“It was a pleasure working with you”: how to say it politely
Why it can fall flat
“it was a pleasure working with you”
It leaves out what you valued about the person and whether you want to stay in touch, so the past tense can read like a form-letter sign-off or a closed door.
Say this instead
- 01
Thank you for the trust and support you gave me in this role. I learned a lot working for you, and I hope we stay in touch.
Boss · Email
Suits a farewell email to a boss because it thanks them for something real and leaves the door open.
- 02
I'm going to miss working with you. Your calm in a busy week made everything easier. Let's keep in touch. What's the best email for you?
Coworker · Chat
Fits a close teammate in chat since it names a specific quality and asks for a way to stay connected.
- 03
Thank you for the chance to work with you on this project. My last day is Friday, and Yasmin will be your contact from Monday. I hope our paths cross again.
Client · Email
Good for a client when you're leaving because it adds thanks and a clear handover to a warm close.
- 04
It has been a privilege managing you. Thank you for your work, especially on the onboarding rewrite. I'm rooting for you in whatever comes next.
Someone you manage · Email
Right for a team you manage because it gives specific recognition without making promises.
- 05
Thank you for your time and the clear updates throughout the process. I enjoyed our conversations and would be glad to hear about future roles.
Recruiter / HR · Email
Useful at the end of a hiring process, whatever the outcome, because it's courteous and keeps you in view.
- 06
Thanks for your patience while we sorted this out. It was good to help, and you can message us any time if something else comes up.
Customer · Chat
Fits the end of a support chat because it thanks the customer and shows they can come back.
- 07
Today's my last day. Thanks for being such a great teammate. Let's keep in touch. This number works any time.
Coworker · SMS
Handy as a short personal goodbye to someone you already text.
Examples
Subject: Thank you Hi Emily, Today is my last day, and I wanted to thank you for the guidance and trust you gave me over my time on the team. I especially valued how openly you gave feedback. I hope we can stay in touch, and I'm always happy to hear how things are going. Best wishes, Aaron
Hi Kendall, today's my last day. Thanks for always answering my questions so patiently. I learned a lot from you. Let's keep in touch!
What to avoid
- Pasting the same line to everyone is a trap, so add one specific detail about what you valued.
- Overblown praise you don't mean backfires, and a short, true sentence sounds more sincere.
- Old complaints have no place in a farewell, so don't settle them or hint at them.
- Vague promises like “let's definitely meet soon” only help if you plan to follow up.