The following free thank you notes can be used for a colleague or subordinate who has been recently promoted or wooed away by a new company.

Generally, it is best to let the tone of your relationship dictate the tone of your note. However, it's a good idea to keep jokes to a minimum, even if you know the person fairly well.

What you deem humorous may offend someone else.

So keep it friendly but tasteful. You'll seldom go wrong with a cordial and sincere tone.
Free Thank You Notes for Leaving Colleagues

The news of your decision to leave surprised us all. We will miss you, but realize that exciting opportunities and challenges await you. It has been an honor to be your colleague for the past five years. We have all benefited from your wit and wisdom and wish you every success on your career path.

Thank you for your letter of May 15. I want you to know that we are very excited about your success and know that you have worked hard to earn it. At your request, I will no longer hold your position open here at Morrison Engineering Corporation. However, I would like nothing better than to have you return to Madison to work with us in completing our product. Please keep us informed of your progress.

On a personal level, I have very much enjoyed getting to know you. Your excellent mind, fine work ethic, and your integrity will serve you well throughout your life.

Congratulations on your great new job! Tim gave me the scoop at lunch. By hiring you, Kimble Corporation is making an excellent human resource investment. But I will miss you. You are a terrific friend and colleague. Work will not be the same without you answering extension 435. Hey, are there any openings at your new company? Please keep in touch.
I must admit to having mixed feelings when I first learned of your new assignment. I guess it's true that "all good things must come to an end". Although you'll be missed here, we all agree that management has made a wise choice in placing you where they can benefit most from your talents. We will long remember the hard work and happy moments we have shared. You have been a great team member. Best wishes and keep up the good work.

We heard from your uncle that you accepted the manager-trainee position at SilverStone Corporation. We were all thrilled to hear the news. You were one of the best assistant managers we have ever had, and we were sorry to see you go when the company restructured the department. I don't think we have ever had such a hard worker with your creativity and leadership skills. SilverStone is getting a first-rate manager-trainee. Best of luck to you in this new opportunity.