Getting a better job offer might turn your head no matter how much you enjoy your present job. A position that pays more, has better benefits or is a step up on the ladder from your current position is naturally tempting. Should you decide to take the offer after you weigh all the pros and cons, you'll have to plan your next moves to ensure a graceful exit from your current employer.

Prepared

Prepare yourself for your conversation with your boss. If you're positive you're taking the offer no matter what your boss offers, you'll need to prepare to politely dissuade your boss from negotiating. Conversely, if you're open to negotiating to stay at your current job, you must decide what you need to receive to turn down the other job. Run over possible conversation scenarios in your head so you're going into the meeting with the right mindset.

In Person

Don't tell your co-workers or anyone else before you tell your boss about the job offer. Hearing about your job offer from other people first may upset your boss and cause confusion in your workplace. Contact your boss and ask for a day and time to meet face-to-face. Avoid using impersonal communication methods, such as email or your phone to tell your boss about the better offer. You'll have the opportunity to make the news easier to take if you tell your boss in person. Schedule the meeting well in advance of your expected final date. Give your boss as much time as possible to handle your exit from the company.

With Your Resignation Letter

Have your resignation in writing and ready for the meeting you scheduled. Even if you're open to negotiation, you may still end up leaving if your boss can't match the better offer. Your resignation letter should include your official last day of work, and it should thank the employer, your boss and your co-workers for your experience at the company. Your letter serves as formal proof that you gave notice and your human resources department may require it for your personnel file.

Considerations

Remain professional and polite at the meeting with your boss at all times. Your boss may ask for more information about your offer, but you're not required to discuss it or disclose the source. After you've told your boss and your co-workers, spend your remaining time at the company doing your job to the best of your ability. Train your replacements and finish projects you've started. Regardless of how your boss reacts, you must try and make the transition as smooth as possible to help your co-workers and maintain your professional reputation.