Offer Sympathy For the Loss of a Job • Example Letters, Guides and Samples
Guides
A letter offering sympathy for the loss of a job respectfully acknowledges the reader's misfortune while offering comfort and support. Be brief and sincere as you write a message reaffirming your faith in the individual's ability to cope.
How to write this sympathy letter:
- Express your sympathy briefly
- Sympathize with your reader's loss, yet focus on the temporary nature of the setback.
- Offer further sympathy and support.
Example Letter #1
Just a note to express my sympathy at the loss of your job. I understand how challenging it is when something like this happens, but considering your skills, I am sure this is just a temporary setback. It shouldn't be long before you are "back in the saddle." In the meantime I am enclosing a job listing from the Doe Temporary Service in Lincoln that may be of interest to you.
Example Letter #2
It's difficult to believe that Doe Corporation is laying you off. Obviously, the management doesn't recognize a vital resource while she is under their own roof. When I lost my job, it seemed like the world, but things quickly turned around. I am confident that this layoff will merely be an opportunity to prove your resourcefulness, and you will land a good job in no time. If you would like to offer your services to my firm, please forward your resume and I will give it to the partners. Regardless of your decision, please call me soon, and we can arrange lunch sometime.
Example Letter #3
I was sorry to hear that you were one of the many who were laid off during this terrible recession. But, now that you are free to seek other employment, perhaps this is the time to seriously consider the career that you have always wanted in the travel industry. If you want to explore this option, contact an associate of mine named John Doe at 555-5555. He should be able to give you a few leads to get started. Give me a call if I can help.
Example Letter #4
I am sorry to hear that you lost your position in the company's downsizing. I know it is difficult to lose a job. It seems that no matter how we plan, there are some things that are beyond our control. I will be happy to give you a letter of reference and will let you know if I hear of any jobs. Good luck.
Write Your Letter Step-by-Step
1 Express your sympathy briefly
Sample Sentences for Step 1
- We were very sorry to hear of the layoffs at Doe Corporation.
- I am sorry to hear that you were caught in a surprise layoff.
- Losing one's job is never easy, but if it makes you feel any better, remember that Lee Iacocca was fired by Ford, and Ronald Reagan by Warner Brothers.
- Saying goodbye to someone I have worked alongside of these many years is unsettling, to say the least.
- I am sure you must have mixed feelings over Doe Corporation's layoffs. It's never easy to lose one's job, yet I know you were not completely happy with your position or your supervisor.
- As my father often said, "Don't let the turkeys get you down," especially when they are disguised in a shirt and tie!
Sample Phrases for Step 1
- are very concerned
- backlash of the economic downturn
- caught in a surprise layoff
- hard to believe that
- hard to say goodbye
- is very unsettling news
- let you know how sorry we are
- losing one's job is never easy
- most unwelcome news
- never easy to lose one's job
- only just heard that
- person of your caliber
- seems very unfair that
- so sorry to hear of your
- sorry you were caught by
- unexpected change in your situation
- very discouraging experience
- very sorry to hear of
- was distressed to hear about
- was surprised to learn
- were aware of the layoffs but
2 Sympathize with your reader's loss, yet focus on the temporary nature of the setback.
Sample Sentences for Step 2
- The timing of these layoffs is unfortunate, yet with your education and credentials I am sure you will find another good job in a short time.
- You are too talented to be out for long, so call the job hotlines, send your resume, and pound the pavement for some interviews.
- Just as others have been fired and recovered, you too will go on to accomplish great things in your professional life.
- I have no doubt that with your excellent qualifications, you will soon find yourself focusing on another position with great possibilities.
- Look on the bright side. Now you will have the opportunity to pursue other employment opportunities.
- You are too talented to let this one bad experience get you down, John. From my experience, individuals with your creative genius are always in demand.
Sample Phrases for Step 2
- another good job in no time
- chances seem good
- change can be very unsettling
- company overreacted to a down business cycle
- don't let it get you down
- get your confidence back
- individuals with your creative genius
- keep your chin up
- know you were unhappy in your position
- look for other employment
- make the most of your time
- mixed feelings about this
- now you have the incentive to
- one bad experience
- people like you will always be in demand
- pursue other employment opportunities
- soon find a new position
- the timing is unfortunate
- too talented to be out for long
- will be pounding the pavement for interviews
- will be able to rebound from this
- will go on to accomplish great things
- will have the opportunity to pursue
- with your education and credentials
3 Offer further sympathy and support.
Sample Sentences for Step 3
- Keep your chin up and let us know how we can help to you.
- I will tell the staff at work to keep their eyes and ears open for you.
- Why don't you send me a copy of your resume and I will help you update it.
- I have taken the liberty of mentioning you to John Doe of Doe Corporation since you had shown interest in his company's networking technologies. He asked that you contact him as soon as you are ready to consider another position.
- I have a number of suggestions about companies you ought to check out while you have the time to interview. Just give me a call at your convenience.
- Let me know how I can best assist you in your job hunt. And don't forget, we are all rooting for you!
Sample Phrases for Step 3
- are all rooting for you
- be happy to give you some suggestions
- companies you ought to check out
- don't hesitate to
- help you update your resume
- help you get your resume out
- how I can best assist you
- if there is anything further I can do
- keep your chin up
- keep our eyes and ears open
- let me know how
- make the most of your time off
- may want to apply at
- mentioned your name to
- opportunity to branch out
- please feel free to
- send me a copy of your resume
- sending your resume to
- taken the liberty of
- told some friends about you
- would like you to contact them
- your excellent qualifications
