Every professional goodbye carries weight. Whether you’re wrapping up a project, walking out on your last day, or handing off a client relationship, the words you choose shape how people remember you. “It was great working with you” is the most common way professionals close that chapter, but saying it well is what separates a forgettable goodbye from one that strengthens your network for years check more here : 300+ Dirty Paragraphs for Him That Actually Work
This guide gives you everything in one place: the meaning behind the phrase, the psychology of why we say it, 150+ ready-to-use messages sorted by relationship and situation, the best replies for every scenario, stronger alternatives, channel-specific templates, and the mistakes that make your farewell fall flat.
What Does “It Was Great Working With You” Actually Mean?
Before you send a farewell message, it helps to understand what this phrase actually communicates, and what the person on the other end hears when they read it.
Literal Meaning vs Emotional Subtext
On the surface, “it was great working with you” is a simple statement of positive experience. You worked together. It went well. You’re acknowledging that.
But in professional communication, every farewell carries a second layer. When someone says “it was great working with you,” they’re really saying three things at once: I valued your contribution, I want to leave on good terms, and I’m signaling that this chapter is closing. The phrase serves as both a compliment and a soft boundary. It honors the relationship while gently marking an ending.
This dual function is exactly why the phrase is so popular. It does emotional work without requiring emotional vulnerability.
Why This Phrase Feels Safe (The Psychology of Workplace Goodbyes)
Workplace goodbyes are psychologically tricky. You want to express appreciation without overcommitting. You want warmth without awkwardness. You want to be remembered positively without being melodramatic.
“It was great working with you” solves all of these tensions at once. Psychologically, it functions as what communication researchers call a “face-saving” statement. It protects both parties. The sender doesn’t risk being too emotional. The receiver doesn’t feel pressured to reciprocate at a level they’re uncomfortable with.
This is why the phrase shows up everywhere from farewell emails to LinkedIn messages to last-day Slack posts. It’s emotionally calibrated to fit almost any professional relationship.
When It’s Genuine vs When It’s Just Polite
Here’s the truth: sometimes “it was great working with you” is deeply felt, and sometimes it’s professional autopilot. The difference usually shows up in the details.
A genuine version names something specific: “It was great working with you on the Henderson launch. Your ability to calm the client during that scope change saved the project.” A polite-but-generic version stays vague: “It was great working with you. Best of luck!”
Both are fine. Both serve a purpose. But if you want your message to actually land, specificity is what turns a standard farewell into something the person remembers. We’ll cover exactly how to do that in the writing section below.
When to Say “It Was Great Working With You” (7 Situations)
Timing matters almost as much as wording. Here are the seven most common situations where this phrase fits naturally, along with what to keep in mind for each.
End of a Project or Contract
This is the most straightforward use case. A project wraps, a contract closes, and you want to acknowledge the collaboration before everyone moves on. The key here is speed. Send your message within 24 to 48 hours of the project closing. Waiting a week makes it feel like an afterthought.
Your Last Day at a Job
Your last day is when farewell messages matter most. This is the goodbye people will remember, and it’s the one most likely to shape whether they’d work with you again, refer you, or write you a recommendation. Keep it warm but not overly sentimental. Your coworkers are still working tomorrow; don’t make them feel like they’re attending a funeral.
After a Team Restructure or Internal Transfer
Internal moves are emotionally different from departures. You’re not leaving the company. You’re leaving the team. The message should acknowledge what the team accomplished together while expressing genuine enthusiasm for what comes next, without making anyone feel like you’re glad to be leaving them.
After a Client Engagement Wraps Up
Client farewells serve a double purpose: they close the current engagement gracefully and they keep the door open for future work. This is where “it was a great opportunity to work with you” carries extra weight because it subtly signals that you’d welcome a repeat engagement.
During a Layoff or Org Change (Sensitive Exits)
This is the hardest context for a farewell message. When someone is being laid off, or when you’re the one being let go, the emotional dynamics shift completely. The message needs to be respectful, brief, and free of any language that could feel dismissive of the situation. Avoid phrases like “everything happens for a reason” or “this is probably for the best.” Instead, keep it simple: acknowledge the work you did together, express genuine appreciation, and offer to stay connected.
Retirement Farewells
Retirement farewells carry more emotional weight than typical departures. Someone is closing out an entire career, not just a role. Your message should reflect that scale. Reference specific contributions, long-term impact, and the legacy they’re leaving behind. This is the one situation where a longer, more detailed message is not just appropriate but expected.
After a Short Collaboration or Interview
Even brief interactions deserve a professional close. If you collaborated on a short sprint, served on a panel together, or went through an interview process, a quick “it was great working with you” note shows professionalism and keeps your network growing. These messages should be short, two to three sentences maximum.
How to Write a Message That Actually Lands
Most farewell messages are forgettable because they follow the same formula: generic praise plus generic well-wishes. Here’s a four-part framework that makes your message stand out every time.
Name the Specific Project or Moment (Not Just “Working Together”)
The single biggest upgrade you can make to any farewell message is replacing “working with you” with a specific reference. Compare these two versions:
Generic: “It was great working with you. Good luck with everything!”
Specific: “It was great working with you on the Q3 migration. The way you handled the data integrity issues during week two saved us at least a month of rework.”
The second version takes ten extra seconds to write and is ten times more memorable. The person reading it feels genuinely seen, not just politely dismissed.
Tie It to Impact (“You Helped Us Hit X” > “You Were Great”)
Complimenting someone’s character is nice. Complimenting their impact is powerful. Instead of saying “you were great to work with,” say “your contribution directly helped us hit our launch deadline” or “your research changed how the entire team approached the problem.”
Impact-focused language does two things: it makes the person feel valued for what they actually did, and it positions your message as a professional endorsement rather than just a social nicety.
Match Tone to Relationship (Boss vs Peer vs Client)
A message to your manager should sound different from a message to a peer, which should sound different from a message to a client. The content can overlap, but the tone should shift.
For a boss or manager, lean toward gratitude and growth: “Thank you for pushing me to take on the product lead role. That experience changed my career trajectory.”
For a peer, lean toward camaraderie and mutual respect: “Working alongside you on the sprint team was one of the highlights of my time here.”
For a client, lean toward professionalism and future value: “It was a great experience working with you on this engagement. I’d welcome the chance to collaborate again.”
Always Include a Next Step (Connect, Reference, Future Work)
A farewell message without a next step is a dead end. Always close with something actionable: a LinkedIn connection request, an offer to stay in touch, an invitation to grab coffee, or a reference offer. This turns a goodbye into a relationship maintenance moment.
Messages for Coworkers (30+)
Peer-to-Peer (Same Team)
- “It was great working with you on this team. Your energy during crunch weeks kept all of us going. Let’s definitely stay in touch.”
- “Working alongside you has been one of the best parts of this role. I’ll miss our brainstorming sessions, but I know we’ll cross paths again.”
- “I wanted to say that it was a great experience working with you these past two years. You made even the tough sprints feel manageable. Wishing you nothing but good things.”
- “It’s hard to leave a team that works this well together. Thanks for being someone I could always count on. Let’s connect on LinkedIn and keep the conversation going.”
- “You’re the kind of teammate who makes everyone around them better. It was great working with you, and I genuinely mean that. Don’t be a stranger.”
- “I learned more from sitting next to you for a year than I did in most of my training. Thanks for always being generous with your knowledge.”
- “Our late-night debugging sessions will go down as some of my favorite work memories. Thanks for being a fantastic collaborator and an even better friend.”
- “Thanks for making this team feel like more than just a group of people assigned to the same project. It was great working with you.”
- “You’ve got a rare ability to keep things calm when everything’s on fire. I’ve admired that since day one. Wishing you all the best.”
- “This team won’t be the same without you, and I mean that as the highest compliment. It was truly great working with you.”
Cross-Functional Collaborators
- “Even though we sat on different teams, some of my best collaboration happened with you. It was great working with you on the integration project.”
- “Cross-functional work can be messy, but you made it seamless. Thanks for always being responsive, flexible, and easy to work with.”
- “I appreciated how you always made time for our team’s requests even when your own plate was full. That kind of generosity is rare.”
- “Working across departments is only as good as the people involved, and you made every interaction productive. It was great partnering with you.”
- “Our collaboration on the product-engineering handoff was some of the smoothest cross-team work I’ve been part of. Thanks for making that happen.”
Remote or Async Teammates
- “We never shared an office, but I always felt like we were in sync. It was great working with you across time zones. Your communication style made remote work feel effortless.”
- “Your Slack messages were always clear, your documentation was always thorough, and your video calls were always productive. That’s a rare combination, and it made working with you a genuinely great experience.”
- “Even though we only met in person twice, I feel like we built something real. Thanks for being an outstanding remote collaborator.”
- “It was great working with you on the async side of things. Your detailed updates and proactive communication made distance irrelevant.”
- “Working remotely means you have to trust your teammates more than usual. You made that trust effortless. Wishing you the best in whatever comes next.”
Group Messages to the Whole Team
- “To the whole team: it was great working with each of you. This group accomplished things that none of us could have done alone, and I’m grateful I got to be part of it.”
- “I don’t think I’ll find another team that balances hard work and good humor the way this one does. Thanks for an incredible run.”
- “Leaving this team is bittersweet. The work was challenging, the people were exceptional, and the results speak for themselves. I’m proud of what we built together.”
- “To everyone on this team: thank you for making the last 18 months some of the most rewarding of my career. I’ll carry what I learned here into everything I do next.”
- “This team set a standard for what collaboration should look like. I’m a better professional because of the time I spent working with all of you.”
- “Quick note to the group: it was great working with you all. I’ll miss the Monday standups, the Friday celebrations, and everything in between.”
- “This isn’t goodbye forever. It’s just the end of one chapter. Thanks for making it a chapter worth remembering.”
- “I’m proud to have been part of this team. You all challenged me, supported me, and made me better at what I do. Thank you.”
- “To the team: I’ve been in a lot of work environments, and this one stands out. The culture you’ve built here is special. Don’t lose it.”
- “Every team I join from here on out will be compared to this one. Thanks for setting the bar so high.”
Messages for Your Boss or Manager (20+)
Thanking Them for Growth and Mentorship
- “Thank you for being the kind of leader who invests in people, not just projects. It was great working with you, and the growth I experienced under your management will stay with me for the rest of my career.”
- “You challenged me in ways I didn’t expect, and I’m a stronger professional because of it. Thank you for seeing potential in me before I saw it myself.”
- “The best managers teach you how to think, not just what to do. You did that consistently, and I’m grateful for every conversation we had.”
- “I came into this role with ambition and left with skills, and that’s a direct result of your leadership. Thank you for everything.”
- “Your feedback was always direct, always constructive, and always delivered with respect. That’s rarer than you might think, and I valued it deeply.”
- “Thank you for creating an environment where it was safe to take risks, make mistakes, and grow from both. It was a great opportunity to work with you.”
When You’re Leaving on Great Terms
- “Leaving this team is one of the hardest professional decisions I’ve made, and that says everything about the environment you’ve created. Thank you for an exceptional experience.”
- “I’m excited about what’s next, but I want you to know that this role, this team, and your leadership are a big part of why I’m ready for it. Thank you.”
- “I want to be direct: you’re one of the best managers I’ve worked with. Thank you for your support, your advocacy, and your trust. It was great working with you.”
- “I’m not just saying this because it’s my last day. You genuinely made this one of the best work experiences I’ve had. Thank you for everything.”
- “The culture you built on this team is something I’ll try to replicate wherever I go. That’s the highest compliment I can give.”
When You Want to Ask for a Reference
- “It was great working with you, and I learned an enormous amount under your leadership. As I move forward in my career, would you be open to serving as a reference? Your perspective would carry a lot of weight.”
- “Thank you for two incredible years of mentorship and support. I’d be honored if I could list you as a professional reference as I explore new opportunities. Please let me know if you’re comfortable with that.”
- “Your leadership shaped my approach to project management in ways I use every day. If you’re open to it, I’d love to include you as a reference. Either way, thank you for everything.”
- “I valued our working relationship deeply, and I think your insight into my growth would be meaningful to future employers. Would you be willing to be a reference for me?”
Messages for Direct Reports or Junior Colleagues (15+)
Encouraging Farewells That Build Confidence
- “It was great working with you, and I want you to know something: you’re ready for more than you think. The work you did on this team proved that over and over again.”
- “Watching you grow from someone who was nervous about presenting to someone who commands a room has been one of the highlights of my time here. Keep pushing.”
- “You brought a perspective to this team that nobody else could have. Don’t underestimate how valuable that is. It was truly great working with you.”
- “The questions you asked in meetings weren’t just good. They were the kind that changed how the rest of us thought about the problem. Keep asking them.”
- “I’m leaving this team knowing it’s in good hands because you’re on it. That’s not flattery. That’s what I’ve seen from your work.”
Recognition for Contributions
- “Your work on the analytics dashboard didn’t just meet the brief. It set a new standard for the team. I hope you’re proud of that, because you should be.”
- “I want to specifically call out the work you did during the product launch. Your attention to detail caught issues that would have cost us weeks. That contribution mattered.”
- “The client feedback we received on your deliverables was some of the best I’ve seen in five years of managing this account. That’s your achievement.”
- “You consistently delivered work that required zero revision. In this industry, that’s remarkable. Thank you for setting that standard.”
- “I want to make sure you hear this directly from me: your contribution to this team’s success was significant, visible, and appreciated. It was great working with you.”
“Keep in Touch” and Career Support Lines
- “Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever need advice, a sounding board, or a reference. I mean that sincerely. Your career is going places, and I’d be happy to support it however I can.”
- “I’ll be watching your career with genuine interest. You’ve got the talent and the drive to do exceptional things. Stay in touch.”
- “If there’s ever anything I can do to support your next move, whether it’s a recommendation, an introduction, or just a conversation, I’m here. It was great working with you.”
- “You’re early in your career, but you’re already operating at a level that impresses people with twice your experience. Keep that trajectory going, and let me know how I can help.”
- “It was great working with you. As you grow in your career, remember: the work ethic you showed here isn’t common. It’s a competitive advantage. Use it.”
Messages for Clients, Vendors, and Partners (20+)
Client Wrap-Up Notes
- “It was great working with you on this engagement. Your team’s clarity on objectives and responsiveness throughout the process made this one of our smoothest projects. I hope we get the chance to collaborate again.”
- “Thank you for trusting us with this project. It was a great experience working with you and your team, and I’m proud of the results we delivered together.”
- “As we close out this phase, I wanted to say how much I appreciated the partnership. Your feedback was always timely and constructive, which made the final product stronger. It was great working with you.”
- “Working with a client who’s as invested in the outcome as your team was makes all the difference. Thank you for an outstanding collaboration.”
- “I wanted to personally thank you for the opportunity to work on this project. The results exceeded expectations, and that’s a reflection of the partnership we built. It was great working with you.”
Partnership Closure Messages
- “Our partnership over the last 18 months produced results that neither of our teams could have achieved alone. It was great working with you, and I hope this is just the first chapter.”
- “Thank you for being the kind of partner who brings solutions, not just problems. That made our collaboration productive and, frankly, enjoyable. Wishing your team continued success.”
- “As we wrap this partnership, I want to acknowledge the trust and transparency that defined our working relationship. Those aren’t things you can manufacture, and I valued them deeply.”
- “It was great working with you and your organization. The alignment between our teams was something I don’t take for granted, and I hope we can maintain that connection going forward.”
- “Partnerships work when both sides are equally committed to the outcome. You delivered on that commitment every step of the way. Thank you.”
Asking for a Testimonial or Referral (Tactfully)
- “It was great working with you, and I was thrilled with the results we achieved together. If you felt the same way, would you be open to sharing a brief testimonial about your experience? It would mean a great deal to our team.”
- “As we wrap up this project, I wanted to thank you for an exceptional collaboration. If you know anyone facing similar challenges, I’d be grateful for an introduction. Either way, it was a privilege working with you.”
- “I don’t ask this often, but given how well our engagement went, would you be comfortable leaving a short review or recommendation? Your perspective would carry significant weight, and I’d really appreciate it.”
- “Thank you for a wonderful partnership. If our work together met your expectations, we’d be honored if you’d consider referring us to colleagues who might benefit from similar support.”
Future Collaboration Invitations
- “It was great working with you, and I’d genuinely welcome the opportunity to collaborate again. If future needs arise on your end, please don’t hesitate to reach out.”
- “This engagement showed what’s possible when the right teams come together. I’d love to explore future opportunities with your organization whenever the timing is right.”
- “Our working relationship produced strong results, and I believe there’s more we could accomplish together. Let’s keep the conversation open for future projects.”
- “Thank you for a fantastic collaboration. As your needs evolve, I’d be glad to explore how we might work together again. It was genuinely great working with you.”
- “I’m confident this won’t be the last time our paths cross professionally. Thank you for an outstanding engagement, and please keep us in mind for future initiatives.”
- “It was a great opportunity to work with you on this project. I hope it’s the beginning of a longer relationship. Looking forward to what we might build next.”
How to Reply When Someone Says “It Was Great Working With You” (25+)
Knowing how to respond to “it was great working with you” is just as important as knowing how to say it. Your reply shapes whether the relationship continues or quietly fades. Here are replies for every situation.
Professional Replies
- “Thank you. The feeling is entirely mutual. Working with you was a genuinely positive experience, and I appreciate everything you contributed.”
- “That means a lot coming from you. I valued our collaboration and learned a great deal from the way you approach your work.”
- “Thank you for saying that. It was equally great working with you, and I’m proud of what we accomplished together.”
- “I appreciate you taking the time to say that. The respect is mutual, and I wish you every success going forward.”
- “Thank you. Working with you was a highlight of this project, and I hope our paths cross again professionally.”
- “That’s very kind of you. I felt the same way about our collaboration. Wishing you all the best in your next chapter.”
Warm Replies That Still Sound Polished
- “Right back at you! Seriously though, working with you was one of the best parts of this role. I’ll miss our dynamic.”
- “Same here, and I’m not just saying that because you said it first. You genuinely made this experience better. Thank you.”
- “You just made my day. I felt the same way every time we collaborated, and I’m grateful for the experience.”
- “I was about to say the same thing to you! It really was a great experience working together, and I hope we get to do it again.”
- “Thank you. That means more than you know. You’re one of those people who makes work feel less like work.”
- “The feeling is absolutely mutual. You brought out the best in this team, and I’m a better professional for having worked alongside you.”
Replies That Keep the Door Open
- “Thank you! It was great working with you too. Let’s definitely stay connected. I’d love to grab coffee sometime and catch up.”
- “Same here. I’m going to send you a LinkedIn request because I want to make sure we don’t lose touch. People like you are rare.”
- “I really appreciate that. Let’s not let this be the end of our connection. I’d welcome the chance to collaborate again in the future.”
- “Thank you so much. I’m adding you to my ‘people I actually want to stay in touch with’ list. Let’s make that happen.”
- “That means a lot. I’ll send you my personal email so we can keep the conversation going. I have a feeling we’ll work together again.”
- “The feeling is mutual, and I don’t say that lightly. Let’s stay in touch. Good working relationships are worth maintaining.”
What to Say When You Don’t Want Future Contact
Sometimes someone says “it was great working with you” and you don’t want to continue the relationship. That’s perfectly fine. The goal is to be polite, final, and not leave a door open.
- “Thank you, I appreciate that. Wishing you all the best going forward.”
- “That’s very kind. Best of luck with everything ahead.”
- “Thank you for saying that. I wish you success in your next endeavor.”
- “I appreciate the kind words. Wishing you well.”
- “Thank you. It was a good experience. All the best to you.”
Notice what these replies don’t include: no “let’s stay in touch,” no LinkedIn offers, no future meeting suggestions. They’re warm, final, and complete. The absence of a next step is the signal.
20 Better Alternatives to “It Was Great Working With You”
If you’re looking for how to say “it was great working with you” in different ways, here are 20 alternatives organized by context so you can pick the right one instantly.
Formal Alternatives (Emails, LinkedIn, Letters)
- “I sincerely valued our professional collaboration.”
- “It was a privilege to work alongside you on this initiative.”
- “I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this project with you.”
- “It was a great opportunity to work with you, and I look forward to future engagement.”
- “I hold our working relationship in high regard and appreciate the experience we shared.”
Friendly Alternatives (Slack, In-Person, Casual Teams)
- “Loved working with you. Seriously, this team won’t be the same.”
- “You made this project way more fun than it had any right to be.”
- “I’m going to miss our work dynamic. You’re one of the good ones.”
- “This was hands down one of my favorite collaborations. Thanks for being awesome.”
- “Working with you didn’t feel like work, and that says everything.”
Impact-Focused Alternatives (Results and Growth Language)
- “Your leadership on this project drove results that exceeded every benchmark we set.”
- “Collaborating with you raised the quality of my own work. That’s the highest compliment I can give.”
- “The outcomes we achieved together speak for themselves. Thank you for your contribution.”
- “I grew significantly as a professional through our collaboration, and I credit your influence for a lot of that.”
- “The work we did together set a new standard for this department. That’s something to be proud of.”
Short Alternatives for Texts and Chat
- “Really enjoyed working together. Let’s stay connected.”
- “Genuinely great collab. All the best!”
- “You’re fantastic to work with. Don’t change.”
- “Pleasure working with you. Hope we cross paths again.”
- “Great working with you. Onwards!”
Channel-Specific Templates You Can Copy
Farewell Email (With Subject Line)
Subject line: Thank You — It Was Great Working With You
Hi [Name],
As I wrap up my time with [Company/Project], I wanted to reach out personally. It was great working with you, especially on [specific project or moment]. Your [specific skill or quality] made a real difference, and I’ll carry that experience with me.
I’d love to stay connected. You can reach me at [personal email] or find me on LinkedIn at [link]. I hope our paths cross again.
Wishing you continued success, [Your Name]
LinkedIn Message
Hi [Name],
Now that [project/role] is wrapping up, I wanted to say that it was great working with you. I particularly valued [specific contribution]. I’d love to stay connected here and keep the professional relationship going. Wishing you the best!
Slack or Teams Message
Hey [Name]! Quick note before I sign off: it was great working with you. You made [specific thing] so much smoother than it could have been. Let’s stay in touch — [personal email or LinkedIn]. All the best! 🙌
In-Person or Card Message
[Name], I wanted to say in person what I’d say in any email: it was great working with you. But honestly, that doesn’t cover it. You made this experience meaningful, and I’m grateful. Keep being excellent, and let’s not lose touch.
Reference Request Email
Subject line: Would You Be Open to Being a Reference?
Hi [Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to reach out because our time working together was genuinely formative for me, particularly [specific example]. As I explore new opportunities, your perspective on my work would carry significant weight.
Would you be comfortable serving as a professional reference? I’m happy to share details about the roles I’m pursuing so you have context.
Thank you for considering it, and thank you again for everything during our time together.
Best regards, [Your Name]
Common Mistakes That Make Your Message Fall Flat
Being Too Generic (“It Was Great!” with Zero Specifics)
“It was great working with you! Best of luck!” is the farewell equivalent of a participation trophy. It’s technically fine, but it tells the person nothing about what you actually valued. Add one specific detail, just one, and the entire message transforms.
Over-Praising or Sounding Performative
There’s a line between sincere appreciation and performance. “You are the most incredible, talented, inspiring person I have ever worked with in my entire career” reads as either insincere or uncomfortable, especially if your actual working relationship was cordial but not life-changing. Match the intensity of your message to the intensity of the relationship.
Forgetting Contact Info or a Connection Request
A farewell message without a way to stay in touch is a relationship that ends on the spot. Always include a personal email, a LinkedIn link, or an explicit invitation to connect. Don’t assume the person will take the initiative. Make it easy for them.
Wrong Tone During Layoffs or Difficult Exits
If someone has been laid off, don’t send a farewell message that reads like a celebration. Avoid “Congrats on your next chapter!” or “Exciting things ahead!” when the person didn’t choose to leave. Instead, lead with empathy: “I valued working with you, and I’m sorry about how this unfolded. I’d like to stay in touch and support however I can.”
Conclusion
Saying “it was great working with you” is one of the most common professional gestures, but doing it well is uncommon. The best farewell messages share three qualities: they’re specific about what you valued, they match the tone to the relationship, and they include a clear next step.
Whether you’re writing a farewell email, replying to a colleague’s goodbye, crafting a client wrap-up note, or searching for the right alternative phrase, the messages in this guide give you a ready-to-use foundation. Customize them with your own details, send them with genuine intent, and you’ll turn a routine goodbye into a lasting professional impression.
Your network is built one goodbye at a time. Make each one count.
FAQs
Is “It Was Great Working With You” Formal or Informal?
It sits right in the middle. “It was great working with you” works in both formal and casual contexts, which is precisely why it’s so widely used. For more formal settings like client emails or executive communication, you can elevate it to “it was a privilege working with you” or “I sincerely valued our collaboration.” For casual contexts like Slack or in-person goodbyes, the phrase works as-is or can be shortened to “really great working with you.”
Can I Say This to a Client or Only Coworkers?
You can absolutely say it to clients, and you should. Closing a client engagement without a personal note is a missed opportunity. The key difference is framing: with coworkers, the message is about shared experience; with clients, it should emphasize the partnership and subtly invite future work. For example, “It was great working with you on this project, and I’d welcome the opportunity to collaborate again.”
What’s a Better Phrase Than “It Was Great Working With You”?
The best alternative depends on what you want to emphasize. For impact: “Your contribution made a measurable difference.” For gratitude: “I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside you.” For warmth: “You made this experience genuinely enjoyable.” For formality: “I sincerely valued our professional collaboration.” The key is matching the alternative to the relationship and context.
How Do I Reply to “It Was Great Working With You” Professionally?
The simplest professional reply is: “Thank you. The feeling is entirely mutual. I valued our collaboration and wish you every success going forward.” If you want to keep the relationship active, add a next step: “Let’s stay connected on LinkedIn. I’d love to keep the conversation going.” If you prefer a clean close, keep it brief: “Thank you, I appreciate that. Wishing you all the best.”
Should I Send This Message on Email, LinkedIn, or Slack?
Use email for formal farewells, client wrap-ups, and reference requests. Use LinkedIn for professional connections you want to maintain long-term. Use Slack or Teams for quick, casual goodbyes to teammates you’ve worked with closely. The platform should match the formality and depth of the message. For important relationships, send the message on the primary platform you communicated through, then connect on LinkedIn as a secondary step.
How Do You Say “It Was Good Working With You” Differently?
You can express the same sentiment with phrases like “I truly enjoyed our collaboration,” “working with you was a rewarding experience,” or “I valued every moment of our partnership.” The goal is to move beyond generic phrasing and communicate something specific about what made the experience positive.
How Can I Express Gratitude Professionally?
Professional gratitude is most effective when it’s specific and impact-focused. Instead of “thank you for everything,” try “thank you for your guidance on the pricing strategy. Your insight directly shaped the outcome.” Pair the gratitude with a genuine compliment about a skill, quality, or contribution, and close with a forward-looking statement about staying connected or future collaboration.
What Is a More Professional Way to Say “Worked With”?
In professional writing, you can replace “worked with” with “collaborated with,” “partnered with,” “contributed alongside,” or “supported the efforts of.” For more formal contexts, consider “had the privilege of collaborating with” or “had the opportunity to partner with.” Choose the version that best reflects the nature of your working relationship.