Planning to leave the office? Jump ship? Head on to greener pastures? Happens all the time. Here’s what doesn’t happen all the time: The Graceful Exit. When you consider the various ways you’ll say goodbye to your current employer, don’t overlook your exit interview. Consider:

Before you walk into an exit interview, prepare. If you’ve never been through one of these before, know that from an HR perspective, an exit interview is a learning opportunity, giving your employer a chance to find out why you’re leaving and learn how to fix things for next time. From an employee’s perspective, these sessions may seem like a case of too little, too late, particularly if you’re asked common questions like, "Why are you deciding to leave the company?" "Were you happy with your salary and benefits?" Don’t take this opportunity to wing it or play it by ear or over share, have carefully thought-out responses to questions, so that you don’t allow emotions or your less-than-loving feelings about your employer cloud your judgment.

• Why is it so important to prepare for an exit interview? If you think first impressions count, consider the last impression: It’s forever! Think about it: With first impressions, you’ve got opportunities to make up for any blunders or mistakes you made along the way. But if your mistake is made right before you exit the lobby of your office building, it’s going to be much harder to erase that image from people’s minds. And the last impression of last impressions as far as work is concerned, is usually the exit interview.

• Here’s why prep is really key: You may be tempted to unload, pour your heart out, or simply vent about what a witch your boss was. Don’t do this: Even if the HR rep seems sympathetic, this is risky for you and your reputation. Bite your lip if you must, but don’t, repeat, don’t turn your exit interview into drama or a work-bashing session. Instead, answer questions politely and briefly, and leave. Don’t stick around long enough to say something you’ll regret. Leave on a high note, with your reputation and legacy intact. You never know – you may want to work for these folks again one day, so create a positive experience for yourself – and them – as you walk out the door.