A good first impression is important, but the one you leave behind also says a lot about you. When you take a new job with a different organization, your farewell should create positive feelings in the people you’ve worked with. Keep it classy and professional by following this advice.

• Craft your message with care. Make the explanation for your departure brief, upbeat, and consistent. Don’t say one thing in your resignation letter and then tell co-workers something different.

• Look on the bright side. When discussing your departure with your employees, emphasize the positive points about your organization and how much you enjoyed working with the people in it. They may be unsettled by your departure, so don’t say anything to further damage morale.

• Help out your replacement. Try to meet with your replacement to answer questions, or leave behind a letter offering any relevant information that may help this person quickly get up and running.

—Adapted from the Associated Press website