Beyond the Exit Interview: Handwritten Send-Offs

Every year, businesses bring in short-term talent—summer interns, seasonal hires, freelancers, and contractors—who jump in, contribute quickly, and make a real difference. But when their time is up, how do you ensure their contributions don’t go unnoticed?

Beyond the exit interview, handwritten send-offs offer a meaningful way to show appreciation. These personal notes turn a simple goodbye into a lasting gesture—one that leaves a positive final impression and reinforces your company culture.

Digital goodbyes are easy. Handwritten ones are unforgettable.


Why Handwritten Send-Offs Go Beyond the Exit Interview

In a fast-paced, digital world, a handwritten note feels rare—and that’s exactly why it resonates. It’s tangible proof that someone took time to say, “You mattered here.”

Benefits of handwritten send-offs:

  • Personal Recognition – It’s not just another automated email.
  • Memorable Farewell – Notes often get saved or shared, unlike online messages.
  • Stronger Relationships – A thoughtful send-off leaves the door open for future connections.

📝 Pro Tip: Even if someone worked with your company for just a few weeks, a personalized note shows you noticed their efforts—and that matters.


What to Include in a Handwritten Send-Off

To move beyond the exit interview, your note doesn’t need to be long or poetic. Just sincere. Here’s a basic formula:

  • Thank them – Acknowledge their time and effort.
  • Share a detail – Call out something specific they did well.
  • Encourage them – Wish them success in their next chapter.
  • Keep the connection open – If it makes sense, invite future contact.

Handwrytten notes

Send-Off Examples Across Roles and Industries

Need inspiration? Here are examples for a range of roles and industries:

Retail Associate (Seasonal)
“Thank you for your great energy during the holiday rush! Your positive attitude made a difference for both the team and our customers. We’d love to see you again next season.”

Freelance Copywriter
“Your ability to turn complex ideas into clean, engaging content was such a win for us. Thanks for the creativity and fast turnarounds—we hope to work together again soon!”

Intern (Marketing)
“You jumped into every project with enthusiasm and curiosity. Your work on the campaign dashboard helped us track real-time results. Best of luck finishing school—we know you’ll do great things!”

Contract Nurse (Healthcare Facility)
“Thank you for the care and compassion you brought to our patients. You handled every shift with grace. It’s been a pleasure having you on the team.”

Warehouse Temp Staff
“We appreciated your reliability and hustle during peak season. Thanks for being a team player—we couldn’t have done it without you!”

📝 Pro Tip: Ask full-time staff to sign the card or jot a quick message. A group card adds warmth and makes the message feel like it came from the whole team—not just management.


Small Touches That Enhance the Send-Off

If you want to elevate your handwritten send-off even further, pair it with a simple gesture:

  • A $10 coffee shop gift card
  • A company notebook or branded swag
  • A team photo or funny memory
  • A recommendation for their next step (book, tool, connection)

📝 Pro Tip: Include a QR code linking to your company’s careers page or alumni group—this keeps the door open for future engagement.


How Handwrytten Simplifies the Send-Off Process

At Handwrytten, we specialize in bringing the personal feel of handwritten notes to scale. Our robots write in real pen and your chosen handwriting style—so every message feels authentic.

You draft it, we handwrite it, stamp it, and send it.

Features that make send-offs easier:

  • Hundreds of card designs and custom stationery
  • Handwriting styles that mimic real penmanship
  • Add-on gift cards, logos, or signatures
  • Integration with your CRM or HR platform

Whether you’re recognizing 2 or 200 departures, Handwrytten helps you go beyond the exit interview with ease.

📝 Pro Tip: Need to thank a large intern class or seasonal team? Use Handwrytten’s bulk send feature and automation tools to make the process quick—but still personal.


Turn Farewells Into Lasting Impressions

Beyond the exit interview, handwritten send-offs are your opportunity to leave a meaningful impression. They’re not just about wrapping up a summer internship—they’re about showing appreciation, reinforcing your brand values, and turning short-term team members into long-term ambassadors.

Ready to make your intern farewells more memorable and meaningful?

Visit handwrytten.com or email sales@handwrytten.com to get started.


Frequently Asked Questions

💬 When is the best time to send a handwritten send-off note?
Ideally, send it on their last day or the day after. This ensures your message lands while the experience is still fresh.

💬 Who should the note come from—HR or their direct manager?
Direct managers are best. A note from someone they worked with directly carries more meaning. Bonus points if leadership or teammates also chime in.

💬 What if I don’t know the person well?
Keep it simple. Thank them for their contribution and wish them well. Even a short note shows thoughtfulness.

💬 Can I automate this process for large teams?
Yes! With Handwrytten, you can bulk-send handwritten notes through integrations with tools like Zapier, Salesforce, and more.

💬 Should I include anything personal in the note?
Yes—if it’s appropriate. Mentioning a specific project, a positive quality, or an inside joke makes the message feel truly personal and genuine.

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Over 100 designs to choose from or design your own. Our online card customizer makes it simple.

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