3 ways to tackle an exit interview with grace

I have come across these phrases a number of times ‘Employees do not leave jobs, they leave bosses’ or ‘people quit their job, not their boss’. Sometimes, when we are in an exit interview, having signed the appointment letter with the new company there is temptation to say some unpleasant things on the work environment, prejudices or other unfair scenarios you were subjected to in the organisation.

However, there’s a good reason not to, mostly that it is likely that you will cross paths with the organisation or your antagonist. But does that mean you should lie and paint your ex-workplace and ex-boss as the picture of perfection? What is the balance between being constructive and honest at the exit interview?

Choose your battles

Sure, you can paint your boss and workmates as the worst people on earth. But will that really leave the firm with a good impression of you? What if you say only the nice things about the firm and decline to give constructive criticism? In the latter case, you probably have people who you care about still within the organisation. Is it important to give some insights that would improve their stay in the firm? If so, then give constructive criticism, the best way being via facts and figures.

If someone was promoted over you and you felt this was unfair, ask that they give proper feedback to staff especially if the staff have expressed their willingness to climb the career ladder within the firm.

Be graceful

Remember you’re on your way out, it doesn’t work to antagonise the people you are leaving behind. If there is no polite way of answering the exit interview questions, choose to be graceful and non-committal than agreeing that a certain senior member of staff was out to get you. Who knows, in a few years’ time there could be an opportunity to come back and work for the same company in more improved conditions and you don’t want discourteous comments in your file.

Prepare

Prepare for the questions you may be asked during the exit interview and to what extent you will disclose the real reasons for which you’re leaving. Do not take the point of view that you will never interact with the staff or company again. It’s a good idea to be sensible and keep your head.