Today, it is natural to want the “best of the best.” The newer cell phone, the thinner laptop, the latest app and so on. It is common for this theme to find its way into your job search. This is a fact: People change; they move on and need to move up in their life and career. All valid, but you must make sure you do it gracefully and with respect for your current employer.

1. When interviewing for a new position, try doing it over a lunch break or after your work hours. It’s important to give your current employer your full attention until you have made the decision to end your time with them.

2. When corresponding with a potential future employer, be sure to do it on your personal email as well as personal cell phone. This is, again, out of respect for your current employer. None of your “work” hours spent should be used to find work elsewhere.

3. Give notice to your current employer. Do not walk into your manager’s office and say “this will be my last day.” Two weeks is the appropriate amount of time and if your current employer asks for more, that is what you have to give them. You don’t want to burn any bridges!

4. Bow out gracefully. Thank your boss, coworkers and anyone else that has helped you get to the point where you could move up in your desired field. Leaving isn’t easy, for either party, so it’s best to handle it with sincerity and appreciation.

“You live and you learn”

Any other tips out there?