EXIT INTERVIEW
The exit interview is an interview given to a departing employee. This
is usually done for employees that voluntarily quit instead of those
that are fired or laid off.
Exit interviews offer a fleeting opportunity to find out information that
otherwise might be more difficult or impossible to obtain.
The following are some thoughts on the exit interview:
1. Interviews can be conducted orally or written. I much prefer the
written interview.
2. Think carefully about the information you would like to get
before the interview. This greatly increases the odds of a
successful interview.
3. Save the hardest questions for the latter part of the interview.
Work up to the tough stuff!
4. A good question to break the ice is ‘would you like for us to be a
reference/recommendation for you’? Do not make this offer if
you would not recommend the employee!
5. Be prepared for some bombshells. Expect the unexpected – if it
ever is to happen it will happen in an exit interview.
6. Carefully select the interviewer. Look for someone that listens
well and is open-minded. It serves no purpose for the
interviewer to get into an argument with the departing
employee.
7. Throughout the interview stay focused on the employee!
8. Look for open-ended questions that allow for plenty of
expression. An example of this might be "how did you feel you
were managed during your employment with us?" or "how do
you feel the company is run?"
9. Other excellent questions are ‘under what conditions would you
have stayed?’ and ‘if you had had a magic stick, what would you
have changed?’
10. At some point in the interview ask ‘why are you leaving?’
if you do not already know.
11. Good general questions are ‘what did you like most (least)
about your position?’
12. Try to find out if there were things the departing
employee would suggest to improve conditions, production or
morale.
Page 1 of 6
The exit interview provides us with a good mechanism to take a hard
look at how your company is perceived. Since the employee is leaving,
they will often be more open and frank in their discussions about the
company.
Enclosed is the form for an Exit – Interview:-
U = Unsatisfactory
F = Fair
Questions S = Satisfactory
G = Good
E = Excellent
1. Generally speaking, I U F S G E
would rate this
company as a ________
place to work. __ __ __ __ __
2. I feel that company
policies and procedures __ __ __ __ __
are
3. Working conditions,
restrooms, and physical __ __ __ __ __
facilities here are
4. As compared to
other companies, our __ __ __ __ __
benefits package is
Page 2 of 6
5. My understanding of
__ __ __ __ __
my fringe benefits is
6. The level of concern
__ __ __ __ __
for employees here is
7. Management's
willingness to make
__ __ __ __ __
corrections and
changes is
8. Pay levels at this
__ __ __ __ __
company are generally
9. The extent to which I
understand the basis of __ __ __ __ __
my rate of pay is
10. The amount of
training I received
__ __ __ __ __
when I first came here
was
11. The extent to which
training enables me to
__ __ __ __ __
do a better job and
increase my pay is
12. My understanding
of the duties and
__ __ __ __ __
responsibilities of my
job is
13. My understanding __ __ __ __ __
of what performance
standards I am
Page 3 of 6
expected to meet is
14. The extent to which
I feel "tuned in" on
what's happening __ __ __ __ __
throughout the
company as a whole is
15. The extent to which
I am informed ahead of
__ __ __ __ __
time regarding changes
that affect my work is
16. When I do a job
well, the recognition I __ __ __ __ __
receive is
17. My supervisor's
willingness to listen to
my problems and help __ __ __ __ __
me when I have
questions is
18. The extent to which
I am encouraged by my
supervisor to offer
__ __ __ __ __
suggestions and
improvements in work
methods is
19. The respect and
confidence I have in my __ __ __ __ __
supervisor are
20. The extent to which __ __ __ __ __
I have the opportunity
to use or develop my
Page 4 of 6
full potential is
21. I regard my chances
for promotion and __ __ __ __ __
increased pay as
22. The level of
cooperation among the
__ __ __ __ __
employees in my
department is
23. Did you have a
performance review
yes no
with your supervisor at
least once a year?
24. Did you have
yes no
training sessions?
General Comments :
Departing Employee’s Name : ____________________ Signature : _____________
Page 5 of 6
Date on which Employee is leaving :
Interviewer’s Name : ______________________ Signature : _____________
Interviewer’s Name : ______________________ Signature : _____________
Interviewer’s Name : ______________________ Signature : _____________
Date of Exit Interview :
Page 6 of 6
