Here are some do’s and don’ts to consider before your last day, whether you are leaving by choice or not.

Do use professionalism and courtesy in announcing your intentions to leave the company. Advise your direct supervisor first. Then tell colleagues and department staff.

Don’t do it at the last minute. Give employer advance notice so there is enough time to arrange for your successor. Generally accepted is 2 to 4 weeks.

Do write a professional letter of resignation. No need for lengthy explanations, you can simply state that you are resigning your position to pursue other interests or opportunities.

Don’t badmouth the company. Once others know you are leaving, naysayers may seek you out to share their feelings of discontent. If you want to leave on good terms, don’t be associated with disgruntled or unhappy employees.

Do finish the job. Don’t leave projects half completed. Provide a list of projects and what needs to be done to complete them. Avoid “short-timers” attitude.

Don’t leave your desk in disarray. Take a day to organize your materials for your successor.

Do offer to train your replacement if time permits. If you leave before that person comes on board, make yourself available to answer questions in person or over the phone.

Remember: Leaving with class will never come back to haunt you.