Five messages for when a contact, or you, changes jobs

Congratulate them in a sentence, mention something specific from their old role or the new one, and ask for nothing in the same message. A useful offer can follow once they have settled.

A job change is a good reason to write to someone you have not spoken to in a while. Congratulate them, show you remember what they did before, and keep the request out of it. If you are the one who moved, tell the people who helped you before they hear it elsewhere. Each message is complete as written.

Five messages for a new role

A one liner, for a quick congratulation

Fits a contact you know a little.

Noor, congratulations on the move to Wadi Sakina Resorts. They are lucky to have you.

A three sentence note that shows you remember

Fits someone whose old role you know well.

Benedikt, I saw that you have taken over as Head of Fleet at Nordlys Shipping, and congratulations. The last time we spoke you were weighing a crew training contract, so this feels like the right next step. I hope the early months go well, and I would be glad to hear how you find it.

One with a concrete offer

Fits a contact who will be building something new in the role.

Daria, congratulations on the new role at Signal Hill Media. In case it helps while you settle in, here is one offer.

I can introduce you to Salma Qattan, who runs cold chain for food importers in the Gulf and could speak to the trade routes you cover. Say the word and I will write to you both.

One for a warmer relationship, when you are the one who moved

Fits a mentor or a close contact; send it before the public announcement.

Tariq, some news before you hear it elsewhere: I am starting a new role next month, and I will send the details once it is announced. You are one of the people who made me think harder about charter disputes work, so I wanted you to hear it from me. Lunch when we are next in the same city?

One in a more formal register

Fits a client or a senior contact who has been promoted.

Dear Mr Pillai,

Please accept my congratulations on your appointment as Director of Procurement at Kavach Pharma Distribution. I enjoyed our conversation at the supply chain panel in Riyadh, and I look forward to continuing it in your new role.

Should it be helpful, I would be glad to brief your team on cold chain audits at a time of your choosing.

With kind regards,

What to leave out

• A pitch in the congratulation. Wait until they have settled in.
• A question that needs research to answer.
• Anything you read in an announcement that they did not say themselves, unless it is good news.

Where Marrow fits

Marrow does not watch for job changes. When someone moves, edit their role and company in the person’s editor. Ask for a draft and Marrow writes one from what you have told it, marked not sent. You send it yourself, because Marrow does not send messages on your behalf. Marrow is in Beta.

Related

• Follow up message templates
• Checking in without asking for anything
• Messages after a long silence
• A keep in touch cadence that works

Last updated 10 October 2026.