What is an Exit Interview and What to Expect

Understanding the reasons why employees decide to leave their roles is crucial for both organisations and individuals. Exit interviews play a pivotal role in this process, offering insights into the employee experience and receiving constructive feedback. An exit interview process can improve the work environment and become a key tool for organisational growth.

What is an Exit Interview?

An exit interview is a structured discussion or feedback session between an employee leaving a company and a representative from the organisation, usually from human resources.

An exit interview is a company’s final opportunity to gain insights into the employee’s experience, reasons for departure, and suggestions for improvements. It’s a valuable tool for organisations to understand their workplace culture, identify systemic issues, and gather honest feedback that current employees might be hesitant to share.

Are Exit Interviews Any Useful?

From an employer’s standpoint, exit interviews are beneficial. They provide a unique opportunity to gain candid insights that might not surface through regular feedback mechanisms. This information can guide organisational changes, improve employee retention, and enhance workplace culture.

For employees, these interviews offer a chance to voice their positive and negative experiences. It’s an opportunity to leave on a good note by contributing to the future improvement of the organisation and potentially maintaining a positive relationship with the employer, which can be beneficial for future references.

What to Say in an Exit Interview

Employees should approach exit interviews with a balance of honesty and professionalism. It’s essential to be truthful about your experiences, including the reasons for leaving your role and any suggestions for improvement. Discuss specific situations or examples that illustrate your points, and be constructive in your criticism. 

It’s also a great time to acknowledge the positive aspects of your job and the skills or experiences you’ve gained. This demonstrates professionalism and leaves a positive, lasting impression.

And What Not to Say in an Exit Interview

Avoid personal attacks or unconstructive criticism. It’s not the time to vent frustrations in an unprofessional manner. Refrain from negative comments about colleagues or management based on personal grievances rather than constructive feedback. Remember, the goal is to provide helpful feedback, not to burn bridges.

Most Common Types of Exit Interviews

Exit interviews can take various forms. Below are the most common types of exit interviews:

• Face-to-Face Exit Meetings: The most common format allows for a two-way conversation and the opportunity to explore in-depth responses. These might carried out by the line manager, the HR manager or other team members.
• Exit Surveys: These can be either paper-based or electronic. They help gather quantitative data and can be more convenient for both parties. 
• Phone Interviews: Useful when in-person meetings are not feasible. 
• Focus Groups: Sometimes, organisations conduct exit interviews with employees leaving around the same time to discuss common themes.
• Third-Party Exit Interviews: Some companies hire external consultants to conduct exit interviews to ensure anonymity and unbiased feedback.

10 Typical Exit Interview Questions

Exit interview questions are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the employee’s experience and offer valuable insights for organisational improvement and employee retention strategies.

Here’s a list of common exit questions you can expect at this stage:

1. What prompted your decision to leave the company?
2. What did you like most about your job?
3. What did you dislike about your job?
4. How would you describe the culture of our company?
5. Did you feel you had the tools, resources, and working conditions to be successful in your role?
6. How do you think we can improve training and development here?
7. Were your expectations of the job and the company met?
8. How do you feel about the way you were managed?
9. Would you recommend our company as a good place to work to friends and family? Why or why not?
10. What would you improve to make our workplace better?

Are Exit Interviews Compulsory for Employees?

Post-employment interviews are always voluntary, and employees can choose whether or not to participate. However, employers often encourage participation as it provides valuable insights. An exit interview is a good way for employees to end their time at a company. It helps them feel complete and gives them a chance to share their thoughts before they leave.

Final Thoughts on the Use of Exit Interviews

Exit interviews serve as a critical bridge between departing employees and the organisation. They provide a unique platform for honest feedback, helping organisations to evolve. For employees, exit interviews offer a chance to share their experiences and contribute to the future well-being of their workplace. While not compulsory, their value in fostering a culture of openness and continuous improvement cannot be overstated.

As the workplace continues to evolve, understanding and leveraging the power of post-exit interviews will remain an essential aspect of the employment lifecycle. For more recruitment tips and insights, check out our Client advice blog.