Most of you are looking to get INTO investment banking, finance, and other business-related fields. But let's face it: these days hiring is way down, and you're more likely to get fired than you are to get hired.
Plus, every year in July or so there's a mass exodus of 2nd and 3rd year Analysts at investment banks, and with that exodus comes a flood of farewell emails.
One small problem: most of these farewell emails are incredibly boring and ineffective at getting across the main points and making the departure entertaining.
"This is my last day at Goldman Sachs. The experience has been highly rewarding, both personally and professionally. I will be taking some vacation time, and then moving onto TPG next month. My contact information is below - I look forward to staying in touch."
Most of the time you see letters very similar to the above, incredibly boring one.
So how do you write a farewell email without annoying everyone? Be "appreciative, with an edge."
Here's how you can be entertaining WITHOUT being boring or annoying anyone:
First, remind them that it is your last did and that you enjoyed the experience on some level. Don't anger them before they even start reading.
After that, talk about some of the entertaining times you've had at the firm. Think of parties, celebrations, and international travel - but don't list inappropriate stories or anything that's not "PG-13."
Close by telling them what you're doing next - and try to make it funny. Don't just state, "Following my experience here, I will be moving to Company X" - try to insert a quip or pun about what you're doing.
At the end, say that you look forward to staying in touch and give your contact information.
Having a strong "P.S." is also quite important - many people skip to the P.S. and only read that, so make sure it's good and re-states your overall theme.
And before sending it, proofread your email one last time to ensure that there are no mistakes. Don't send your letter to 100,000 people if you've only worked with 50 of them before!
Plus, every year in July or so there's a mass exodus of 2nd and 3rd year Analysts at investment banks, and with that exodus comes a flood of farewell emails.
One small problem: most of these farewell emails are incredibly boring and ineffective at getting across the main points and making the departure entertaining.
"This is my last day at Goldman Sachs. The experience has been highly rewarding, both personally and professionally. I will be taking some vacation time, and then moving onto TPG next month. My contact information is below - I look forward to staying in touch."
Most of the time you see letters very similar to the above, incredibly boring one.
So how do you write a farewell email without annoying everyone? Be "appreciative, with an edge."
Here's how you can be entertaining WITHOUT being boring or annoying anyone:
First, remind them that it is your last did and that you enjoyed the experience on some level. Don't anger them before they even start reading.
After that, talk about some of the entertaining times you've had at the firm. Think of parties, celebrations, and international travel - but don't list inappropriate stories or anything that's not "PG-13."
Close by telling them what you're doing next - and try to make it funny. Don't just state, "Following my experience here, I will be moving to Company X" - try to insert a quip or pun about what you're doing.
At the end, say that you look forward to staying in touch and give your contact information.
Having a strong "P.S." is also quite important - many people skip to the P.S. and only read that, so make sure it's good and re-states your overall theme.
And before sending it, proofread your email one last time to ensure that there are no mistakes. Don't send your letter to 100,000 people if you've only worked with 50 of them before!
About the Author:
Riyan Richter is a senior editor to Mergers & Inquisitions, the web's leading resource on investment banking jobs and how to write a stunning farewell email.
