Exit Interviews - what's that about?

[Namestranger]

Anyone every done one? Presumably I'm not allowed to just list the people at the company that I can't stand and why?

If it makes any difference my company doesn't give references beyond confirming the dates you work there tight fuckers

Excuse typos 🤦

I’ve done a couple before. They just asked reasons for leaving and for feedback on the company.

I'd use it as a way of making them kick themselves that they lost you, so if the people you don;t get on wiht move on and a good job comes up there you can apply for it.

Be positive about what was good about the role, the company and management. Be very diplomatic about any frustrations. You can be honest without sounding accusatory.

Imply that you are leaving because you are hungry to develop skills and have them tested in new places - the suggestion being that you are ambitious and keen.

I think the idea is that it gives them an opportunity to see if there's a reason why the company is losing talent. For example, if one person is leaving because they feel they've been blocked for promotion, that's one thing, but if lots are reporting the same thing then there needs to be a rethink around the corporate culture and encouraging people to grow. It's so that HR can get a 'big picture' around what's happening outside of individual squabbles.

You don't have to do it (you're leaving after all, just say you don't think there's any value!) but in the right organisation they can help drive organisational change.

Imply that you are leaving because you are hungry to develop skills and have them tested in new places - the suggestion being that you are ambitious and keen

Aaah. Unfortunately I already told my boss I'm leaving because I'm bored stiff of never doing anything different or new. Which is sort of the same thing

Frankly I'd tell the truth! You can be honest (politely!) - might help them become a better place to work.

I did one when I left my last company. Complete waste of time, it was purely a box-ticking exercise. After being there for over seven years my meeting took just under seven minutes as the Director had another meeting planned.

The problem is the truth is that it's pointless giving them feedback because even though they know what's wrong with the place nothing ever changes. Short interview!

Just be prepared for anything negative you say to come back & bite you on the bum, as you may end up working with these people again at some point in the future.

Just be honest but not spiteful as like PP said although you might think it is funny now, you could end up working with these people again.

I worked for a company previously who did leaving interviews as they had lost such a lot of staff, they never did anything with them or took any advice so I was just glad to be getting out of there tbh!

Never done one. But it would be pointless because realistically companies don't change. Like is as people, we don't really change. Much.

Only ever had one once. I was cowed by a bullying boss to say my piece. If I ever get one again I will give them chapter and verse regarding exactly what I think of them.

Or maybe not because you may want to work for them again in the future. Good point.

I personally think they are a waste of time. You can't say what you really think in case you ever wanted / needed to come back for a job or crossed paths with an employee from that firm again.

I had one once and it was clear the HR person was taking what I was saying and going to overlay it with positive spin. E.g. I said I wasn't able to progress in my role here and my manager wasn't open to talking about a promotion despite having excellent performance ratings for 3 years and clearly performing at a more senior level. The HR bloke took that as "you decided to leave to get a promotion". Therefore spinning the blame on to me for being too impatient etc rather than taking the feedback that my managers just wanted to keep people in their place and not pay them anymore.

I wouldn't bother with it as they'll just spin your responses into what they want to hear despite all the bollocks about using it for change.

As tempting as it may be, going on a rant will only make you look like a non-credible loony. You can say the real reasons you are leaving, in a factual and businesslike manner, alongside giving them a balanced picture of what was good, if you think they may listen and address any issues. Or you can decline it, or give some bland platitudes about how you were just ready for a new challenge.

But don't stick the boot in. Honestly, it just isn't worth it and it can come back to bite you. You're leaving, so be gracious and constructive.

I have to do them... you just ask why they are leaving and discuss their time at the company. Good bad whatever lies people want to tell.

Than I have to fill out a form and one of the questions is if I'd re employ them- ahm it's just big fat BS.

Oh crikey. Tbh I did a bit of a number on the new CEO before I resigned anyway so if they didn't listen then, there surely won't now! 🙃

Frankly I'd tell the truth! You can be honest (politely!) - might help them become a better place to work.

I never would, my industry (and job role) world is too small and paths are likely to cross again.

I would just umm and ahh about career progression.

^^ and not add "because you think it is perfectly reasonable to pay me a third less than the market average for my role."