When (and How) to Use ‘Wish You All the Best’
You’re looking for a way to end a letter with a warm—but not overly warm—closing. You want to let your friend know, as she sets out on a new adventure, that you hope she has the best possible experience.
You might sign your letter with a friendly send-off: "Wish you all the best."
But when else is it suitable to use this sign-off? And how do you know when this closing is better than using "Warm regards" or another similar phrase?
First, let’s examine the root of this closing: the longer, complete sentence, "I wish you all the best of luck."
Distinguishing Between ‘All the Best’ and ‘Best of Luck’
In the spirit of brevity, the sign-off, "I wish you all the best of luck," has been shortened to two distinct closings that we now use interchangeably:
• "All the best"
• "Best of luck"
While "All the best" may seem like a generic, farewell closing and "Best of luck" might refer to something more specific, it’s unlikely anyone would find fault with either phrase. Both are merely ellipses of the longer sentence that unites the two:
• I wish you all the best of luck.
• I wish you all the best of luck.
So, What’s the Best Context to Use the Phrase?
Since "Wish you all the best" can work in a variety of ways—shorter or longer, formally or informally—it's up to you to determine if it’s the right closing for your letter.
When weighing your options, you can also look at this list of common closings, ranging from very warm to very formal .
• Affectionately yours,
• Warmly,
• Warm regards,
• Warm wishes,
• Best wishes,
• With thanks,
• Kind regards,
• Best regards,
• Sincerely,
• Respectfully,
As you can see, "Wish you all the best" combines two of the closings near the middle of this list, making it a great compromise of formal and warm.
Here are some common scenarios when "Wish you all the best" is appropriate:
• When your neighbor is graduating from dental school
• When your colleague is leaving your company for a new position
• When your college roommate gets married
As long as you are wishing your recipient the best in their future, it’s acceptable to use the phrase both as a universal sendoff and as a more personalized ending.
No matter which sendoff you go for, your closing should reflect your writing style, relationship with the recipient and, of course, the content of your letter.
Address the recipient
When starting your letter for best wishes, you need to address the recipient appropriately. If they're a close friend, you can address them by their first name. If you aren't close to the recipient, consider using their appropriate title followed by their last name. For example, Dear Ms. Green.
Be specific
Specify your reason for writing. Include as many details as possible when writing your letter to show sincerity. For example, show what you know about their new opportunity by including their new job title and your hopes for them moving forward. Always keep the tone of your message positive, even if you're sad to see them go to another department or company.
Include a closing
Your message can be short and concise to convey your well wishes effectively, so a short closing it also suitable. Something like Good luck with everything or Best wishes for your future career is appropriate to express your well wishes. You can also include a friendly call to action and encourage them to stay in contact if they're leaving the company. This is an excellent way to build and maintain your professional network.
Best wishes examples
Here are some examples of best wishes to show your support to others:
Concise best wishes
Keeping your best wishes letter concise ensures the recipient receives the message quickly. These letters are more casual than detailed letters, and better suited to acquaintances. Here is a list of concise messages:
• Ms. Tilly, good luck at your new job as a marketing assistant! Wishing you the best and hoping you find more success in your new role!
• I'm so proud of you! Congratulations on the new job. Wishing you the absolute best.
• You're going to be an amazing social worker, and I wish the best for you as you move forward in your career.
• I just heard about your new job, and I wanted you to know that I'm so proud of you and your hard work. Congratulations.
• I'm so happy for you, congratulations on your new endeavour! Your new team is lucky to have you. Best wishes for your future career.
• Congratulations on the wonderful work you've done for this company. You deserve this promotion!
Detailed best wishes
These wishes provide more personal details. Use this style when you want to show your coworker or someone close to you why you believe they deserve their new job opportunity. Here are some examples of detailed best wishes:
Best wishes about promotions
Here is an example of best wishes for an employee who earns a promotion:
I was so happy to see you received the promotion to regional manager. It just goes to show how the processes you implemented contributed to the company. You increased sales and efficiency for our team and I know we all appreciate your hard work. I'm glad to know you'll be working in upper management to continue making improvements to the company.
Best wishes for a job with a new company
Here is an example of best wishes for an employee who gets a job with a new company:
You are the hardest worker I know, and your new manager is lucky to have you. When you worked with us, you always implemented programs that improved company culture. For example, I remember when you implemented the employee recognition program that encouraged upper management to show their appreciation for employees every week. I'm sure you're going to make wonderful changes at your new job, and I'm proud to know you.
Best wishes about a job offer
Here is an example of best wishes for an employee who has received a new job offer:
I just heard about your job offer, and everyone here at Toronto Marketing Executives is so excited for you. You're going to be a great addition to your new team. You have an incredible work ethic and always focus on your values. This, combined with your positive attitude, shows what a great employee and coworker you are. Congratulations!
Best wishes about industry change
Here is an example of best wishes for an employee who changes career paths:
I've never met anyone who can communicate information as clearly as you do, which is why it makes sense that you changed careers to become a professor. This is a big career change, but we all know that you excel in everything you try. Your students will benefit greatly from having you as their professor. All the best.
Best wishes including a fond memory
Here is an example of best wishes for an employee you enjoyed working with:
For the last three years, working with you has been one of my favourite parts of the job. I'll never forget how much fun we had planning last year's holiday party. I'm sad to see you go, but I know it's an excellent career opportunity and I wish you all the best. Good luck to you in all of your future endeavours.
Best wishes to close friends
Here is an example of best wishes for an employee who is also a close friend:
I always knew you were going to go far. We've known each other for years, and you've always been someone I could rely on. You've really earned this promotion, and I have no doubt that you'll go even further in your career. I wish you the best moving forward. Do stay in touch!
Best wishes with humour
These best wishes show your personality and demonstrate your relationship with the recipient. Use humour to show your genuine happiness for the recipient and add some personality to your message. Here are some examples of best wishes with humour:
• Congrats on getting a new job! I knew you could do it, but I'm mostly happy because now you can get me a great friends and family discount.
• I just heard about your promotion. I can say with confidence that no one is surprised because you're the best one for the job. You're paying for our next team brunch, though!
• Dear Jean, I'm so proud of you for finding a new role. Keep in mind that your new coworkers can't compete with us!
• Congratulations on getting promoted! I just know you'll be back in no-time because you'll miss us too much. There's no way you'll find coworkers this cool.
• So, you got the job position! Congratulations, you really deserve it... any chance you can find me one? Just kidding!
• If you told me that the man who walked in here all those years ago would become one of the best employees in this place, I never would have guessed. Don't forget to come goof off with me during lunch hour!
Best wishes showing your appreciation
These best wishes show your friendship with the recipient and express how you'll miss them. Here are some messages to show your appreciation for your coworker:
• I'm so thankful for the last few years we've spent as coworkers. I'll miss you so much, but I know you're going to be extraordinary in your new position!
• Congratulations on your new job! I know this is an exciting time for you, and I just wanted you to know how happy I am for you, although I'll miss you!
• Dear Cynthia, I hope you know how much we all adore you around here. Despite that, we're also really happy for you and hope you find everything you're looking for in your new job!
• You've worked so hard at this job for so long. You deserve something that fulfills you and brings you as much joy as you bring the rest of us.
• You've always been an incredibly hard worker, and I know you'll continue to work just as hard with your promotion. You're the best candidate for the job, and I'm sure you're going to change policy and legislation for the better.
• Jeanette, you're a fantastic psychologist, I think you were born with your compassionate, attentiveness, and active listening abilities. Your private practice will be one of the best in the region, if not THE best! Wishing you well, Sam.
Send a Card
One of the best ways to say farewell is to send a card. Everyone in the office can collaborate and make or purchase a card, and some flowers to go along with it. You can also write a small farewell note on the card wishing good luck to the person.
If you are leaving the organization, then an amazing way to say farewell
Leave your contact details at the end to enable coworkers to get in touch with you in future.
Send a Gift
Sometimes, when a coworker is leaving the organization, gifting them with something is a common practice. This is usually done for someone at a managerial role, someone who has served the company for decades, or a colleague who was loving and courteous.
However, remember that this gift should be something that would help them in their future endeavors. For example, gifting them a personalized organizer makes sense.
Have a Party
A nice way to say goodbye is to organize a party. This works both ways: when you are leaving or when a colleague is leaving. When you are leaving, you can arrange a small get-together to say goodbye. When your colleague is leaving, you can arrange a farewell party.
A formal way to say farewell
Polite ways to say farewell
It is obvious that farewell messages have to be polite. If you send a farewell message which includes you cribbing or complaining, no one will receive it well. This would be more like taking out your frustration rather than leaving the organization on a good note. Hence, always say something good in your goodbye message and never demean or belittle anyone.
Examples of farewell phrases
To help you understand different ways to say goodbye we have discussed some examples below. Read on to explore ways to say farewell.
Messages For A Departing Co-Worker
• Best wishes for your new journey. All the best!
• Congratulations! I know you are going to excel in your new job role as well. Good Luck!
• During our time together as a team, I have learned some of the best business moves from you. Heartiest congratulations and all the best for the future.
• It was great knowing you as a manager and a friend. I wish you good luck for your new job. Congratulations!
• As a team, we will always remember you in our memories. Stay connected. Best wishes for the new job.
• Your new employer is truly lucky to have you on the team. You have been a great help and motivation in the team. Good luck for the future.
• Thank you for encouraging and supporting me over the years. You have been a mentor to me. I hope we’ll stay in touch. All the best!
• I am positive that you are going to be great at your new job as well. Let me know if I can help you in any manner. Let’s try and stay in touch. Congratulations and best wishes.
• I am sure that we would always stay in touch no matter where you work. It was a great experience. Good luck for the new job.
• It was a pleasure getting to know, working with you, and learning from you. I have truly enhanced my skills under your guidance. Congratulations on the new job. Good luck in the future.
• We are going to miss the best member of our team. You have always kept us motivated, and we hope you would continue to do so at your new job. Best wishes from the team.
• It was amazing to work with someone with a nice sense of humor. You kept us motivated. Thank you, and congratulations.
• Your guidance has affected me professionally. I feel I have been able to handle work more efficiently than I did when I joined the team. That’s all you! Thanks for the support. Best wishes for the future.
• You are my go-to person in the office. I would miss coming to you with my problems. I hope to stay in touch. Good luck in the future.
• Great leaders make a change wherever they go. I am sure you would be amazing at your new job. All the best.
Messages for coworkers when you are leaving
As the manager, you have influenced me a lot professionally. I have developed great work ethics and improved my knowledge working with you. I hope we will keep in touch. Thanks!
I appreciate that not only did you take me in your team but also helped me grow personally and professionally. You would always be a part of the success I have achieved.
I will miss working with you. Throughout my time in the company, you have been an amazing friend and mentor. I hope we will stay connected.
The reason why I enjoyed my time in this office is that I had a great team to work with. Here are my contact details. Let’s stay in touch.
As I am preparing for the next stage professionally, I would like to thank everyone. All of you have helped me grow professionally. Farewell!
I am thankful for the support and guidance I have received from you. It only helped in building my skills. Please stay in touch.
All through these years, you have been a teacher to me. It is because of you that I am able to progress in my career. You are amazing. Thank you!
Thank you for being the best team and the best work-family. You people are the catalyst in my success.
Keep up the amazing work! You guys were the best team. Stay connected!.
I loved every day of work because of you people. Thank you for your guidance and support.
I have learned to become so much better at what I do. You have been an amazing team. Best of luck for the future.
As I start a new journey, I would like to remind you that you played a key role in my success. Wishing you all the best for the future.
I may be moving on but I am not leaving the team. Let’s promise to stay connected and share updates.
Thank you for giving me a reliable friend in the workplace. Feel free to reach me anytime you have any issue.
Most of all, I will miss our brainstorming sessions. Let’s not stop this tradition. Stay connected. Good luck in the future.
Tips for bidding goodbye to a coworker
Here are some tips that would help you bid goodbye to your co-worker in the right manner:
Talk in Person
You can skip using a fancy way to say goodbye to the entire office if there are thousands of employees.
Keep It Short and Sweet
Don’t drag farewell messages. Just keep it short and simple. You don’t need to write 3 pages to explain how you hated the job just to thank everyone in the end. Most will not read it and the rest will get offended. Your future connections would be lost and relationships would become sour.
So, appreciate everyone even when you didn’t like the job. You need to remember everyone is just doing their job and you need to respect that.
Remember Old Times
One different way to say goodbye is to remember the good old days. You can quote special incidents when you have enjoyed your relationship with co-workers. You can tailor this message for a few important co-workers who are also a great friend.
Promise to Stay Connected
If you are finding a good way to say goodbye, let’s see some tips to write farewell messages:
Use the Right Subject Line
Before hitting send, work on the subject line. Make it right and light. For example, you don’t need to make it too formal but not too casual as well.
So, select a middle route and keep the subject line having words like thank you, moving on, keeping in touch, or bidding goodbye.
Show Gratitude
Hence, appreciate the fact that your co-workers were also doing their jobs. So, a good way to say goodbye is to say something nice and end with let’s keep in touch.
Here, you can mention the time you have worked with the organization. This will improve the impact of your goodbye message. You can also talk about adventure, journey, etc.
Talk About The Next Chapter
Avoid comparing your new workplace with the old one. This will only make everyone feel bad and you would sound disrespectful.
Say Something for the Future
Say something nice about the future. Maybe you can end with saying how you would like to stay in touch with everyone and meet occasionally.
Here’s an example of a good way to say goodbye
Subject: Thank You! I am bidding goodbye.
Dear Team,
As this is my last day in the office, I would like to take a moment to appreciate the support and guidance I have received in the company.
In these 3 years, I have enjoyed work, received new opportunities, and grown as a person. I have worked on various group projects and I seriously don’t regret even a single minute of collaborating with you amazing people. I would like to thank you for helping me grow and guiding me when I was not able to move in the right direction.
Thanks again!
Best regards,
John
Samples Farewell Messages For A Retiring Co-Worker
• It is hard to say goodbye to a co-worker who is also a dear friend. I wish all the good luck for your life head. Stay happy and healthy.
• I would miss the way we used to collaborate during work. You are amazing. All the best for the future!
• You made this team. We would always appreciate the work you have done. You are and will always be a mentor to us.
• Even after your retirement, you will still have your team. Stay connected with us.
• It was my privilege to work with you and learn from you. Good luck in the future.
Conclusion
If you are leaving the organization or a coworker is retiring, it’s a good idea to say goodbye in the right manner This farewell note presents the perfect opportunity to stay connected and reach out for future endeavors. If you are not sure how you can bid goodbye, check the above data, explore some amazing methods, see various examples, and write that farewell message. Don’t forget to leave your contact details in the message to stay in touch!