Leaving a job is a big step, and how you say goodbye can impact your professional network for years to come. A well-crafted LinkedIn farewell message isn’t just a courtesy; it’s a strategic move to maintain connections, show gratitude, and announce your next chapter gracefully. Whether you’re moving to a new role, starting your own business, or taking a break, a professional goodbye on LinkedIn ensures you leave a lasting positive impression.

This guide provides everything you need to write an effective LinkedIn farewell message. We’ll cover what to include, offer copy-ready templates, give a step-by-step guide, and share essential tips to help you say goodbye professionally.

Why a Professional LinkedIn Farewell Message Matters

You might wonder why taking the time to write a LinkedIn farewell message is important. Here’s why it’s a smart move for your career:

• Maintains Your Professional Reputation: A positive farewell reinforces your professionalism and leaves a good impression on former colleagues, clients, and industry contacts.
• Strengthens Your Network: It’s an opportunity to thank those who helped you and remind them of your continued connection, even after you leave.
• Smooth Transition: It can help manage expectations for your contacts, letting them know you’re moving on and where they might find you next.
• Announces Your Next Chapter: If you’re moving to a new role, it’s a great way to inform your network about your new professional endeavor, potentially opening doors for future collaborations or opportunities.
• Boosts Future Opportunities: A gracious exit can lead to referrals, recommendations, and ongoing support from your network in the future.

What to Include in Your LinkedIn Farewell Message

A strong LinkedIn farewell message usually includes a few key components. Think of it as a brief, professional update to your network.

Express Gratitude

Always start by thanking your current or former employer, colleagues, and any clients or partners you worked closely with. Acknowledge the opportunities and experiences you gained. This shows humility and appreciation, which are always valued.

Announce Your Departure (and New Role, if applicable)

Clearly state that you are moving on. If you’re comfortable sharing, briefly mention your new role or venture. If not, it’s perfectly fine to keep it general, focusing on the positive aspects of your past experience and looking forward to new challenges.

Offer Contact Information (if appropriate)

For close contacts or those you wish to maintain direct communication with, you might offer to connect via your new LinkedIn profile, a personal email, or another professional platform. However, be mindful of privacy and only share what you’re comfortable with.

Wish Well

End your message by wishing your former company and colleagues success. This maintains a positive tone and reinforces your goodwill.

Copy-Ready Templates: Your Professional LinkedIn Farewell Messages

Here are several ready-to-use templates for various situations. Remember to customize them with your specific details and personal touch.

Template 1: General Professional Farewell

This template is ideal for a standard departure where you want to keep things concise and positive without revealing a new role immediately.

Template 2: Farewell with New Role Announcement

Use this template if you’re excited to share details about your next professional adventure.

Template 3: Farewell for Freelancers/Contractors

This template is suited for those finishing a contract or project and looking to engage with their network for future opportunities.

Template 4: Farewell for Long-Tenured Employees

For those who have spent a significant amount of time at a company, this message allows for a more reflective and personal tone.

Template 5: Farewell for Informal/Smaller Networks

If your LinkedIn network is smaller and more personal, you might opt for a slightly less formal but still professional message.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Post Your LinkedIn Farewell Message

Once you’ve chosen and customized your template, follow these steps to post your message effectively:

1. Choose the Right Template: Select the template that best fits your situation and customize it with your specific details, dates, and names.
2. Personalize Your Message: Add a personal touch. Mentioning a specific project, team, or experience can make your message more genuine and memorable.
3. Decide on Your Audience:
   • Public Post: Most common. This shares your message with your entire LinkedIn network. It’s visible to anyone connected to you.
   • Direct Messages: For a more personal touch, you might send individual messages to close colleagues, mentors, or clients. This complements a public post, rather than replacing it.
4. Review and Proofread: Before posting, carefully read your message for any typos, grammatical errors, or unclear phrases. A professional message should be polished.
5. Post Your Update: Go to your LinkedIn homepage, click “Start a post,” paste your customized message, and hit “Post.” You might also consider adding a professional photo of yourself, though it’s not mandatory.

Tips for Crafting the Perfect LinkedIn Farewell

• Keep it Positive: Even if your departure wasn’t ideal, maintain a positive and professional tone. Focus on gratitude and future opportunities.
• Be Concise: LinkedIn posts are often skimmed. Get your message across clearly and efficiently. Aim for 3-5 short paragraphs.
• Proofread Carefully: A single typo can undermine your professionalism. Double-check everything before hitting post.
• Time Your Post: Consider posting your farewell a day or two after your actual last day. This allows you to formally transition out of the company first.
• Engage with Comments: Your network might comment or send well wishes. Take the time to respond to these interactions.
• Update Your Profile First: Before posting your farewell, make sure your LinkedIn profile is updated with your new role (if applicable) or reflects your new status.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your farewell message is effective and professional, steer clear of these common pitfalls:

• Being Negative or Vague: Avoid airing grievances or being overly mysterious about your next steps. Keep it professional and forward-looking.
• Forgetting to Personalize: A generic message can feel insincere. Always add specific details that show your genuine appreciation.
• Spelling/Grammar Errors: These can reflect poorly on your attention to detail. Always proofread.
• Over-sharing: While being personal is good, avoid sharing too much sensitive information about your reasons for leaving or personal details.
• Ignoring Privacy Settings: Make sure your post is public if you want your entire network to see it. If you’re only targeting specific individuals, use direct messages instead.
• Posting Too Soon or Too Late: Don’t post before you’ve formally left, but also don’t wait so long that your news is stale.

Internal Linking Suggestions: For more career resources, check out our guides on how to update your LinkedIn profile or explore our professional recommendation letter templates.

FAQ

Q: When is the best time to post a LinkedIn farewell message?

A: It’s generally best to post your LinkedIn farewell message a day or two after your official last day. This ensures your departure is formally handled internally before you announce it publicly.

Q: Should I mention my new company in the farewell message?

A: You can mention your new company and role if you are comfortable sharing it and have cleared it with your new employer. If not, it’s perfectly fine to keep it general and focus on gratitude and looking forward to new challenges.

Q: What if I don’t have a new job lined up?

A: If you don’t have a new job, focus your message on expressing gratitude for your past experiences and the people you’ve worked with. You can mention that you are “exploring new opportunities” or “looking forward to the next chapter” without needing to specify what that is. You can also use it as an opportunity to subtly signal your availability.

Q: How long should a LinkedIn farewell message be?

A: A LinkedIn farewell message should be concise and to the point, typically 3-5 short paragraphs. Aim for clarity and professionalism, making sure to convey your message without unnecessary length.

Q: Is it okay to connect with former colleagues on other platforms?

A: Yes, it is perfectly acceptable and often encouraged to connect with former colleagues on other professional platforms or even personal social media if you have an established relationship. Your LinkedIn farewell can be a good time to suggest this to those you wish to maintain closer contact with.