Exit interview - advice needed

[GrassIsSinging]

I resigned from my job last month and was told I would have an exit interview this week (last week of work). Instead, I have been emailed a form to fill out, asking me to state my reasons for leaving and with space for 'any other info I would like to provide'.

Is this standard practice then? To not actually have an interview, just fill out a form?

I am also wondering what to say on the form. My dept is in chaos and the management are absolute arseholes. They shafted me quite badly in various ways, hence my resignation.

But I need a reference for future...

WWYD?

Forget to send it back.

They obviously aren't interested in your opinion, they just want to tick a box. Nobody tells the truth anyway, and nobody pays any attention to what is said.

Am employer who knows they have a problem, and seriously wants to understand it, will try to have an independent person talk to the leavers a month or so later, when they've calmed down and got sorted. This is extremely rare.

Never had an exit interview but have always put some sort of reason in my resignation letter eg. New job more suited to my career aspirations or relocating area.

Yes, definitely be neutral. It's not your battle anymore and you already know you need a reference.

I didn't have an exit interview... but agree with Piglet John - pointless if they already know the issues. I did however send a long letter telling my ex boss exactly why I resigned from my previous job...I knew I would get a dates only reference, and had lined up the MD to provide a reference if ex boss made things difficult.

Sending the letter was cathartic (and was first step to a modest pay off).

I was in a similar situation last month. I filled out the form without being too harsh/personal but at the same time making some constructive criticism! I think they were quite surprised but seemed to listen.

During the exit interview I did feel better after having got a few things off my chest. Again, I didn't get personal but I did give honest answers as to why I was leaving - I wanted things to improve for my friends that are still there! I said I thought my manager could do with some proper management training, for example.

If you'll feel better for saying something, then do it in as constructive a way as poss. I still got a nice reference! If you'd rather just move on and forget about it then do as others have said and ignore.