Job Loss Condolence Email Message Examples

E-Mail Notification On Laptop Screen
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When someone you know has lost their job, it can be both helpful and supportive for you to offer your condolences, as well as any assistance you might be able to provide during the pending changes in their career. Acknowledging their loss doesn’t need to be awkward.

Job loss happens to many people during the course of their careers, whether they are fired or laid off, or because of work performance, organizational restructuring, or other reasons.

This doesn’t mean that losing one’s job doesn’t sting—it does, especially if it was unanticipated. However, being forced to refocus one’s career trajectory can ultimately be a positive step, leading to new and better professional opportunities.

Good condolence letters should strike a balance between sympathy for the job loss and optimism for the future.

While you should acknowledge the stress the recipient is under, it’s also important to be encouraging and express your belief that things happen for a reason and that exciting new opportunities lie ahead.

In order to maintain a positive tone, you don’t need to address the cause of their termination when you offer your support—that’s in the past. Instead, focus on encouragement and on offering practical assistance, with an eye on the future.

What to Include in Your Message

When writing a job loss condolence letter, you don't need to go into details about how the person lost their job (e.g., if they were fired or laid off). You can simply mention that you are supportive, you care about the person, and that you’d like to offer to help them.

If you aren't able to help with a job search or a reference, simply state how sorry you are to hear the news and let the person know you're available if they would like to talk. Here are some tips for writing a job loss condolence message.

Offer Networking Help

If you can provide networking contacts to help your friend or colleague with their new job search, do so. It will be especially valuable to people who have had the same job for many years and haven't actively maintained a professional network.

Offer, in your message, to introduce the person who has lost his or her job to your LinkedIn connections. If they aren’t familiar with LinkedIn, you can offer to help them sign up, write a profile summary, request LinkedIn recommendations, and use LinkedIn endorsements.

Provide a Reference

If you're familiar with the person in a work-related capacity and can endorse them, offer to provide a professional reference. Otherwise, offer to give them a personal reference.

Review a Resume or Cover Letter

It's always helpful to have another pair of eyes to review your resume. You don't need to be a professional resume writer to proofread a resume or cover letter. So, offering to review a resume or cover letter is a great way to offer help.

Provide Job Referrals

Let your unemployed friend, family member, or colleague know that you will keep them in mind if you come across relevant job listings. Offer to send listings that might be an appropriate fit for their experience and qualifications.

Ask How You Can Help

Sometimes, you might be surprised at how much a small gesture can mean to someone who is unemployed.

Ask what they need—it could be something as basic as a walk in the park, a cup of coffee or lunch, or a phone conversation.

Most importantly, offer to be there for the unemployed person. When you're out of work and trying to navigate a difficult job market, just knowing that you have support can make a big difference.

Job Loss Condolence Email Message Examples

Here are examples of job loss condolence email messages to send when someone has been fired or terminated from employment. Also see below for tips on what (and what not) to include in your email.

Job Loss Condolence Email Message Sample #1

Subject Line: Hello from Your Name

Dear Firstname,

Jane Doe informed me that your employment at XYZ Company was terminated. It is very unfortunate news, and I wanted to see how I could help you during this difficult transition.

If you're available for lunch this week, I'd welcome the opportunity to chat with you to see how I can help as you begin the next phase of your career.

I am available via phone in the evening or email anytime as well.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Your Name
yourname@email.com
111-222-3456

Job Loss Condolence Message Sample #2

Subject Line: Regards from Your Name

Dear Firstname,

I was recently informed that you are no longer employed at ABC Enterprises. I am sorry to hear that you will be leaving the company.

If you need any assistance, there are several people that I can put you in touch with regarding open positions at some companies I think you would be a good fit for.

I’d be delighted to meet for coffee to discuss or feel free to contact me via phone or email.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,

Your Name
yourname@email.com
111-222-3456

Job Loss Condolence Letter Sample #3

Subject Line: Hello from Your Name

Dear Firstname,

Jim Smith let me know this morning that you will no longer be working at ABC Company. It is unexpected news, and I’m so sorry to hear it.

If I can be of any assistance as you go through this transition, please let me know. I’m available anytime via phone or email. You have my best wishes as you move into the next phase of your career.

Regards,

Your Name
yourname@email.com
111-222-3456