What is an Exit Interview?

Congratulations, you landed a new job that will take your career to new heights. But wait, what’s that – you have an exit interview you need to attend, and you have no idea what that is?

We got you (like we always do!). If you’ll be quitting, you’ll likely be asked by HR to go to an exit interview. Now, while this interview isn’t going to determine whether you get a job or not, it’s equally as important. Essentially, exit interviews are an offboarding process for departing employees. During the interview, HR will try to gain valuable insight into your experiences while working at the company, gather honest and constructive feedback, and maybe even identify areas for improvement. The objective is to gain insights into the employee’s perspective on the company’s culture, management, training opportunities – basically everything to make it a better place to work at!

So we know why it’s important for HR… what about the employee? Here are some reasons why the exit interview is good for the leaving employee:
It gives you the opportunity to address any specific issues or concerns.
Take one for the team and tell HR that you need ergonomic chairs!
It provides closure.
You want to close your chapter working for Company ABC. Use the exit interview as your opportunity to share your thoughts so you can process your departure on a positive note.
It lets you leave a positive legacy.
Believe it or not but what you say during an exit interview matters. By sharing constructive feedback, you are helping the company improve and potentially benefit future employees. It also lets you leave on a high without burning any bridges – you never know, you might be seeking employment at your own company one day!

What kinds of questions will you be asked during the exit interview? Generally, you’ll be asked mostly for your experience working for the company. The more common ones are: Why did you choose to leave the workplace? How was your experience working here? Did you receive enough training for your role? Are there things that the company can improve on? What would make this a better place to work for?

Best Practices for Exit Interviews
Just like how there are tips for a job interview, we have some for your exit interview too. Think of them more as best practices so the exit interview is beneficial for both you and HR.

1. Avoid answering in a confrontational manner. Even if you really didn’t like your boss, don’t use the exit interview as your chance to complain. Be professional! Besides, you’re leaving to greener pastures so let bygones be bygones!

2. Be honest. The whole point of an exit interview is to get constructive feedback. So it’s best to share what you really think of the hiring processes or training available. This will then make the exit interview more successful.

3. Don’t be nonchalant. Yes, you’re leaving. But you don’t have to be all smug and non-committal. It leaves a bad impression.

4. Be reasonable. Don’t suggest that the company starts hiring catering services for staff lunch. Make sure your feedback is reasonable and more importantly, actionable to benefit the rest of your teammates who will still be there!

5. Be straightforward. Don’t beat around the bush. An exit interview is only successful if you share details. If anything, be truthful!

6. It’s not a time to vent. We get it, you really hate the job that’s why you’re leaving. But nobody wants to hear all your grouses during the exit interview. While it may be irresistible to unload during the interview, know that airing your unhappiness won’t do you any good since you’ve already decided to leave.

Photo by Bernard Hermant on Unsplash.