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How To Ace An Exit Interview

There are multiple reasons why employees decide to leave their roles: company culture, salary dissatisfaction, career growth, and so on. But before they can officially move on to the next step in their career, there’s one more responsibility they need to complete as an employee: the exit interview.These interviews are usually conducted by the human resources department or hiring manager after you’ve handed in your resignation letter. It is usually a candid conversation between the interviewer and the employee who is leaving, which is conducted either virtually or in person.Why do companies conduct exit interviews?The objective of these interviews is to allow the employees who is leaving to provide constructive feedback about the company’s governance and policies so they can take note and make improvements. It also gives the employer an insight into why you are leaving and what would have made you stay to improve their talent retention. Although these interviews may sound intimidating, they are meant to be a safe space for you to be honest about your workplace concerns, thereby reducing the likelihood that your successors will face the same challenges. Don’t worry, we’re here to assist you in navigating the dos and don’ts of an exit interview, so you can leave your role on a positive note. Dos And Don’ts When It Comes to Exit InterviewsDO answer the questions truthfullyRemember, the purpose of these interviews is for improvement, so do not lie while you are answering these questions. Be honest and state your experiences accurately, even if they are negative. Embellishments and exaggerations are not encouraged, as they provide a false impression of why you are leaving.DO maintain your professionalismWhatever the reasons are for your resignation, please remain respectful during your exit interview. Avoid using hurtful or offensive language, because it can easily affect your employer’s impression of you. If you have a lot of dissatisfaction to share, be straightforward and present your feedback constructively. One tip for achieving this is to provide only facts and avoid involving too many emotions in your answers.For example, instead of saying, “I hate that my boss kept giving me too much work”, you could say, “I feel that my workload is often excessive without additional support, which has affected my work-life balance”.DO share some of your job satisfactionExit interviews are not a place to unload your pent-up anger but an opportunity to reflect on your journey with the company and the valuable experiences you've gained. Share your positive experiences to highlight areas where the company is doing well, so they can maintain and enhance these practices for the benefit of your colleagues.DON’T overshare or gossipTalking about workplace drama or personal conflicts can portray you as unprofessional. HR is there just to gather feedback, so stick to giving constructive insights and facts. Additionally, avoid discussing about your colleagues’ issues and keep the focus on yourself. If you had conflicts with others in the workplace, remember to frame your experiences professionally.For example, instead of saying, “I hate my coworker”, you could say, “I faced challenges working with [coworker’s name] due to differences in work styles and communication.”DON’T boast about your new positionBeing honest about the benefits of your new job is great, but it doesn’t look good if you spend most of the interview boasting about or comparing your new job to your old employer. Instead, simply state your reason for moving on, such as better remuneration, improved work-life balance, or a shorter commute.As it’s always good to be prepared for these interviews, here’s a list of common exit interview questions you might be asked. This way, you won’t be caught off guard and can think of appropriate responses before the interview:Common questions during an exit interviewWhat made you decide to leave?Did you discuss your concerns with your immediate manager or HR before deciding to leave?What do you like most about the company?What can the organisation improve on?Did you get the training and resources you needed to succeed here?What key factors influenced your decision to accept your new job?Are there any changes that would have made you stay?Would you recommend this company to a friend? Why or why not?​Just remember to keep everything professional and concise. Leaving on a positive note will help you maintain a good relationship with your former employer and keep doors open for any future opportunities. You’ve got this!​​