What to write in a new job card

A new job card is usually also a goodbye card, and the two pull in different directions. Lead with the new thing — that is what they are nervous and excited about — and let the missing-you line come second and short. If they are a colleague, one specific thing they were good at will outlast anything general you could say.

Warm

Friendly, unfussy, safe with almost anybody.

• Congratulations! Go get them.
• Great news — they have no idea how lucky they are.
• Congratulations on the new job. Enjoy the first-day nerves; they mean it matters.
• Well done you. Onwards.
• Congratulations. New desk, same excellent you.

Funny

A joke with affection behind it. Read the room first.

• Congratulations. New job, new printer that doesn’t work.
• Good luck. Remember us when you’re important.
• Congratulations on escaping. Send help.
• New job! Try to last longer than the probation period this time.
• Congratulations. May your new colleagues be as tolerable as we were.

Heartfelt

For the people you would actually say this to out loud.

• Congratulations. You’ve wanted this for a while, and you’ve earned it.
• They are getting someone who works hard and is kind about it. Lucky them.
• I’ll miss having you here. I’m also delighted for you. Both are true.
• Congratulations — go and be brilliant somewhere new.
• You made this place better. Go do it again over there.

Simple

When short is the right answer, and it often is.

• Congratulations on the new job!
• Good luck in the new role.
• So pleased for you — congratulations.
• Well done. Go get them.
• Congratulations and good luck.

What to avoid

• Don’t joke about them hating the new place before they’ve started.
• Don’t make the whole card about how much you’ll miss them. Two sentences at most.
• Don’t mention the salary, even to congratulate them on it.
• Don’t say “about time you got out of here” if other colleagues will read it.