As word spreads around the office, there are going to be the inevitable questions. I suggest being positive and honest, again without being cruel.
The most common questions I’ve encountered recently are:
Why are you leaving?
Where are you going?
When is your last day?
Why didn’t you tell me you were looking elsewhere?
Make sure you can answer at least this in a professional, encouraging way.
If you have followed the previous advice (here) for how to best give your two weeks notice, then the core people who need to know already know. If you haven’t and they’ve heard it through the office gossip mill, try and pull them aside and have a one on one conversation with them.
Now is the chance to say, I am so sorry you didn’t hear it from me. I was waiting to tell you until everything became concrete. I am sad to be leaving you, but I’m excited for this opportunity to take my career in a different direction.
You will likely have lots of these one-on-one conversations and if you are lucky. This is a chance for you to tactfully explain your reasons for leaving, but I urge you to remain positive. Don’t complain and don’t air dirty laundry.
You may be asked questions about who will be taking over your responsibilities and projects. If you don’t know, find out as soon as possible. Reassure our co-workers that you aren’t abandoning them and value them even though you won’t be working side by side anymore.