have a lot of nice things to say, be curt but remain professional. For example, "I hope I contributed as much to the team as you did in my professional growth."
Hand-write the note on professional blank card stock unless you know that your boss has a strong preference for email.
Avoid gloating over a new job, advancement or retirement. The point of a farewell note is to sincerely thank those you are leaving behind, not make them feel bad because they aren't in the same position as you.
