Congratulations! You just received an offer for a great job. There is only one catch. You have to say goodbye to your current employer.

Maybe you loved your job and facing an emotional farewell. Or maybe you hated every minute and has been counting the days until he could walk out the door last.

Clients often admit they're nervous about making the announcement of the departure. They fear that the boss will be angry. They feel guilty for the work they are leaving behind. Maybe someone has to take over for awhile.

But customers also wonder how to resign gracefully yet still protect their own long-term career. They suspect that your output style will influence their careers for a long time

They are right.

Here are some guidelines to move into position with grace and style.

1. Give the correct amount of notice required by your company's written policy.

Occasionally my clients feel sorry for his former colleagues. So stay a week (or even a month extra). Inevitably, they begin to feel like a fifth wheel. Almost everyone says: "Next time I go away!"

2. After leaving, do not accept any calls related to the work of your company unless you have a written consulting contract.

Your boss required two weeks - but realized too late that takes four weeks for a smooth transition to his successor.

His boss took a business decision to require two weeks notice. When calculating wrong, she must accept the cost, as she would accept the cost of delays in payments to a vendor.

If your company needs extra help, offer to work as a paid consultant with a contract. But having everything in writing and make sure your new job becomes your number one priority.

3. Study of current company policies and future in relation to disclosure and non-competition agreements.

Some companies are very secretive about its process and people. Once you resign, you may have to leave the workplace immediately. Or your new company may ask you not to work for his former employer, even on a part-time.

4. Give up your boss in person, if possible.

Phone is the second best. And tell the boss before you tell anyone - even your best friend or golfing buddy.

5. Expect your boss to be professional.

Clients often fear the reaction of the head. However, managers are rarely taken by surprise. Good bosses are happy to see their employees succeed. Thank you for the opportunity to learn what has been your career change newest and most wonderful.

6. Thanks to your boss and coworkers, even if I hate them all and I can not wait to get out.

You may consider them more affection through a haze of memories of a bright office lighting. You may encounter them at conventions and networking groups. And most likely will benefit from strong references and goodwill.

7. Reject a counter offer.

Recruiters always say: "Sixty percent of those who accept a counter offer are gone in six months." If you decide to stay, get a written contract of employment.

Exception: Some companies and industries actually demand proof of an outside offer before offering you any kind of internal raise or reward. College professors often work in this environment.

8. The treatment of the exit interview as a business formality, not a therapy session.

When an HR professional asks why you are leaving, be upbeat and positive, "for better opportunity." Talk about how much he loved the company and its work. You never know where your comments are up, mutilated and misinterpreted.

9. Resist entreaties to share the details of his future position with anyone.

Occasionally a colleague trying to assess your salary or other information "so that we remain competitive in recruiting." Helping your company recruit is not part of your job and anyway, do you really believe this?

Details of employment in the future must remain confidential, even from close friends in the business.

10. Focus on your new opportunity - not your past expeience.

Once you're gone, you're history. The very same folks who loved meeting you for lunch barely remember your name a week later.

And, if you have not changed jobs for a time that may be in for a shock. His first day at a new position can be a real revelation!