What you need to know about exit interviews

The exit interview is a common part of the HR process in bigger companies. After you submit your resignation, your HR department or supervisor sets up a meeting with you where they ask you about your experience at the company. Exit interviews typically happen before your last day on the job. 

While they may be common practice, they’re more than just a formality – exit interviews are an opportunity for an employee to share feedback on their experience working in the organisation, and provide information on how the employer can improve.  

What are exit interviews? 

An exit interview is a meeting, discussion or survey you might be asked to take part in when you’re about to leave a company or workplace, to share information about your experience there.  

What is the purpose of exit interviews?

Their purpose is to find out why an employee is leaving, and learn about that person’s time at the company. An exit interview is  a chance for businesses to get feedback on things like culture, management, structure, morale, and workload. They may also want to know if they are losing you to a competitor and if they need to improve their employee value proposition to retain good talent.   

While the process varies from one organisation to another, exit interviews are usually arranged by your HR department. You’ll most likely be asked questions either in person one-on-one, or through an online survey. Surveys might be conducted through third-party companies. 

What are the benefits of doing an exit interview? 

Some of the benefits of doing an exit interview as an employee include getting closure by sharing your experience and parting advice to your employer. You might feel a sense of satisfaction that you are helping to make the organisation better for future employees. An exit interview also helps you leave on a positive note and can help you maintain your professional network by staying on good terms with your former employer.

What should I say in an exit interview?

As an employee, the exit interview is your chance to reflect on your experience and provide feedback about it in a confidential way, says Brendan Kavenagh, CEO of Davidson Technology.

“If you feel safe, you can offer suggestions for improvement,” Kavenagh says. “You may or may not have felt comfortable doing that with your direct line manager.”

Not everyone feels comfortable revealing all during exit interviews, so don’t feel that you have to discuss anything you don’t want to.

Common questions in an exit interview (and how to answer them) 

Before your exit interview, it can help to be familiar with common questions you might be asked. You may also want to practice some answers, so you can answer honestly and constructively. Below are some common exit interview questions and samples answers.

What is your main reason for leaving? 

Example answer: “While I have  enjoyed my time here, I feel I am ready for a new challenge. I feel I need a position more aligned with my career goals/values/personal goals.”

What do you think we do well as an employer? 

Example answer: “I always appreciated how [Company] supports its employees with parental leave and work-from-home flexibility.”  

What could be done differently? 

Example answer: “I felt there could have been more career coaching provided. [Company] does well to provide free courses and training but could also offer annual career counselling with our performance reviews.” 

How would you describe to other people what it’s like to work here? 

Example answer: “I would say it’s a good company to work for, with supportive managers and a good culture.” 

What prompted your decision to leave? 

Example answer: “I have been in my current role for two years and I felt I need to take on a more senior role, and I found one when browsing for jobs online.” 

What advice could you give us in recruiting someone to fill your position? 

Example answer: “Provide them with very clear onboarding materials and follow-up sessions. Connect them with other new starters.”  

Is there anything we could have done to keep you? 

Example answer: “Provide internal career options for individual contributors, outside of management roles.” 

Does the company provide a working environment free from sexual harassment and discrimination? 

Example answer: “Yes, but I feel there could be more internal education and training on inclusivity. Not everyone understands what it means.” 

How does salary of your new position compare to your current salary? 

Example answer: [Be honest without putting down your employer] “My new position is more senior and the salary reflects that. My new role has more flexibility with working from home than here, but there are fewer workplace perks.” 

Do I have to do an exit interview?

Exit interviews are entirely voluntary, so it’s up to you whether you take part or not.

You might request an interview because you’ve enjoyed working for the organisation and you’d like to pass on positive feedback, Kavenagh says.

“You might be leaving the company on really good terms and you've got some great feedback to provide and say thank you, and you'd like to pass on that gratitude. Often people do it because they care.”

If you’re not interested in doing an exit interview, you can decline or opt instead to provide feedback by email after you have already finished at work.

Can I bring up complaints in an exit interview?

It’s best to stick to constructive feedback. It’s important to remain professional during the exit interview, says Eliza Kirkby, Regional Director of Hays. It's good practice not to complain in an exit interview, but to make suggestions and provide constructive criticism if you feel the company could improve in some way.

“If you’re frustrated with an aspect of your job, don’t lose your temper. Maintain your professionalism and be diplomatic in your exit interview.

Why do businesses have exit interviews?

Exit interviews give your employer a chance to connect with you from a different perspective, Kavenagh says.

“It encourages open dialogue and discussion and can be a learning opportunity for the employer within a safe, no-consequences environment.”

If your workplace conducts regular “pulse checks” to gather feedback from employees, the information you reveal in an exit interview shouldn’t come as a huge surprise.

“An organisation that is in constant development and wants to learn, change, progress and engage its workforce will run interim interviews, so there aren’t too many surprises at exit,” Kavenagh says.

“Exit interviews might be reinforcing some of the gaps in the organisation they are already aware of and trying to change.”

Tips to prepare for an exit interview 

If you’ve got an interview coming up, here are some exit interview tips to help you prepare: 

• Review the commonly asked questions for exit interviews above and consider how you can answer them honestly and constructively 
• Jot down any additional points you feel it’s important to mention, in case the interviewer doesn’t cover those topics 
• Consider any aspects of the organisation you want to provide positive feedback on 
• Approach it like any other meeting: professionally and positively 

An exit interview is a normal part of many large organisations' regular recruitment processes. They're designed to help a company understand the decision behind employee departures, and ultimately improve retention rates. For employees, they're a chance to share insights about what it's like to work at an organisation and leave constructive feedback before leaving for their new role.

FAQ

What is the purpose of an exit interview? 

The purpose of an exit interview is to share feedback with your employer about working at their organisation, in a consequence-free environment. They learn what it’s like to work with them and can improve the employee experience based on your feedback.  

Is an exit interview mandatory?  

No, exit interviews are not mandatory.  

How long does an exit interview usually take?  

Exit interviews are usually not long – generally between 30and 45 minutes, depending on how many questions the interviewer has and how much feedback you want to give.  

Who conducts the exit interview?  

An exit interview is usually given by someone in HR. If you work in a smaller company without an HR department, you may be interviewed by one of your supervisors or managers. In some cases, an organisation may outsource the exit-interview process.  You also may be asked to complete a survey.  

Do I have to be honest in an exit interview?  

You should be honest in an exit interview, while also being constructive. It’s important not to burn bridges in your professional network.  

 Can I decline an exit interview?  

 Yes, you can decline to take an exit interview - they are not mandatory.  

What questions will I be asked in an exit interview? 

You may be asked why you’re leaving, what your experience was like at the company, what they could have done to keep you, and if you have any advice.  

 How should I prepare for an exit interview? 

You can prepare by considering what your answers to common exit interview questions may be, and practicing framing them in a constructive way.  

 Will my feedback remain confidential?  

Your feedback will likely not be confidential, it will probably be linked to your employee files.  

Can I use the exit interview to ask for a reference? 

You should not use an exit interview to ask for a reference, instead, email your manager to request a reference.