While recruitment activity has slowed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still job seekers who are being offered fantastic new positions. If you\u2019re one of them, congratulations! This may well mean that you find yourself in a video call with HR for an exit interview soon.<\/p>\n
Volunteering your general feedback about your employer can sometimes be an uncomfortable experience, so if you’re asking yourself \u201chow should I handle an exit interview?\u201d, we\u2019ve provided eight do\u2019s and don\u2019ts to help you prepare.<\/p>\n
Treat this interview as you would any other and prepare accordingly beforehand. Google some sample exit interview questions that are typically asked and practise answering them. Regardless of why you\u2019ve chosen to leave, it\u2019s important to provide thoughtful answers that will help the company improve in the future.<\/p>\n
You should remain professional right through to the very end. It will keep the door open for potential opportunities in the future and won\u2019t diminish your chances of receiving a positive employer reference.<\/p>\n
Try to highlight the positive aspects of the role you\u2019re leaving, even if it\u2019s been the worst job you\u2019ve ever had. It can be anything from the benefits package to the office facilities. This will help to balance out any negative points that may become apparent during the course of the conversation. It also displays a high level of professionalism and awareness on your part.<\/p>\n
When all is said and done, the aim is to leave the interview room on good terms. Make it clear that you are thankful for every opportunity the company has provided. Even if there is some resentment on your part, it\u2019s better to leave on a positive note and have a clean slate for your new job.<\/p>\n
Avoid discussing colleagues and petty grievances. In fact, avoid mentioning colleagues unless you\u2019re specifically asked to do so. If it does come up, stay clear of slander and only provide reasonable examples that support a valid argument.<\/p>\n
You can discuss your \u2018suggested areas of improvement\u2019 for the company, but it\u2019s important to remain tactful in your approach.<\/p>\n
Your interviewer will probably ask about your reasons for leaving. While you may be jubilant about leaving, it\u2019s important to avoid boasting as it\u2019ll come across as discourteous. Just keep it short and to the point. For example, if you\u2019re excited that this move is a step up in your career (with a considerable salary increase), you could mention that the new position gives you more responsibility than your existing one.<\/p>\n
Any good employer will be looking to improve the workplace using your feedback. As such, you\u2019ll want to refrain from expressing sweeping statements with no rational explanation. They\u2019re not actionable and don\u2019t give off the best impression of you. While preparing for your interview, try to come up with suggestions for how certain situations could be improved in the future.<\/p>\n
You\u2019re probably familiar with the term, \u201cif you have nothing good to say, don\u2019t say it at all\u201d? While this may be great advice in general, don\u2019t apply it to your exit interview. Being unreasonably tight-lipped could be viewed as patronising and won\u2019t help the process. The interviewer will respect your honesty as long as you keep it relevant to the exit survey questions being asked.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re looking for a job, we continue to update our live job listings<\/a> daily. Make sure to also check out our insights page <\/a>for helpful resources to help navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n