Many a career has been ruined at the annual holiday office party – don’t let yours be one of them.

Oh the stories I could tell! One of my favorite stories happened just last year when I was employed at a very large company. At the party, there were numerous photo booths placed around the ballroom. You know, the cheesy ones you see in the malls where you cram in and try to smile normally as an incredibly bright flash renders you squinty eyed and dazed after the first shot. Employees lined up at the booths all night and as the night wore on and more drinks were consumed the pictures got a lot more interesting. Little did anyone know, all the pictures were recorded and posted to the company website Monday morning before anyone could screen them. As word got out, phone calls, emails and texts were flying back and forth between departments and screams, gasps, “Isn’t she married?” “Nice tattoo.” “I didn’t know they were dating!” “Are those real?” and “I’m so fired,” were heard numerous times before the site was finally shut down a little over an hour later. By then, the damage was done.

Here are a few tips so you won’t be uttering the words “I’m so fired” with a pounding headache the day after your company party.

This is your OFFICE party. It is still a work event so treat it like one. Use this opportunity to advance your career, not kill it. Take a moment to brush up on the company bios of anyone who might be there who could be of benefit to you. Seek them out and get your face in front of people clear eyed and coherent. Read up on company initiatives so you have something to talk about that shows them you are vested in the company’s vision. Show top level management that you have the social skills needed to work a room, project a professional image at all times and handle yourself in any social situation.

Eat and drink in moderation. Free does not mean frequent. If you know your Jack Black side comes out after drink three, stop at two. If you know you can’t stop giggling after drink three, stop at one. You do not want someone from HR hailing a cab for you to protect their liability while calling Hazelden and asking for their next available bed.

Be a gracious guest. Arrive on time and leave on time. If it is a smaller party at someone’s home, bring a hostess gift. A nice bottle of wine, lovely box of chocolates or a vase of flowers is always appreciated. Don’t bring uninvited guests; this is not the time for your co-workers to meet all your fraternity brothers.

Dress appropriately. Yes, it’s a party, but it’s a party with your boss. Business casual with a bit of pizzazz is a safe bet. Nothing too short, revealing, tight, made of denim or anything with a team insignia allowed.

Your office party can be fun, a good opportunity to network and show the “powers that be” your social acumen. Free drinks are nothing to lose a career over.

Question: What is your fail-proof plan for the office holiday party?

How many of us have joined Netflix because we are tired of “dodging” movie rental stores and those inevitable late fees? I am a proud member of Netflix and a not so proud member of the “late fee avoidance” club. Unlike the innocence of evading the local Blockbuster for late fees on last year’s Academy Award® winners, many people find themselves “dodging” previous employers due to resignations gone bad.

I recently resigned from a job to join the team here at Ingenuity Marketing Group. I had become good friends with my supervisor, as well as many of my colleagues and I knew that it would be a tough announcement to make. While I have resigned from jobs before, this was the first resignation from a job and company that I still really liked. Therefore, it was even more important for me to handle my resignation with sensitivity and professionalism.

Here is a compilation of tips I found effective for resigning with professionalism, keeping all bridges intact:

Breaking the news: When it’s time to share the news of your decision to leave, tell your direct supervisor first. Out of respect for them, do not let them hear it through the grape vine. With your supervisor’s guidance, determine how to communicate your departure to the rest of the company. Consult with your supervisor on who you can tell and what reasons you’ll share with them for leaving. Make a list of people you’d prefer to tell personally, whether they be mentors, close colleagues, clients or vendors you’ve built strong relationships with.

Reasons for leaving: This is usually the source of heightened anxiety. Be professional in your reasons for leaving and remain consistent when telling your coworkers why you are leaving. Focus on the allure of the new job rather than nuances/irritations of the former. If asked for feedback from your supervisor or in an exit interview, keep it constructive and professional. Ask yourself what you hope to accomplish in sharing. If it can bring positive change, raise the concerns. Attacking the company or your supervisor is a sure way to burn the bridge, not keep it intact.

Transition plan: The best way to leave your employer in good standing is to make the transition as easy as possible for them. Prioritize what needs to get done in your final days, finishing what you can. Leave a list of outstanding projects and their status as well as a list of key contacts you used in the job. Organize files – both paper and electronic. You know what’s in your desk and computer better than anyone else. Purge what isn’t needed and organize what is needed for easy orientation. The longer you’ve been at the company, the more likely it is that you have things in your head that need to be transcribed for the next person. I found the transition plan helped bring closure for me as well. After the time and energy I invested in my job, it was reassuring to know my systems would be communicated to the new hire.

Attitude: Give it your all through your last day. Nothing shows professionalism like staying committed to your job duties even after you’ve resigned. You’ve made an impression thus far, why let it slip in your final days with the company?

No matter what your situation, when it comes to your resignation, it’s in your best interest to keep your reputation at the fore front and your relationships intact. The world is too small (and as most of us know this is particularly true here in the Twin Cities) to make enemies or to tarnish your reputation over a job. Instead, leverage your professionalism and experience to maintain contact with previous employers and colleagues. You never know how your paths may cross in the future.

It feels good to hold my head high, knowing I didn’t burn a bridge with my resignation. Perhaps I should make my rounds, checkbook in hand, to the local movie stores I’ve been dodging. But then again, what’s the point? Since Netflix has revolutionized my approach to in-home entertainment, chances are I will never step foot in another Blockbuster. I wonder how long before Netflix inquires about the movie they delivered to my house last December?

Question: What tips do you have for not burning bridges during a resignation?