You’ve accepted a new job, given notice to your boss, informed your co-workers and perhaps started packing up your desk. As you prepare to start a new chapter in your life, it’s wise to prepare for the career rite of passage known as an exit interview.
As in any kind of parting, employers want to know what made an employee “look and listen” to the siren call of a new job opportunity. Exit interviews have become an important tool to help attract and retain good employees in a tight job market. They provide valuable information about how a company’s compensation and benefits, career opportunities, and working environment are perceived by the insiders–its own employees.
Since participating in an exit interview is voluntary, why should you do it? It’s natural to be a little wary, but if approached thoughtfully, an exit interview can be an insightful exercise in reflecting on your contributions and experiences at the company. It’s also an opportunity to provide constructive feedback and suggestions to an employer that may ultimately benefit the co-workers you leave behind. Think of it as your legacy, rather than a “parting shot.” Remember to be honest, but professional.
Here are a few suggestions for completing a successful exit interview:
– Ask questions. Inquire about the parameters of the interview so you’ll know what to expect. Most companies attempt to make the exit interview an informal, non-threatening conversation because they truly are interested in what you have to say.
The exit interview should be conducted by a neutral third party, not by your immediate supervisor. Determine what will happen to the information you provide, and with whom it will be shared.
– Prepare. View an exit interview as part of your overall career strategy–the lasting impression you leave with an employer. Typically, an exit interview will include questions about your roles and responsibilities at the company, overall job satisfaction, the quality of supervision you experienced, and your reasons for leaving. Think about responses ahead of time and jot down a few notes.
– Be professional. The exit interview should be a forum to provide a reasoned, balanced critique of the company’s strengths and weaknesses as an employer, not to vent every frustration you experienced on the job. Supporting your statements with brief, specific examples will bolster your credibility and the impact of your statements.
Never burn your bridges with a company or your colleagues. It’s likely your paths may cross in the future; you may want a reference, or to be rehired.
– Tie up loose ends. The exit interview may be the time to resolve any outstanding questions you have about compensation or vacation time owed to you, insurance coverage, retirement accounts and the details of any contractual agreements. You may be asked before or during the exit interview to turn over any company-owned property, such as key documents, pagers, cell phones or laptops.
– Don’t exit prematurely. While an exit interview can provide a sense of closure, don’t exit in mind and spirit from a job before you’re actually out the door. If you’ve worked hard at your career–and built positive relationships with co-workers, clients and customers–it’s no time to slack off, or to taint your reputation with irresponsible behavior.
Exit with dignity, and start the next phase of your career on the high road.
