Advertisement

Tips For Exit Interview

Tips For Exit Interview
Advertisement
Last Updated: June 5, 2023

Advertisement

I want to give you tips for exit interview that will allow you to handle them well. In this article, I am addressing you, the employee, as you may be required to attend an exit interview when exiting an organization. Tips for exit interview will help you to prepare for the interview, especially what to say and not to say in the exit interview.


According to statistics from research conducted in the United States, the average person changes employment at least 12 times. As a result, it is crucial always to depart politely and without upsetting your previous employer. There is a good probability that you may need to communicate with your former employers and coworkers once you leave.


Before discussing tips for exit interview, you must first comprehend what an exit interview is and the circumstances that lead to it.


Exit interviews are frequently regarded by management, human resource professionals, and researchers as a potent tool for tracking and analyzing employee turnover (Giacalone and Knouse, 1989; Grensing-Pophal, 1993; Zima, 1983). The departure interview is a conversation between a company representative and a departing employee, either freely or involuntarily, or a departing employee who desires to leave (Zima, 1983; Goodale, 1982).


An exit interview is defined as a conversation with a worker who is about to leave a company.




Tips for exit interview A: Expectations for Exit interviews


The experience of an exit interview could seem intimidating if you, as the employee, have never had one before. However, there is no need for concern. The following questions may be asked during the exit interview:


1. What led you to choose to leave the company?

2. Did you receive enough assistance when working for this business?

3. What aspects of working here did you like or dislike?

4. What can we do to keep you?


Be less anxious than necessary. Like any job interview, your responses should be sincere and specific. However, since you are already leaving the organization, you can be open and honest about your dislikes. Just be careful not to cause any rifts with your criticism.

It is normal to have some anxiety if you have never gone through an exit interview before. But any anxiety you may have will likely subside if you know what to anticipate in an exit interview. Understanding the kinds of questions, you will be asked during exit interviews helps you to prepare for them.


Additionally, as tips for exit interview, you should be aware that human resources typically conduct these interviews in person.


Related: Exit Interview Questions: 30 Best Exit Interview Questions


Tips for exit interview B: EXIT INTERVIEW TIPS

Advertisment


How truthful must you be during an exit interview?


  • In as much as you have the opportunity to give candid feedback during an exit interview, professionalism is essential. Doing so will preserve your connection with your soon-to-be former employer. Make a list of the things you need to discuss, review it, and bring it to the exit interview. This is done so that you may address your concerns in the most professional and collected manner possible. This will help you stay on task. Negative feedback is acceptable as long as it is delivered politely and clearly.
  • You should not vent your resentment and bottled-up emotions during the exit interview. Being honest is essential, but you should also be respectful and helpful.
  • Even leaving for a bad reason, be careful what you say. Perhaps you, as the employee, feel your new job would better utilize your skill set. To avoid being too harsh while saying direct, potentially unpleasant things, adopt an even, friendly tone and give clear examples.
  • Take the time to explain your experiences clearly since your previous employer wants to understand why you are leaving. For better context, do not be afraid to share precise numbers, statistics, or dates when responding to queries.


Here are more tips for exit interview to help you be more sincere in your exit interview while still being polite:


  • Do not inflate or exaggerate your experiences or sentiments.
  • Avoid using complex jargon and talk plainly.
  • Set aside some time in advance to reflect on your experience.
  • Consider your reaction to this information by using your self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
  • Avoid using unpleasant or abusive language.
  • Consider the things you would change if you started this job tomorrow.


Related: Exit interviews how to do them well



Keep the following tips for exit interview as your responses:


  • Be impartial. Stay focused on the task at hand. Discuss the business as a whole rather than specific employees.
  • Work on your responses. Consider enlisting the assistance of a friend or coworker.
  • Make notes. Keep a written record of the departure interview. It aids your memory of what you and the interviewer discussed or agreed.
  • Take into account body language and nonverbal cues. Before the interview, take a few deep breaths and consciously unwind. This will assist you in keeping your composure and interview focus. Maintaining body language will make you feel more at ease throughout the exit interview.


Positive feedback should be precise; feel free to go into as much detail as you like. Be sure to mention specifically what (or who) contributed to the pleasant work experience.

With negatives, be broad-based: It is acceptable to highlight specific procedures or rules that need to be altered. However, it is not a good idea to blame a single individual.

Although exit interviews are typically conducted for the employer's benefit, it is still an excellent opportunity for you as the employee to provide insightful feedback.


Tips for exit interview C: Dos and Don'ts for Exit Interviews


You will have several opportunities to speak in your exit interview, but only a few things should particularly strike you. Here are four tips for exit interview on what to emphasize:


Exit interviews dos and don'ts


1. The motive behind your resignation.


  • Why are you departing?
  • What made you decide to write a letter of resignation?
  • Give a thorough justification for your choice to quit your current position.


2 Overall satisfaction with the job


  • As part of the tips for exit interview, consider how happy you were with management.
  • Did they lead by example?
  • Consider the job benefits you received and whether they provided adequate assistance.
  • Think about how this job benefited your potential for future employment.


3. What you like about the business


  • Was the workplace welcoming, or did you find it difficult to show up for work?
  • Recall the company's vision, core principles, and objectives.
  • How well do your work values match?


4. Your future-oriented suggestions


  • After careful consideration, provide specific suggestions to your previous employer.
  • This will probably be the section of your exit interview that your previous employer will focus on the most.
  • Let your thoughts be known while keeping honesty in mind.


Related: How to Survive an Exit Interview Without Killing Your Future Job Opportunities


Tips for exit interview D: Three things to avoid saying


It is important to note that as part of tips for exit interview, knowing what to avoid saying in an exit interview is helpful to prevent accidentally going too far. You may occasionally become very emotional and say things you should not. You might not be aware of effective ways to communicate your emotions. However, understanding what not to say lets you arrange your ideas better and be more purposeful when providing constructive criticism.

Following are three things not to say in your leaving interview:


  • immature comments
  • boast about your new position
  • rude and unprofessional comments


Conclusively as tips for exit interviews, it will be easier to maintain positive working relationships with your colleagues if you are prepared for exit interviews. Positivity at the end of your employment tenure will open doors for future networking, mentoring, or job options. Remember to be sincere and respectful throughout when it comes time to say goodbye to your coworkers and bosses.


Advertisement
Cindy Baker
Trish Makiwa
Author
I completed my Bachelor Honors in Psychology at the University of Zimbabwe. I have been working at Industrial Psychology Consultants as the front office administrator and PA to the managing consultant. It is my dream in life to continue learning and pursuing in the Human Resource and administration field and be a big asset/value to any institution which will use my services.
Advertisement

Related Articles


Advertisement



Notifications

Sign up now to get updated on latest posts and relevant career opportunities