You’re looking for a way to refer to a former coworker, but you’re unsure how to do it.
You might be tempted to use “former colleague,” but you’re also concerned it’s unprofessional or repetitive, right?
Fear not!
This article will teach you how to refer to an ex-colleague.
Is It Professional to Say “Former Colleague”?
It is professional to say “former colleague.”
You can use it when referring to anyone who used to work with you. It’s a decent choice that works well in most formal emails.
Also, you can use this variation:
- Former coworker
“Coworker” and “colleague” are interchangeable here.
However, we prefer using “colleague” when referring to someone who used to work with us (since “coworker” implies someone still works alongside us).
You should review this email sample to learn a bit more about it:
Dear Michael,
It’s so good to hear from a former colleague.
How have you been getting on in your new role?
Yours,
Thomas Shire
Pros
- It’s a simple yet effective way to refer to someone you used to work with.
- It keeps things professional.
Cons
- It’s impersonal, so it won’t work well if you know your former colleague well.
- It’s fairly generic.
There’s nothing wrong with using “former colleague” in your writing. However, if you still want to mix things up, it’s time to look into some alternative options!
So, keep reading to learn how to refer to a former colleague. We’ve gathered a list of interesting synonyms to help you branch out and see what works.
What to Say Instead of “Former Colleague”
- Previous associate
- Past coworker
- Ex-colleague
- Former team member
- Previous collaborator
- Prior workmate
- Previous partner
- Earlier comrade
- Former peer
1. Previous Associate
We recommend starting by using “previous associate” instead of “former colleague.”
This is a fantastic way to be formal and direct when talking about someone you used to work with.
For the most part, it gives off a more professional tone than “former colleague.”
Therefore, we highly recommend using it when talking about someone you used to work with in certain business contexts.
For instance, you can use it when writing a letter of recommendation.
It’s a good option that allows you to talk positively of someone you used to work with.
Feel free to review this sample email to learn more about it if you’re confused:
Dear Hiring Manager,
As far as previous associates go, it doesn’t get much better than Tyler.
He’s easily one of the best colleagues I’ve ever had the pleasure to work alongside.
Yours,
Thomas Bex
2. Past Coworker
For something simpler, we recommend writing “past coworker.” You really can’t go wrong with this since most people will understand what you’re trying to say.
Generally, this helps you to sound formal and direct.
It’s a good option that suggests you once worked with someone, but they’ve since moved away.
You may want to use this when talking to your employer. It could be in reference to someone you used to work with. This is a useful way to talk about them.
Also, you can check out this example to learn more about how it works:
Dear Mr. Garth,
She was a past coworker of ours, but she’s no longer at this company.
I think you can remove her from the system now.
Yours,
Harry Shelby
3. Ex-Colleague
For a professional way to say “former colleague,” try “ex-colleague.”
Honestly, it doesn’t get much more efficient than this. After all, it’s only one word. However, it gets the job done effectively without the recipient needing to understand more about your choice.
We highly recommend using something like this when writing to a former colleague.
If they’ve recently reached out to see how you’re doing, you might refer to them like this. It shows that you miss having them on your team, but you’re hoping they are doing well.
You can also review this sample email if you need a bit more help:
Dear Milo,
It’s so good to hear from an ex-colleague after all this time!
How have you been getting on since your move away from this city?
Yours,
Georgia Firth
4. Former Team Member
You could also use “former team member” as another way to say “former colleague.”
This shows that you had a good connection or relationship with the coworker in question.
After all, calling them a “team member” suggests you were often on the same team or working on similar projects.
It’s respectful and sincere. So, it goes a long way in most formal emails.
We recommend using this when writing to a recruiter about someone you used to know. If they reached out to you to ask if you could refer them, this is an effective choice.
So, check out this example if you’d like more help with it:
Dear Ms. Tyler,
Jon was one of my favorite former team members because he always pulled his own weight.
It was always a pleasure to have him work alongside me.
Best wishes,
Sam Kent
5. Previous Collaborator
If you didn’t know a coworker all that well before they left, you might want to use something more impersonal.
Something like “previous collaborator” will do the trick here.
It’s formal and clear. So, it shows exactly what (or who, in this case) you’re talking about without needing to go into more detail.
You can use it when crediting an old colleague for their work. Even if you don’t know them or work with them personally, this phrase goes a long way.
So, check out this email example to learn more about how it can work:
Dear Ms. Bean,
I couldn’t have completed this without the assistance of my previous collaborator.
They gave some valuable ideas that really helped to shape this project.
All the best,
Thomas Bradbury
6. Prior Workmate
You may also include “prior workmate” to refer to someone who used to work for your company.
The closer you are to them, the more meaningful this phrase becomes.
After all, “workmate” suggests you did a lot of direct work with the person.
So, you can use it when writing to your employer. It shows a subtle fondness for someone who used to work alongside you.
Generally, it’s formal and sincere. So, it’s an excellent way to let your employer know that your team won’t be the same without a former colleague on it.
Also, if you need more help, you can review this email sample:
Dear Ms. Stevenson,
He was a fantastic prior workmate, and I’m unsure if anyone can replace him.
Still, I’m looking forward to seeing who else you bring into the fold.
All the best,
Rosie Topp
7. Previous Partner
Another way to say “former colleague” is “previous partner.” This is an excellent choice if you want to be more friendly when discussing someone you used to work with.
After all, using “partner” suggests you had quite a close relationship with the person you used to work with.
It implies you did a lot of team projects together or got on really well in the workplace.
Generally, this will work best when reaching out to a former colleague. It’s an excellent way to highlight your relationship with them and let them know they’re missed.
If you still need help with it, it’s smart to review this example:
Dear Damian,
While you’re my previous partner on these projects, I still wish you the best!
It feels like it’s been a while since we last managed to talk business.
Yours,
George Stacey
8. Earlier Comrade
For something a bit unique and interesting, try “earlier comrade.”
You might not use it all that often, but even using it once will help your writing to stand out a bit more.
For instance, you can use it when writing to your current team about a former colleague.
It’s an excellent way to pique everyone’s interest and let them know about someone who was quite impactful in the past.
It also helps that the phrase is quite formal. So, you really can’t go wrong with using something like this.
You can also check out the following email sample to learn a bit more about it:
Dear All,
Darren was an earlier comrade who helped to develop these systems.
We can’t contact him now, but he left us many notes to help us understand them.
All the best,
Jon Ford
9. Former Peer
Finally, you might want to write “former peer” instead of “former colleague.”
“Peer” is a great way to show you treat your colleagues as equals. It’s useful when talking about a strong partnership in the workplace.
You may use this when writing a letter of recommendation.
If a former colleague has reached out to ask for some positive words in their favor, this phrase can go a long way.
You can also check out this example to learn more about it:
To Whom It May Concern,
I believe that my former peer has to be one of the best employees in this field.
If you don’t consider him for the role, it would be a real loss!
Yours,
Stephanie White